Simariki inhabitants exploited?

UNSCRUPOLOUS INDIVIDUALS are reportedly exploiting native inhabitants of Simariki Island off Zamboanga City with some even managed to acquire land tiles from the indigenous people, according to Mayor Beng Climaco.

 

(Top) A photo taken in April 2018 shows a family enjoying a boat ride on Simariki Island. (Photo from Simariki Island Ancestral Domain)

Climaco now wants the Department of Justice and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples to look into the alleged exploitation of natives, including the Bajaus and Sama Bangingi, and the encroachment on their ancestral domain. 

“The issues and concerns of the IPs, to include the Bajaus, who are exploited by individuals, are being addressed by the City Government through the efforts of our office in collaboration with the Department of Justice, (City Councilor and) IP Sector Representative Tungkuh Hanapi, and the IP leaders aqui na ciudad,” Climaco said. 

She said the lands under ancestral domains are protected by the provisions of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, which recognizes IPs and their communities’ ownership over their ancestral domains and lands, to include sacred areas, culturally and historically significant sites, forests, water sources, and seas. 

“The local government is also preparing long-term programs to address and alleviate the needs and concerns of IPs. El bienestar y proteccion de nuestros IPs junto con otros sectores vulnerables, han sido parte de nuestra agenda,” Climaco said. 

Simariki Island is mostly surrounded by mangroves and sandbars, and a popular destination of picnickers because of its pristine beaches, cottages and fresh seafood. The island is also a bird sanctuary. (Jasmine Mohammadsali, Zamboanga Post)

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