NTF-ELCAC urges swift action for Talaingod IP leaders' complaint vs Rep. Castro

February 07, 2025 The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) commends the courage of the Ata-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders and Leaders of the Talaingod Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) in their continuing pursuit of justice and accountability. This principled stand against abuse and exploitation is a testament to their quest to protect the rights and dignity of Talaingod communities, especially their children.

The task force stands in full support of their just call for the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to act promptly and decisively on the ethics complaint they filed against ACT Party-list Representative France Castro last December 2024. The Talaingod IP leader's plea must be heeded, especially at a time when the Filipino people’s trust in public institutions is crucial to national peace, unity, and development.

Despite the court's July 2024 ruling convicting Rep. Castro and 12 others for their role in the abuse of Talaingod children, accountability remains elusive, even though the sentencing to six years in prison highlighted the gravity of their offenses. In the eyes of the Talaingod people, the continued inaction on this matter undermines the integrity of the House of Representatives. Worse, it may send a dangerous message about impunity, something that even Castro and the Makabayan bloc incessantly harp on.

We challenge Rep. Castro to walk her talk when speaking of accountability and justice. If she truly stands by these principles, she should submit herself to the ethical scrutiny demanded by the very people she has wronged. This is an opportunity for her and her colleagues to demonstrate genuine adherence to the values they claim to champion.

Moreover, NTF-ELCAC urges the House of Representatives to demonstrate solidarity with the Talaingod IP leaders and ensure that their demand for justice does not fall on deaf ears. The integrity of the legislative body relies heavily on its ability to hold its members accountable for violations of the public trust.

Ever the purveyor of fake narratives, Castro and the Makabayan bloc shamefacedly claim that Talaingod parents continue to support them. But the July 2024 rally, attended by hundreds of Talaingod parents and community members supporting the conviction, clearly demonstrated their demand for full accountability from Castro and her co-convicts.

The NTF-ELCAC stands with the Talaingod IP leaders in this crucial fight. Justice for Talaingod has long been overdue, and it is time for the wheels of justice to turn without further delay.

Undersecretary Ernesto C Torres Jr

Executive Director

NTF ECAC