Komisyon

"n ":ffd#;:,:,t'i;:;*o ns Piripinas

(Cotnmission on i{uman Rights

af the phittpines)
16 September 2014

HON. MA. ISABELLE CIXIT{ACO SAI.AZAR

Mayor

Zamboanga

Dear

Cip

Mayor Beng,
Greetings from the commission on Human Rightsr

we write t3-.9I-pTq9Y-!qpport for the desire of the

residents of sIIVIARIKI
SAIVIA BANGI-NGI AssoiIATIoN to r*to*Jo
their place of residence.

IsId'ND

we strongly endorse their call to allow at least ro families

to return and help
is to allay fears of the community th;; thui, i*ia"nce,
-This
place of
worship, livelihood
secure their area.

will be taken over ana trrey-"iir

will u'ithout their free prior informed consent.

il"iai,r*t;d;il;h";-

against their

we trust that this issue be given preferential immediate attention

and utmost

consideration.

Thankyou.
Yery truly yours,

II{AII{AT}AG,
Foeal for IDPs

Mr. NasirA.Ismula,
Simariki Island Sama Bangi-hgi Association
CHR-Region IX

Krylpatang Pantao: Likas

Atin, Tungkulin Natin

(oufli,t. Dilinun. /}fi1, gr,r,rryr

N*. 9:7-0 I 7: . 9)8-)0ts

Comntilny,ettlth,,lt'rntrt:, {"!.P.
7bl.

Sa

(,i4., philippittet

H.epuL,lic oi' t he Philippincs

s#
-

Departmtut of Enyironmcnt aEd Natural Rrsourcrs

PROTECTE,N ARET,S AITD IVILDLIFI BUREAU
()ue7r;n

47
-r

APR 0

Av*luc. Dililnan. Qur:r.un Cit...

I io 3i f'*r: {6:r,2) 9l4l} lf}9. (lr.l?t 9l{}-44xrr

li:chsirc; http:#*rr.**.1iurvb.gor-.pli liinail: plamlnigi,zrpat b.gtrv.irlr

:l'el. Nos. i632i 914"6$i

?ffl{

Hon.'JOSE MANUEL. S. FTAMAUAG

Focal Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights of thc Philippines
SAAC Building. Cammo$wealth Av*,

*ts

Ul'Complex, Diliman, Quezon City

Ile*r

.i !

lndtp

t '.

H,sn. Mamarag,

l'his is in eonnection i*-ith -vour leller de;ted 7 March 2014 seeking clarificarion if Lavaglavag; l-ctra-leha. -tuurat.o und Sun'rariki are declaretl as Proteotsd ireas under thc National

tntCgfeted.Prote$ed Are{s Systcm (NIPAS). This Bureau hereby confirms that tlre said arers

wtriih aie,rvithin,,Barangay Talon-Talon. Zamboanga are nst part of the initial csmpcnents
nor procla'lmed'pritgcted areas pnde.r the NIPAS.
Funher, there was no,suitability assessme*t undertaken yet in the area by the DENR which is
Rrt 758S or the MPAS Act of 1992 due to insurgency, Thrx. there
is no truth ap'out the designation of such areas a3 no build zo*{s *r aqr*+r}tr:t"c .?$ne. We
thls infgrmation will serve your purpose.
,hope
a re{uirerneni pursuant to

Our best

regards.

Very truly yours,

ITA S. LTM

Pratect

&

catrsr;,rtn

our lorest to *tx

ax

wildli|*

{J-1.!k-

iit

ftr.,

rH$M THT

[X CUflVg NIRECTOR

1:i{il tqEGt0NA{-, DIitECTOIT

F.ii'ilrr>rr

QUERY ON PI--NDII.IG ANCES'THAL I}OMAIN CLAII\fi CF-iHE

-fHE Colunfil$sloN ()N HUMAN Rlcl'i'l's
8$.D.!AO3, FI?CIM

(cl-iri)

nAl

L.

.,

&tR oil?riii:
Re*pectfully trans;ruiiting hcreto attcrcfrecl'te11{:'r fisnr Mii' ''CSE IvIANUEL S'
MAMAUAG. CHR Foci:l Commissionr*r for your information anil appropriale actior'r
,I

please validate the fir'eafr ffiontioiled irir Uortrnris.si$ner Manrattag 3n6 3dvi5s t!-re
siirir:i
un,3ersignetl as sor;n aE possible if there i:i;e a"lfected lCCsllPs in the rnangrove
'i'alott
Br"gy.
specifically th* Badiaps r.f Layag-layar;. Lr:t'ra-leha, $umatra an<J $t'rmariki.
has
talon within Zarnboangil ;1r'&rs. Frrrtlrr:r. kirrrlly ascertain if s:rid lCCsltPs iBadiaos)
pencl ng Ancestra I flenrai* app licatio ri tlre r eat.
i

\j

,i

i !
itJj;;

'iJ'.Jr'..

'\r
t,

! r lir.

P, MUNEZI,.
MARLEA
'
.';'

2()14 -1.7lir

cc:

Conrrn Mamauag. CFIR

:tl

;t t
.l.i
1

Regercrs
Ft,c

.J

r4;<*'-'4

\,

-a

{lepabliha ng Pilipiuar

Itomisyor ng Harapatarg hntao ng Pilipinas

{Co**ksiax

ail.

