CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental — Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) from the Higaonon Tribe have formally withdrawn their support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and declared the group as persona non grata.

The 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Leoncito Grezula Jr., facilitated the landmark declaration event held on Saturday, 12 January, in Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

A total of 76 IP leaders from various areas, including Barangay Bantaawan in Gingoog City, Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Barangay Bolahan, and Samay in Balingasag, joined the activity.

The Higaonon Tribe leaders’ declaration is seen as a significant step toward fostering a violence-free community. The military expressed hope that this move will inspire other local leaders to follow suit, contributing further to peacebuilding efforts across the province.

Sacred rites conducted by the IP leaders during the event symbolized their united stand against the NPA, adding cultural and spiritual significance to the occasion.

The declaration is particularly notable given the historical context of the Balatukan Mountain Complex. Former NPA strongholds such as Sitio Anaw in Barangay Bantaawan and Sitio Lantad in Barangay Kibanban have been pivotal in past conflicts.