Surigao City, Caraga Region, Philippines
February 21, 2025
LOOK | Datu Adlaw, leader of a group that has been locking up establishments and declaring a new government in Surigao City, was arrested on February 20. The group, known for their activities under the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines, had previously put up a tarp in the area with a message declaring "An ancestral land under the management of the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines."
One resident, Riza, shared her experience, saying, "When I arrived around 9:30 AM, I saw the tarp and the trespassing announcement. I felt sorry for us because of what they did. We were shocked, but now that the leader has been arrested, we feel relieved."
Kagawad Rico, another resident and landowner, expressed frustration: "There are three of us siblings who own the land where the tribal group has set up. We just found out this year that they had locked it. What they’re doing isn’t right. They’ve basically taken over Surigao City. They can’t show any proper papers, they aren’t licensed. We didn’t do anything wrong to them, so when we heard the leader was arrested, it felt like a huge burden was lifted."
In response, Datu Adlaw, who was arrested, defended his actions, citing the Republic Act 8371 (IPRA Law of 1997) and Divine Customary Law: "Since time immemorial, we, diplomats, are exempt from prosecution. We are not subject to arrest, even with a warrant. We are descendants of kings and queens. God is justice."
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