H'u$an R Shx a{tlte Phitippixt$

HUMAIT{ XIGHTS AI}VISORY

CHB, zor4-orr4

IIUMAN RIGIITts SThNDABI}S ON NIITERIqAI,I,]T DIS?I,ACED

PEITSONS $DPs) IN TIIE ZA${BOAI{GA C*IsIs
Re*ognizing. the' complex protection issuas being ftced by
populations displdced as a result of the $eptember eor3 Zamboange
Crisis, and the need to srengtlen the capacity and effectiveness of the
Governmeut and other relevant stakeholders to adopt a rights-based
approach to *upport&e rcttun, Eansitionsl and pe.rrnanent resettlement
of internally displaeed pelxlas in this context;
Emphasizitrg that &e rg87 Philippine Constihrtion provides that
the State values the di$liry of every perrsoa aud guarantees fuIl respect
for humqn rigbts;, pr,otwtioa of property aud prornctica of the geueral
welfare are amosg the essentials for the enjoypent by all the people of
the blessings of democracy;a Bo person shall be deprived of Hfe, Iiberty or
prope4f without due prress of, law;o the State should :egulate the
acqui$Son, orraerchip, use and dispositioa of property to the end that
Congress grves highestpriorityto the enactment of measures thatprotect
and enhance the right of all ta hu"maa dig$ty, reduce inequalffies and
tremorre ffiItural ineqldties;4 Brhatl or rural p,oor dwelle,rs shall not be
eliicted andlor resdfled exceptin accordance witl law and with adequate
corsulation;s and the State should protect the rights of iadigeuous
cttltural communities to their ancmtral lands to ensure their economic,
social and cultrral urell-being;r
Emphasizing /urtlrer tbe various legal obligations and human
proteetions established under domestic law by the [Irban
"ights
of tgg* aud tle Indig*taus Peopler
Dwelop.rnertt and
ftfgnts,{cr af rygn

,.ilk'
-D I
3
6

ArL II,s tl, t9E?

Art- lI, s 5, 1987

oftho Rcpublic of&re Philippines.

ef ttrs Bopublic ofthc Philipptna.
r of&t Repr:blic oftte Philippinca
Art" tll. s I, I9t7
Art XIII, s I, 198? Cos{ituticm ofthcRepublicoft}e Pbilipptura.
Art. XgI,s 10,

o'L xII' s 5'

1987Consia&of&ffry&1ie ofthr ?tilippirws

reET

ftffi#t"ifi#ffitktlf'tk#'SBtxHh, rnnekylrlxllin

C<twmanweatth Av-uflts.
?b/.

li.?

Conryl*x, Din'/lux, 1l{}1. Quezan

Htx. 9i?4172' 928*Xll*' 9;8-56iJ

fih" iltiwines

REuSI;6n ng

Pitipitt*

I{omlryon ng Karapatang Pantao ng Piliplnas

{Co*.mksian on H*man Righx af the Philippixel

IITITI{AN RIGIIIE ADITTSORY

CHR"zor.4-oo4
IITJMANBIGITItsSTA}IDABI}SONIIITTERITUTLI,-'TDISPI,AC'ED
PERSOI$S (IDPs) IN TIIE, ZAIIIBOAIIIGA CRISIS
Recogmizing. the' complex pratection issue$ beiry faced by
populations displdced as a result af &e September ao$ Zamboarge
Crisis, and the reed to stengtben the capacity aad effestivenees of the
Governmqt and o&er relenant stakeholders to adopt a rights-ksed
approach to $rpport the retum, transitional and permauent rerettlement
of iutemally displaced percons in thi$ cantort;

Emphasizing that &e 1987 Fhilippine Constihrtion provides that

the State values the digniy of arery pelssn and guarantees full respect
for humau rigbts;' proteetioa of property and preraotien of the geaeral
welfare are among the essentials for the enjoyment by aII the people of
the blessings of democacy;a rro penson shall be deprived of life, Hberty or
prope4y without due prccess of, law;a the State shorrld r%ulate tbe
acquisition, orrnerehip, use and disposition of property to the end that
Congress grves bighestpriorityto the enac{rnent of measures thatprotect
and enhance the risht of all to human disity" reduee inequalities and
nemo\rc cl{tural inequities;4 urbm or nral lroor dwellqs shall uot be
evicted andior resettled except ia accordanee wi& iaw and withadequate
consultationls *U the State should protect the rigbis of indigenous
cultural communitiee to their anrestrd lands to ensure their economic,
social and eultuml urefi-bebg;o

Emplwsbing

{urtlwr the various legal obligations a$d

human

righfs proteetions estahlishd under dsmestic law by the {Jrban

Ad of $ge and tle Indigenaus Peaples
Rigfusecraf rygn
I

Afi. II, s t 1, i9E?

A?t lI, s 5, 198?
Arr III, s t, I9$7

of&aRap$lic of [re Phitipplnes,

ofttto Bsprblic oftftc Philipirrce,

roftc

Republic

oftts Ptilipphcs

ArL XlIl, s t. 1987 Cqsfiifiqnof*eRryublicof*n&ilippincs.

A{t XIII, s 10, 19E7 Conffifu,of &c Sipubtieof thc ?bilippinw.
o't xII' s 5' rerl

?H$f$g:m**tft""J'tsBtBffh, runglrrtillgin

Commortu,eatth.hverus,

ti ?.

