NCIP issues alert vs fake IP titles in Cordillera

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Cordillera is alerting the public about a group that has allegedly issued fake land titles to indigenous Filipinos. INQUIRER FILES BAGUIO CITY — The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Cordillera is alerting the public about a group that has allegedly issued fake land titles to indigenous Filipinos. In a July 20 public notice, the NCIP Cordillera identified the group as “Lumad Katutubo (Independent People) Free and Independent People,” saying it has been issuing what are purportedly Original Certificates of Native Titles without any legal authority. This supposed form of land patent does not exist. The agency said the group has falsely invoked Presidential Decree No. 1529, or the Property Registration Decree, and Republic Act No. 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), to mislead the public. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Bill removing NCIP power over ancestral titles opposed The group has also allegedly made false claims of valid registration involving Environmental Compliance Certificates and the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, according to the NCIP. The NCIP Cordillera clarified that the group has no authority under Philippine law to issue Torrens titles, register land, or grant ancestral land awards. It warned that documents and certificates issued by the group are fraudulent, illegal, and void from the outset, adding that the activities could be intended to exploit indigenous communities for financial gain. Under IPRA, the NCIP is mandated to process and recognize ancestral property rights through Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) covering communally owned lands and through individual Certificates of Ancestral Land Titles (CALT). Article continues after this advertisement The agency urged the public to refrain from entering into land-related transactions with the group and to verify land claims directly with the NCIP Cordillera regional office at the Lyman Ogilby Centrum along Magsaysay Avenue in Baguio City. Those approached by the group were also urged to report the matter to the NCIP Cordillera or local law enforcement authorities./coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.