Philippine tribe gets ancestral land back
Ati tribe allocated 5.2 acres on 'paradise isle' of Boracay
The Ati tribe on the central Philippine island of Boracay have
reclaimed their homeland in what tourist brochures call "paradise."
The Atis received from the government land titles for 5.2 acres of their ancestral homeland and a commitment from the government on planned infrastructure improvements.
"Constructions of a church, school building, health center, hall and other facilities will soon commence to improve the living conditions of the indigenous cultural community," said Marlea Muñez, executive director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The commission confirmed the return of the ancestral lands in the village of Manoc-Manoc on Boracay island.
"I am confident that the local government and the police will continue their support to facilitate delivery of basic services and secure the Ati community," Muñez told ucanews.com. She called on businesses and investors to respect the rights of the Ati before having any form of activity within the tribe's ancestral land.
However, settlers who were putting up businesses in the premier tourist areas were reportedly harassing the Atis to leave the area. Since 2000, the Atis, who number about 2,000, have been claiming legal ownership over Boracay, which they regard as their ancestral home.
Church leaders earlier expressed alarm over the violence and harassment of the tribe by settlers.
Last year, tribal leader Dexter Condez was killed by a still unidentified assailant believed to be hired by landowners whom Condez had accused of land grabbing.
Boracay is a small island in the Philippines archipelago located about 200 miles south of Manila. A major tourist destination, it is known for its white beaches and beautiful sunsets. In 2012, Travel and Leisure magazine ranked the island as the “world’s best island.”
The Atis received from the government land titles for 5.2 acres of their ancestral homeland and a commitment from the government on planned infrastructure improvements.
"Constructions of a church, school building, health center, hall and other facilities will soon commence to improve the living conditions of the indigenous cultural community," said Marlea Muñez, executive director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The commission confirmed the return of the ancestral lands in the village of Manoc-Manoc on Boracay island.
"I am confident that the local government and the police will continue their support to facilitate delivery of basic services and secure the Ati community," Muñez told ucanews.com. She called on businesses and investors to respect the rights of the Ati before having any form of activity within the tribe's ancestral land.
However, settlers who were putting up businesses in the premier tourist areas were reportedly harassing the Atis to leave the area. Since 2000, the Atis, who number about 2,000, have been claiming legal ownership over Boracay, which they regard as their ancestral home.
Church leaders earlier expressed alarm over the violence and harassment of the tribe by settlers.
Last year, tribal leader Dexter Condez was killed by a still unidentified assailant believed to be hired by landowners whom Condez had accused of land grabbing.
Boracay is a small island in the Philippines archipelago located about 200 miles south of Manila. A major tourist destination, it is known for its white beaches and beautiful sunsets. In 2012, Travel and Leisure magazine ranked the island as the “world’s best island.”
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