?l'J. Nos.

Cwnptfg.,

9i?4;,72

'

Dilinut

t|CI|. QteNtn

0?rg-.7{.iJ8'g:8-idi-t

fi4',

Philiplzines

Reca[ling the Unive.rsal Declaration of Human Rights -which

n*rid*s fot Ui* tigUt of everyone to a standard of livingadequate fol the
of himself and of his family' inc}rding housing;z
[.rttU *A weI-pering-*ioil
be arbitrarily rieprhrcd of propeil.y and
and that Bo oo"
possessions;8

Higtttighting that adequate and decent housing as a basic human

*Sht d;tr3#ua ifinternatioial instmments to uihich the Philippines is a
i11J"aing the lnternatioual Covenant oa Economiq $oeial and
Lrrrtiri*r nish*.J,, the conventiotr orl the Elimiuation of All Forss of
Discrimiua{on against Women,lo the Csuveutiou ou the Rights of th9
Ctif4;' the Condntion on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,o and
ILO Convention No. r69;'s

iiil*,

Taking iato ccasidencdon the Uaited Na$sne Guidiug Prinerples

ltey international presepts
on tniernat"Displacemen!
Donon the righd of iuternally disptaced persor{, such toasejhoose
freedom
ard
movenaent
of,
liberty
to
' discrlminatila,,* the xight
r"siiun*e,'slhe dght toan adequate staudard of living,'5 and
access to basie shelter and housing,v among others;

wbiih

hir;h*

Recognising C,eneral Comgreu$ 4 and-7 qf_the lildted Nations

eommittee- on d.ooomic, Sociai and edtural Xights on the Right to
edequate Housiag and Forced Evictions respeetively,.as well as the UNi{AEffAT anA ffice of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
tOffCHnl Basie Principles aud Guidelines oE Development-Based
Evictions and DisPlacement;

bnsidering also the rights of iuterrally displaced P!ryonJ relating

to housing, hnd and property as elaborated in the Uuited Natians
friueiples-'on Horrsing ana |rc.pgrty Restifttion for Reftrgees and
pispliced Persons (Pinheiro Prineiples);

&e

Inter-Agency Standing committee (IsAcl

FramelaCIik on durable Solutions for laternally Diqplaced Persons and
the Sphere Project Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in

Reaffirmtng

flesponse, which erplaia many of the legal obligatio,ns and

relative to iiternalty disptaced persons under internatioaal buman

ff"*.*:--.it*i*
right*

rightslaw;

nn zS(t/, Universal

Dcclsration of Human Righs'

ofttuman Rights.
Coveflrnt m Esotromic, S&id

,*t rziZi, Uni\,rsat Dsclsati,ou

grr f f, 6*raatior"t

*rt

f*, Comuentisl

AtLz7,Convention

on

ad-Culfral Rlgls' . .".

tte Elimindion of AU Forms of Di*rimination aginst lvomeB-

ontb

Righs ofthe Child-

ZS, C"o**ti* onthc Riglrts of Persons with Disabililies

Are. ? asd 13-19, ILQ eoavcntimNo' 169.
Pdmiplo l, UX Guidtng Pdnciphs on Intcrsal DisPlacemearr'

acr. g ma

;
^\o
s*1
/

ri
'1

kinciple 14,1, UN Guidi4g Principlc ur IntrrnalDisp.laccment

grtrcipl" I S, UH Cuiding'&fureiplcs on lilErnal DisPhc'Elert

,
Determined as the national human rights instihrtion mandated
under the r9B7 Philippine Constittition to promote and protect human
rights in &e Philippiues, CHRP issues tle fotrlowing advisory:

I. CONTEXT
L =On - g*Sepfea$ef- 2oI3 amred* lrtcffib6rs -6f 1tse-Mofd Nafi6EaI
Libeiation Front (MNLFi entered Zamboanga in an altempt to take
control of the city by force. The MNLF was able to occupy a number
of Barangays in the city, including Rio Hon{o, Mariki, sta. Barbara
aud Sta. Catalina, during which time a aumber of individuals were
killed and over zoo civilians remained uuder the contrcl of the
MNLF.

operation lvas commenced by the Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PltP) who sought
to srifress the MNLF occupation and free the eivilians from areas
undei MNLF control. Many oceupied Barangays were affeeted by
AFP msrtar -qhelliu-g 4afl were sonlpletely or pardally destroyed by
fire. The MNLF force was overpowered by the AFP on e8 September
zo1g, by whieh time over 1o9,ooo had been displaced from

2. A military

Zamboanga City and 1o,ooo homes had been destroyed.

S.

of end of January zor4 approximately to,,o96 individuals remain

displqced by the crisis and are currently sheltering in the Joaqgil F;
Euriquez Memorial Sports Cgmplel in Zamboanga CitY. Conditions
in -rhE Compiex and other informal eamps are preearious, with poor
sanitation and crowded conditions leading to the spread of disease.
The squalid condition of these evacuation centres has led already to
over 1oo deaths due to communieable illaesses. Many children in the
facitityhave ceased schooliug aad trafEcking in persons has also been

.dS

reported.

4.

