Legarda calls for Senate probe on violence against NMIPs in BARMM

Senator Loren Legarda on Monday filed Senate Resolution No. 1329, urging a Senate inquiry into the security situation of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following reports of killings and other violent acts targeting these communities.

The resolution follows the brutal killing of Teduray-Lambangian tribal leader Fernando Promboy, whose beheaded body was found in Maguindanao del Sur on February 19, 2025. Promboy had been a vocal opponent of armed encroachments on ancestral lands.

According to Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG) and Climate Conflict Action (CCAA), at least 84 NMIPs were killed between 2014 and 2024, including 12 leaders and 15 women and youth. The Police Regional Office BARMM reported 36 killings, while the Commission on Human Rights noted 79 victims between 2018 and 2024.

“These significant discrepancies highlight the urgent need for independent validation, comprehensive investigation, and reinforced protection measures,” Legarda stated.

The resolution calls for an assessment of the challenges NMIPs face in BARMM, including barriers to justice, the adequacy of protection programs, and the need for stronger legal and policy interventions. It also emphasizes the implementation of Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples’ Act of 2024, which Legarda said must prioritize NMIP safety.

Legarda, a long-time advocate for indigenous peoples' rights, has previously authored significant legislation to protect cultural heritage and support indigenous communities.