Kalinga tribes ask NCIP to halt FPIC for UTHP project

Elders and leaders from six Kalinga tribes have petitioned the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Cordillera to stop the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process for the Upper Tabuk Hydroelectric Power Project (UTHP) and proposed dams along the Saltan River.

The indigenous leaders cited the inaction of project proponents for "ranging not only months but years" as grounds to end the FPIC proceedings, invoking Section 29 of the FPIC Guidelines.

They stated that this inaction demonstrates "either a glaring lack of interest, abandonment, or a strategic withholding of action, intended to fatigue the [communities] into submission."

The leaders warned that such delays "erode the spirit and integrity of the FPIC process."

They emphasized that upholding justice and reinforcing the credibility of the NCIP is essential.

The community leaders believe the FPIC process should not be manipulated by corporate proponents but serve as a sacred mechanism for protecting indigenous peoples.