Barangays Rio Hondo and Mariki were complete$ destro-ved by the

fightins and former residents are,being prevented from returning to
the area, whieh has been declared as "no mal'6land". Residents are
berng permitted to retunl to Barangays Sta, Barbara and Sta.
eatalinl, altlough rnany resideaee-s aad much infrastmcture in &e
area remain damaged from shelling. Many of tlose still displaced are
Badjao, a typieally seabome indigenous peopie (IPJ who depead on
close proximity to the sea for their livelihood and cultural practiees.

S.

The Zamboanga City Government is coordinating the humanitarian

response to the crisis with the Departrne$ oJ-Social Welfare and
Deielopment (DswD), Department of Public w'orks and Highways
(DP'fiIHi and the Nationai Housing Authority (NiiAi. On z3 ianuary
gor.4 the Zamboanga Clty Government presented the "Zamboanga
City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstmction: Conceptual Iayout
plan' (Zamboanga Roadmap) as a stratery to attend to those still

0%w
-/
^

[\

,,4'

- /

/
,
displaced by the crisis. The Zamboanga Roadmap identifies plen.c for
the resettlement of displaced. families to both on and off-site projects.

II. MATTERS

OF

I{I.'MAN RIGHTS CONCERIY

6. The key human rights issues identified by the Commission

context of the response to the Zarnboansa Crisis are as follows:

{a}.

in the

That transitional shelter anangements meet the standards

required by internxional aud domestic law and do not
subject internally displaeed persoas to any risk of further
human rights violations;

(b). That geuuine consultation takes piace with

persons
affected by displacemeat and resettlement, that they are
provided with comprehensive information on resettlement
options avaiiable to tlem and entitled to fulIparticipatiou

in &e

processes

of

government relevant

resettlement and general welfare;

to

their

all post-conflict resettlement and restitution,

including the imposition of 'no-build zones" and other
interveniions which afieet &e enjoyment of housing, land

(c). That

and propert-v rights, are conducted ia a manner eonsistent

with international and domestie legal standards;

(d). That any indigenous peopies (IPs) who have beeu

displaced or otherwise affected by the conflict are
aecorded all rights owing to them under internatioual and

domesticlaw;and

(e). That all information, particularly any advisory *FAes",

distributed arnong IDPs correctly represents international
and domes$c legal sta:rdards.

III. ADYISORY
A*
7.

Trarisitional Shelter Arrangements

The commission notes that the condition of current transitional

shelter facilities at the Joaquin F. Euriquez Memorial Sports Compiex
is endangering 'rhe heaiih and weiibeing of many IDPs and may
constitute infringements of a variety of human rights standards
relating to health, education and access to other basic and externai
services. Recent figures indicate that over roo people have died as a
result of diseases spread within emergency shelter faeilities.

B. The Commission advises all responsible government entities to

guarantee that transitional shelter is provided and. admi:ristered in

iccordance with the standards. estaitisnea Ly; i"G*-"ti"rJ arrra.=

-_/
'-rfu
4''

,
displaced by the erisis. The Zamboanga Roadmap identifies plans for
the resettlement of displaced families to bo& on and off-site projects.

II. MATTERS

OF

Iil,]MAN RIGHTS CONCERIY

6. The key human dghts issues identified by the Commission

context of the response to the Zamboanga Crisis are as follows:

(a).

in the

That transitional shelter arrangements meet the standards

required by international and domestic law and do not
subject internally displaced persons to any risk of further
human rights violations;

(b). That geuuine consultation takes place with

persons
affected. by disptracernent arrd resettlemen!'rhat they are
provided with comprehensive information on resettlement
options available to them and entitled to fulIparticipatiou

in the processes of

govertrment relevant

resettlement and general welfare;

to

their

all post-conflict resettlement and restitution,

including the imposition of "no-build zore$" and other

(c). That

interventions which affeet the enjoyment of housing, land

and propert-v rights, are conducted in a manner consistent
with international and domestie legal standards;

td). That any indigenous peoples (IPs) who have been

displaced or othenvise affected by the conflict are
accorded all rights owing to them under international and
domestic law; and

(e). That all information, particularly any advisory *FAes",

distributed among IDPs correctly represenls international
and domesdc legal standards.

III. ADYISORY
A7.

,Y

Transitional Shelter Arrangements

fhe

Commission notes that the condition of current transitional

shelter faeilities at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Spofis Complex
is endangering 'rhe heai'rh and weiibeing of many IDPs and may
constitirte infringements of a variety of human rights standards
relating to health, education and access to otler basic and external
services. Recent figures indicate tlat over too people have died as a
result of diseases spread withiu emergency shelter facilities.

B. The Commission advises all responsible governmeut entities to

,w

guarantee tlrat tra-nsitional shelter is provided and adrni:ristered in

iccorriance with the standards. estailishJly i"t"*ationai

and i
4/

"{,

domestic law, to ersnre tlat affeged IDPs are not vulnerable to

firrther violations of their human rigbts.

Intemationsl ltuman R fg hts Standa rsls on ?hansff fo nal Shetter

g. Internally

displaced persons continue to enjoy the right to an

adequate standard of liviugt8 aud must k provided with the
following in the course of any gorrerument resporlse to a
humaniuriau crisis which causes ttreir displacement:

(e).

Essential food and potable r*ater;

(b).

Basie shelter andhousing;

(c).

Appropriate dothing; and

{d).

