KATRIBU commits to strengthen amidst intensifying plunder and attacks

Representatives from member organizations of KATRIBU Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, together with allied and partner Indigenous Peoples’ formations from across the country, convened for the 2026 KATRIBU National Council Meeting held on April 26–27 in Sagada, Mountain Province.

Through regional reports and collective discussions, the Council identified the continuing plunder of ancestral lands through large-scale mining, renewable energy projects, dams, plantations, and other destructive ventures, alongside worsening militarization, violations of the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), and attacks on Indigenous communities and human rights defenders.

The Council affirmed that these conditions are rooted in continuing imperialist incursions and the exploitation of Indigenous lands and resources for the benefit of foreign and local ruling interests. In response, the body stressed the need to strengthen sustained campaigns and advance the struggle against imperialism, fascism, feudalism, and the national oppression of Indigenous Peoples.

The meeting also assessed the current condition of the alliance and resolved to strengthen regional and local formations, intensify political education and organizing work, expand solidarity initiatives, and further develop the national campaign Our Fight Is Just. Organizational resolutions were likewise adopted to strengthen national coordination and alliance-building efforts.

The Council also appointed Funa-ay Claver as the new Secretary-General, succeeding Rei Paulin as National Coordinator.

KATRIBU reaffirms its commitment to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and advance the collective struggle for land, life, justice, self-determination, and genuine social change. They vow to strengthen the national alliance.