CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) confirms that several Aeta individuals were arrested recently during a protest at the Mount Pinatubo crater in Capas, Tarlac.
The arrests were based on alleged violations of local ordinances and national laws, including obstruction of public passage and unauthorized entry into an environmentally protected area.
The incident has since caught the attention of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), prompting PRO3 to assure the public that the case is being handled with full transparency, respect for cultural rights, and adherence to due process.
According to initial reports from the Capas Municipal Police Station, the arrests were carried out in accordance with police operational procedures, ensuring that the rights of those involved were protected.
“Ang lahat ng aksyon na isinagawa ng ating mga tauhan ay alinsunod sa umiiral na batas, kabilang na ang Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA 8371), at mga patnubay ng PNP hinggil sa makataong pagtrato sa mga nasa kustodiya,” ani Brig. Gen. Jean s. Fajardo, Regional Director ng PRO3.
“Kinilala namin ang mga isyung binanggit ng NCIP at muli naming pinagtitibay ang aming pangakong pangalagaan ang karapatan ng mga katutubong pamayanan habang pinapanatili ang kaligtasan ng publiko,” dagdag pa ng heneral.
PRO3 is currently reviewing the incident and compiling all relevant reports and documents to provide an accurate and objective account. The NCIP and other concerned stakeholders will be invited to a joint dialogue to address the raised concerns, promote mutual understanding, and pursue constructive solutions.
In addition, PRO3 will implement community immersion programs and conduct refresher training for its personnel through the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) to strengthen engagement and cultural sensitivity when working with indigenous communities.
Police Regional Office 3 remains steadfast in its mission to serve and protect all sectors of society with fairness, integrity, and respect for human dignity. (UnliNews Online)