Esseatial medieal services and sanitation.rE

a LT^r^!
!
-!:^^-:-:-f humaa
-=-:-- -:-! ^ of
io.
r.ion-ilrseririiinatioir
is a ftndamentai
rights. Any
frincrpre
<

distinctiou, exclusioa, restriction or preference of any kind which has

the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition,

enjoyment or *errise, on a$ qflral footing, of any human rights
shouldbe avoided.:o

rr. when providiug transitional .shelter

assistanee in respoase to the

Zaurbcauga Crisis, government autlrorities must give ipecial
attention to vulnerable aad marginalised groups, such as women,
r! qecompanied minors,
motbery mothem with young
children, heads ofhousehol{ persors with disabilities and the elder$
to provide tlem wi& tbe protection and assistancethat is required by
their condition of vninerabiliqr.zt

rz. Access to esseatiatr service must also be guara$teed urheu

administering transitiona! sbelter arrangeEraents, including sc}ools,
health facilities and comruunity infrastmcture.zz Residence in
emergency shelter facilities should also not affect IDps' accss to
esnornic and livelihod opportunities, including lauil for cultivatior
,?
^-.lI ru l^^-l
ruuan -^-I-^8a
Itlan-J(ets.'"

r3.

In &e

course of plauning and administering uansitional shelter

arrangements, responsible au,thorities must take steps to mitigate the
sp_read of commusicable diseases. This will include ensuring
aiequate qpace between shelter units, aecess to-safe, potable

water /

t" *yt"t" ,t, aT, grfqir

:t.aT
And Culffrd

Istemal Disphcement- See atsozsrt. I !(I), InrtrErional

*r*

{w)

FJshts.
/
," i;1**, Soeia!
s Principle 4, tiN Guidiag Priaciptes on lnternel Displaco fiilrtt Sec also,for ownplc; arg I(l), ,ro*r*;d
oo the Eliminition oiA$ forms of Recial Dissrirriration.
n AX .. il;;*r
t{principte4.
V-V
:4 SphrrE
Pmjatfi Minimum Stardads in Hummiarian Respome,201l, p 253.
,/
tdo2iA.'
"
-/
(/

"y

and adequate sanitation ftcilities, waste nenagernent mutrol and

safe food preparation mea$trrffi. Etreeti\.e pl@e$ss must also be
Btabtished bry health autborities to identify and isolate arry
communieable dimases when outbreal<s arise.2a
14. The Commission considers that these stardards require go\remmert
to easure tbat:any ass{sh::ee prcuidd ih respanm ta the kmboanga

Crisis is rendered oa a ri$ts based approach, Hsrrwer, the

Commission urgs all local gorremment units and natioral
gwernmeut ageacies to prioritis* tbose irilividuals and&milies whs
assistanee meaeures. The
are msst in need of aid ra&en
Commissiou emphasises the used to ensure that copditions in
eneregncy shelter facilities do not rerrder IDPs vulaerable to diee*se
and other effects on their health.

Phfuine l*ut

onlYansitionalsheker

15. The DS-lryD Omniow Gufdeifns$ on Shelter dssisfcnce require that

&ose families most in need are girren priority in the delivery of post-

disaster supp*rt Families shall be eligrble for shelter assistance if

their monthly ineome falls below the mout$f, food thxeshold amount
deterrrined by the Philippine National Statistical eoordination
Board,zs

16.

The &nnibus Gufdelines on Shelter Assisfarrce also state that for

both eore shelter and modifieil shelter assistauee, &e following
categories of beneficiary should be prioritised:
(a). Families with small ehildrea;
(b).

Familie with pre$mnt and lactating motlers;

(c). Surrogate parents of orphaned &ildren;

(d). Families with damaged houses and uihose head of household has
died or hea iucapadtated;
(e). Groups of firre
barangay; aud

or more families originatiag *om the same

(0. F'amilies with seriously ill memberg persoas with disabilities or

24

2'

516

B. Causultation and

Particilxtion

rf. The Commission is aware that Eary of tlose affected by

tbe
pariicuiariy
tbose wtro have been displaceri aad
Zamboanga Crisis,
theb residences de$eoyed or damaged, ha,ve not receivd adequate
irformation about, or hanre uot beenconsulted o& the details of their
reh$n, reintegrati,on aad rsetttreneat options available to thear or
other aspects of the administratisn of thehtsanitarisn respoffie.

r8. I.ocal gorrrinent uuits and natioual government agmeies involned

in the reIief effart aad returs, tran$iti'onal sbelter aad prrssmeat
resettlement activities are made aware of the following international
human righB standards and renrinded of their legal obiigations
under Philippine lawto consultwith affected communities.

Inter*atianal llaman Rigftrs Saardcrds

19. Cienuine consultation between governmeut and atrected eommunities

is * e$tral

feature of many humap $gbts stanilards, For

sommunities subject to invclunhry retrocation, golmment has an
obligation to csnflIh with communities on all aspects of their
resetgemenl2T

zo.Those individuais subject to internal displacement should not be

fulhibited from exereising their rigbt to participate in gwenrnent or
public affiirs.ze In atlditioa to &e free elxtion af deraaeratic
reple eutstives to plidcal affice, &is ight een be exercised threngh
direct participatiqn in local governallce proeesses that conern those
affected by displacement,zs Accordiugly, responsible goverllment
authorities should take efforts to include participatory mechanisms in
the design of any institutioaal reqponse whi& make detera*inations
relating to the alfairs or resettlemeut of IDPs"
ar. Fsr pempu$ subjed to internal displacemen! any bausiag, land or
restiiution progranrmes must aisobe carried out on avoluntarybasis
and ir! firll consultation with the indiriduals, groupc and mmmunities
affeeted. Consultation should be genuine and account for the
iaterests crf margirdised aad rnrlnerable Sroupr5"ao
2:. Responsible govemment agencim must take appropriate stelx to
ensure genuiue eonsultation witb aud tle eftctive participatiou of
IDPs in the processc of tausitional shelter prwisio:r, sel*ee

ZT

*
,t

ka

15,

UN CommirEe on Economie, Social arld Cdbrral Rigkts Ceoqal Comment Na. ? on the

adoquats housirg {Srcod

cvfuionr).

