THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO), in a key partnership with the city’s Peace 911, spearheaded a critical consultative meeting today aimed at resolving internal conflicts and pressing local issues within the Ata Tribe in Paquibato District.
The high-level dialogue sought to bridge differences between the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) recognized representatives and the self-proclaimed National Tribal Governance (NTG) entity, ensuring transparency and inclusive governance in the area.
The meeting, held at Purok 4, Sitio Butay-Anit, Barangay Salapawan, gathered key stakeholders to directly address several contentious issues impacting the Ata community’s peace and development.
PCOL Mannan C. Muarip, acting DCPO director, emphasized that proactive engagement with tribal communities is fundamental to achieving lasting security.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is the presence of trust, understanding, and cooperation. By engaging directly with our tribal communities, we build bridges that allow us to resolve issues respectfully and effectively. The police are here not only to enforce the law, but to listen, support, and protect every sector of our society,” Muarip stated.
Key issues tackled
The dialogue focused on resolving the selling of ancestral land, the alleged collection of SOP (standard operating procedure) from contractors, the alleged disapproval by the tribe of the proposed PNP Sub-Station in Salapawan, concerns related to NTG membership recruitment, and enhancing the promotion of Davao City’s culture of security.
Attendees included: Angel B. Sumagaysay, officer-in-charge of PSSO; Atty. Eduard B. Geguera, NBI XI focal person; Djoanna Lyne Demonteverde, NCIP representative; Cary Jane De Guia, Peace 911; Atty. Marlie Muñoz from the City Legal Office; Barangay Chairman Tatang M. Campuan, and Ata deputy mayor Jovelyn Manoyog. Sindoy Dewan represented the NTG.
All participants expressed optimism that the consultative dialogue would pave the way for sustainable peace, stronger agency collaboration, and effective conflict resolution mechanisms.
Following the meeting, Muarip personally conducted aerial drone patrols within the vicinity of Barangays Salapawan and Malabog as part of the DCPO’s OPLAN: Eye in the Sky.
