3 months ago
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THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) has thrown its full support behind the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders and Leaders of the Talaingod Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) as it called for a swift action on their ethics complaint against ACT Party-list Rep. France Castro.
The indigenous leaders filed the complaint before the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges in December 2024, following a landmark court ruling in July 2024 that found Castro and 12 others guilty of abusing Talaingod children.
Despite being sentenced to six years in prison, accountability remains elusive, raising concerns about impunity within the government.
NTF-Elcac Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. emphasized the urgency of the case, stressing that the House of Representatives must act decisively to uphold its integrity.
"The Talaingod IP leaders have shown immense courage in demanding justice. Their voices must not be ignored. The House must demonstrate that it will not tolerate violations of public trust," Torres said in a statement issued on Saturday.
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He also challenged Castro to practice what she preaches about accountability.
"If she truly believes in justice, she should submit herself to the ethical scrutiny demanded by the very people she has wronged," added Torres.
While Castro and the Makabayan bloc insist they still have support from the Talaingod community, recent events tell a different story. A mass rally in July 2024 saw hundreds of Talaingod parents and community members publicly backing the conviction and demanding full accountability from Castro and her co-defendants.
"The people have spoken. No amount of propaganda can erase the fact that the Talaingod community is seeking justice," Torres said.
NTF-Elcac warned that continued inaction could erode public trust in institutions and embolden violators of indigenous rights. The task force reiterated its commitment to standing with the Talaingod IP leaders in their fight for justice.
"Justice for Talaingod has long been overdue. The House of Representatives has a duty to ensure that those found guilty of wrongdoing are held accountable, without delay," Torres declared.