Prireiple 22, UN Guiiling Frincipta on lflieftal Displacemerl.

Para. 6, UN Hurma Rights Commit !, Gueral Comrnent No. 25

u rlre right to pardcip*

rcting*gb ad t&edgfutof ceualsc@$*sprblic sqviix.

Frftpipte 14, ?bhtm Pd*c$ksa&irs,

in public

delivery, reftn1 resettlement and/or rretihrtisa.st Cousultative

meehanisms wiII iuclude:

{a}. Dissemination

of

accurate irfarrnation relevant

hum*nitarian respsase;

to the

(b]. Conveniry

meetings and odrer par,ticipatory events at Hlhfuh

affeeted IDPs are inforrred of any relevant processe and
aetivities; and

{c}. Me&arrisnm ts

respo*d.
req;ests
receive and respond to eomplaints.3z

23.

for iiifoiuiatoa and ts

{or IDPs io be able to effesthli participate in consultative procsses,

they must be designed to be restrronsive to any matters raised by
affected persons ard to incorporate their perspeetive and
suggestions into rele\atrt

pliey

and program deeisions.

24. Responstnie government au&orities should endeavour to ensure

consultationwi& IDP. at everystage af the crisis respou$e, ineJuding
aluring the readering
immediate humanitarian assistance,
identification of beaeficiaries, eamp ereationaad camp maaagemenf

of

resettlement and reiategration, peace proeesstr aud couflict

resolution, darelopment of livelihoods and irelerant political

processes.3s

Philtppine Loiw on Cansr.tltation Prarrlsses

e5.

The ry87 Constitution of the Philippines

guarantees that Bo
resettlement shall be rmdertakeawithaut adequate euasulHtion with
those affected and the communities r,lrhere they are to be relocated.a+

e6"Displaced populatious subjeet to resettlement by govertrmerlt

therefore posse$s a coasstrtioiral right to be meaningruiiy consuited.
on all matters
their reloeatioa, inctuding proposed sites
for transitional shelter, parameters in the selec$dn of site
beneficiaries, manrrr and time of relocatioas and all o&er relerm:*
eoasideratiors reiating to reiurn, reioeetion and o&er shelter
options, In view of this right, goyerameat and all ether stakeholders
are urged to disseminate the necEssary iufornratisu and eugage with
affected eommuaities accordingly.

a7.

The (Jrban Danelopment and, Horsing Act also identifies

consultation with affeeted com*unities as

a prerequisite ta

arryfu/(

tt^

52 t*fingr-B*r,

s5

Projcct cB lrtetu*l Displ**cc*ag Mwing Beyand frhetorlr;: Cort$ltqtton mA fatdpaiod

- ,/
vith Populatiow DEplaced by Codlict or Nmtral Disasters, p 3g46.
/
-" l4W 17-29. Oilrefirrlmdr*integratio&s*alsolPriruiple2S(2i,tNGridisgkhctplesonlntanal ,
/
Displremcnr
I LJ f
}t A*icle
){III, Section I0, 1967 Constiiution of rhe Rcpublic of the philippines
Lt ft

u\

delivery, retur& resettlement and/or rwtitution.sl Coffiultatise

m*hanisms will inelude:

{a}. Dissemination

of

aecurate information relevant

humanitarian respon$e;

to the

(b). Conre,ring

meetings and other partieipatory errente at u,bich

affected. IDPs are informed of any relemnt proeesses and
activities; and

(c).

Mecbanisnns to rmpcnd to requests

receive and respond to complainl5.rz

23. For IDPs

tok

for infoimafion and to

able to effectinely participate in consultative processes,

Be,y mrrst be designe{ to be respousive to auy matters raised by

affectd persons aud
incorporate their prspectives and
suggestions into relernant poliey and program deeisious.

ts

24. Responsioie government authorities should endeavour to ensure

consultation with IDPs at e\rery stage of the crisis re$Ipnse, iaeluding
during the rendering
inmediate humanitarian assistance,
identiflcation of beaeficisries, eaep creatisn and canp maaagemert

of

reset$ement and reiategratioa, pe&ce proeess and eonflict

ressluti+r, developmeut of livelihoods and relevant political

Pfoeeese$.93

Philippine La us on Canstitstian.kocesses
25.

