Talaingod: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday defended Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders in Talaingod, Davao del Norte amid criticisms in connection with the Court of Appeals (CA) ruling upholding the conviction of the so-called "Talaingod 13."
According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC issued a statement rejecting the criticisms made by former Bayan Muna party-list representative Eufemia Cullamat. Cullamat had questioned the alleged "criminalization" of the Talaingod 13, which includes former progressive lawmakers France Castro and Satur Ocampo, among others. NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. accused Cullamat of lacking moral authority to criticize indigenous communities who have chosen peace and self-governance over armed conflict.
In a ruling dated Nov. 27, 2025, and released on Dec. 17, the CA affirmed a July 2024 decision by a Tagum City Regional Court. The court found merit in allegations that the Talaingod 13 exploited IP students. Cullamat maintained that the Talaingod 13 consisted of "Lumad volunteer teachers and community advocates" who protected Indigenous children during crises such as forced evacuations and military operations.
Cullamat also alleged that Bae Pilar Libayao, an IP Mandatory Representative who supported the CA ruling, was linked to a political dynasty involved in logging and militarization. Torres countered these claims, pointing to Cullamat's family's involvement in the armed communist movement, specifically mentioning her daughter, Jevilyn Cullamat, a New People's Army combatant who was killed in 2020.
Torres emphasized that the Ata-Manobo leaders of Talaingod, through their Indigenous Political Structure, have taken a clear stance against communist rebels. He stated that the community rejected external forces that exploited their children and militarized their communities. Torres described attacks on Libayao and the Talaingod IP community as attempts to silence indigenous leaders committed to their people and the law.
