Police charge FTGP leaders, arrest member; city issues violation notice

Police filed multiple charges against the leaders and members of the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP) in Surigao City on Tuesday.

The group's leaders, Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas, Lourdes Latraca Infante, and Jhavie Latraca Infante, face charges including malicious mischief, alarm and scandal, grave coercion, usurpation of authority, physical injury, serious illegal detention, grave threats, cyber libel, violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and violating the election gun ban.

The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region supports these actions, emphasizing that damages have been done to local businesses due to the group's activities.

On Wednesday, Ronald Baluca Siahay was arrested for illegal possession of a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, prompting threats from FTGP leaders if he is not released within 72 hours.

The Surigao City government issued a notice of violation against the group on Wednesday for failing to secure a building permit and certificate of occupancy.

IP leaders in Caraga and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples have stated that the FTGP is not a legitimate Indigenous Peoples organization.