The rgg7 constitution of the Philippines

s6.

to resetdemeat
govexfftrmt
therefore possess a conssitidonal right to be meaniagfirfy consuited
on aII
their relomtion, including prcposed sites,
for transitional shelter, parameters
&e selee$on of site
beneficiaries, marmer and time sf relocations and all other relevant
considemtions reiatiag to reftrn, reioeation and other shelter
options. In view of this righe goverunnent and aII other stakeholders
qg urg$ to disseminate tbe necssarJr iufarmation and engage with
atrected csmmuilities accordingly,

guarantees that no
resettleaent shafl be uadertake* without adequate consultation with
those affected and the com*unities where they are to be relocated.s+

Di$placd populatiffis subject

matters

az.

fu

in

Danelopment and Housittg Act also identifies

consultation with affeeted communities as a prerequisite tn any*<

The IJrban

{s}nrl '
Prcjcct cn lntanal Displsceffisut, rlfdvmg Bcyand Rheorte: Cownttfrton wtd O***rd'
' /
uctth Poprlaions Desplaced by Co*flia o Naural Disasters, pp 3g-46.
/
-.
- I4W 17-29. &t rcfiInt d resimegratiott- se also: ftinciple 2S(2), Lrltl Gniding Principles m tntraal ,
/
Dirylcmcm,
I Ll f
}t atti'"|.
XIn, Sedon t0, I9E7 Connianion ofthe Republic of the philippines.
Wfr
" ,"
3a
Eruokings-Eern

s5

u\

resettlement from urban arcas.ss The implemeuting nrles imd

rqulations to the urbcn D*elapment and Howing,{,c{ preseribe
the detail of this coasuladve prCIcss, !$hih requires reeponeible
goverurcelrt aggrdes te cs$rcrle a seris of eonmrltative meeiings
betweeulscal officials, representatives of national agencies and ofthe
comrrunities afrected,sa

e8.Ihe Urban De.uelopmwtt

and $o*sing.{cf a}so requires that private

sector actors in resettlement developmeat ard horuing coasEuction
are invitd to participate ir any eonsultative process,sz

e9,

'

fae Commi+sion

advises that all persorls displaced by &e Zamboanga

Crisis must be consulted aecording tothese standards before theyare
resettled or preraented fram reconstructing their origiual dweilins$. ft
is reeommerded that mmprehersive inforrnation dissemiuatisl aud
widespread community-based consul&tiors are conducted as part of
the rwettlement actiyities of goverrment to ensure compliance with
thse staadards.

C. Resettlemerrt and Restihrtion

go. The Commissioa tals aote of tle desigaatiou of a "no man's land" in
BarangaSre Rio Hoado and Mariki, and.the use of "no-build zoaes'by

the City Governmert to prohibit the reesnstrtiction of

many

resiilentiai and other dwellings destroyed or damaged during the

Zamboanga Crisis, Ia vier^' of this wideryread praetiee &e
Commission issues the foilowing ariviee, wirich should be observed
during the implementation and enforcement of any "no-build uones"
or other such property iuterventioas.

Irritrrrwtionai Eluman Rfghrs Strzndards oft Return

of Housing, I,and and Prop*rlg

of IDPs and

Resfifufion

3r. Competert authoritim harre the primary duty and rmponsibility to

establish conditions, as well as provide the means, which allow IDPs
to retum voluntarily, in safety and with dignity, to their homes or
habit&I p}aees of resideuce, or to resettle voluntarily in another lnrt
of the eouaty.3s This duty also exb-uds to &e pruryisiou ofassiskme
to recover property and otber posmssions of which IDPs were
deprftrcd as

result of displaeement

3e

must also malce arraagements for the

provision of cumpasatiou, urhether frsm their or,rm finances or
throug! acternal sources, for any losses or damage to property

3e. Competeat authorities

3t

*
38

qb

3C

?8fri, Ropu'aiic ActNo. 7219a Arban D*dqaeat wd ttowiag Act af 1992,

Sec. l(o), Implcmenting Rulcc and Rcgulations af $ec. 26 ofBepublic Act No, ?2?}
Sec.

dllo*tngAaaf

1992

{hb& Dewlapn ert

De*lqme* and lla*sing ia 1992,

hiaeiple ZE(l), UN 6uid'rng kinciple on l*urd Dirylacarcnt
hi*ryle ?9G), IJH Suid?ng *inciples sa Inieiiial DiElaeemarg Principie 2ii1, Finiricro fuinciple.
Scc. 24. Ro'public Acf No. ?279, Urbaa

l-r1

resettlement from urban areas.3s The implemeuting rules and

regnlations to the urbqfl D*ebytmmt and.Efousfng ,{ct premibe
the detail of tlis coasultatttre proeess, lnhieh requires responuible
gcverameat ag*reiec te eaeveEe a series of eonsultative nneeiings
betrueen local officials, representatives of natioual agencies and of the
communities af fssted, 36

z8.1be tJrb,an Deuelbpmmt snd lilou^sing.,{cf also requires that private

sector adors in resettlement danelopmen-t ard houeing constr$ction
are invited to participate

ir any consultative process,sz

:9, fne Commission arivises that all persions disptaced by tbe Zamboanga
crisis must be consulted according to tlese skndards before fteyare
resettled or preveuted &om resusEucting their original dwellings. It
is recemn*eaded that, comprehecsive infrrrnatioa dissenfuatigll and
widespread community-based con$ltatiousare conducted as part of
the resettlement activities of government ts easure compliance with

'

these staadards.

