NCIP questions Capas police over Aeta arrest

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is questioning the Capas, Tarlac police over the arrest of Aeta community members on April 18.

The Aeta individuals were protesting at Mount Pinatubo to voice grievances and had barricaded tourist access to the volcano.

Police arrested several Aeta individuals near the crater of Mount Pinatubo, citing alleged violations of local ordinances and national laws, including obstruction of public passage and unauthorized entry into an environmentally protected area.

The Capas Municipal Police Station stated that the arrests followed police operational procedures.

PRO3 Regional Director PBGen. Jean Farjardo assured that all actions were in accordance with existing laws, including the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (RA 8371), and PNP guidelines on humane treatment.

The Aeta individuals were released on the same day without charges filed against them.

The NCIP stated that the incident highlights issues concerning indigenous rights and tourism in ancestral domains, questioning the appropriateness of the police custody for peaceful protest within their ancestral lands.

PRO3 acknowledged the NCIP's concerns and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities while ensuring public safety.