C, Resettlement and Restitution

taks note of tle desigaatioa of a "no mnn's land" in
Barwrgays Rio Houdo and Mariki, and the use of *no-build zoueso by
the Cify Government to prohibit the rwsnstrdction of many
residentiai and other durellings destroyed or damaged during the

Sa, The Commission

Crisis. In view af &is widespread praetiee &e

Cammissicn issaes the following advice, which should i:e obse$ed
during the implementation arrd enforcemert of any "no-build uones"
:orotbef sueh properly
Zamboarga

Intrrr'rwtianal iluman Righ* S?sndards oR Ranrn

Restittttion af Housittg, I*nd and ?ropertg

af

IDPs and

gr. Competert authorities have the primary duty and respnsibility to

establish conditious, as well as provide the raeans, whieh allow IDPs
to retura voluntarily, iu safery and wi& disniry, ts tleir homes or
habitual places of residence, or to resettle volrrntarily ilr another part
of the couaty,38 This du{v alss ext-euds ta the prarvision sf assistance
to reeover property and otber possessions of ra,hieh IDPs were
deprived as a re$ilt of displacement"ss

must also make agrargemeuts for the

provision of, compensatiou, urhether from their ounr finances or
through extenral sources, for any losses or damage to

32. Competent authotities

VroWffi

1'

$
r?
?8

,9

lgg2,

Sec.28tA, B.ep'biic Actirio. 7219, {Jrban D*dqtdeat ad llorsidg Ast af

sec. 1(o), laplcmcntiagRulcrandRcgulationsof$ss.2EofRepublicActNo.7?79, UrbotDevelopnea

ard Ho*ingAaof i992

Scc. 2C, Republic Ad Ns. ?279, Urbar D*elqneat ard tlarstt g *d

/
,/
'
/
I't1}|qfi
lt I
Frincipie 2(i3, Fiairiero Principte.

1992,
Priaciple ZE(l), Uli Guiding Principles on Interoal Dbplmenro*
?ri:rct$eZrc}

IJH Cui{i:lg

*inciple

on

Ifieiiiat Dis-Flaeeme*

ur,

s,ffered as a:esult of displacement.+o compensation must only

be
provided in lieu of restitutiou where restitxtion is
nor
f*cdrxy
possible, whse eompeasation is-pmvided for in
a
qmraar*
AF
J:--t^
-- r
qfrrwuru'L
(^ '.'L^*
wrrErE d-.'tr r,ruplacgo
per=on voluutarily accepts

*rfiil;-ff*

compeusafion

ir lieu of restitutio:n.*r

39. IDPs harne tle right to retun! voluntarily ts their fornrer bornes, lards
or plaees of habitual residence, i:a srifety an?-aigntty. - %ii*t-{y
rehr* in saferv qi_airyty
be bised an
inrio.m"{
indiyiduat &oiee. IDps inorita_+usr
be prwided *tu *r*pr*i,
up-to-date aud aecurate infcrmaticn, inctrrding onfrEGI"-dJrJ;
"[i-"rti*
-=-l-d
andlegal safetyissues in eounkies orpt*.es Jf

i te

or$o.

34. rDPs wbo have suffered a d*privation of their property rishts must
entitled to access a eompetint dispute resotifooi U,J-fy6-*ffiiclaim for restitution aadlor eompensation, o"io

by the

Goverument
cirormstancg.tz

trat restiilrtiou

k
.lrn*ig;";;-i*i*
i* ooi p**iur* i"-**;

rnte,rwtionr,l Human Rrghrs gtandards on Fo:rced Euictiorx and

?[oBuildZones'

*?p-i*ufscie incompatible wi& state obligations

under iuternational luy tg protecr Lhe iieht io adequate and deceut
housing.+e The commission eonsiders 6reed *i.ho",
gross violation ofhuman dghts.

39. Foreed e'victioms

;iltJf,;

36- The imposition

of a "no-build zoue" or other similarly pmhibitive

property isterventions may eonstitute a "eonsFuetiye r"u+Ja e"i*ti";
*lrgre the restrietisn or aecarryaayiag relsatis*s rrna*iEaiita,*il
with no &oice but to leave rlitr ti"& o, *or**l
international human righB norms ana standartls-raaung t"-.r"*",i
evictions aad ar,bitrary displaemeut should apply.+{ Tte 6m*issi;;
tlrere'fnre nrrfrcirlam
r---^ri-rvvs^svre +iro
^8 *-uu i**^-;{-:^*..rrvDrlruu ul
uuF'urro
zongs" reqrnres the
resettlemelrt of_persoas affected ia accordance witU iniirnatat
standards and philippiae law- I{uroanitarian uqsirtu"*e;;;H
rylie{ -proigel. especialh thsm which i"J"a" ;"*u"ad
should notbe dinerted to iacilitate forced esictiois.

ffi;;rd,

;;1

3z As a matter .af policy, governTeDts must prioritise property

restihrtion * th*_ preferred remedy for lDps-as- ?ht errffi&;
accoxiingly urges Iocal governmeats and national

&
*I

4
41

{a

*5

Id.
Plinciplo

2l(l),

*g*ri*

to

rdopii

Firbicro Princlplcs.

Frirciple t 3(tl Piabisro tuinciplee.

Pana tS,CommiEceoaEconomic,sooidmdcultqralEights,GenerclCorinrentNo4on&e
Right
ndequare HoGin&
pa'us" 44-46" Rcpo* of the specidr,ryportan
ol 1&qry p*ing as a compment of ,frc right t0 al
t'"q*t^*yo-ru of riving sinty+ix& session of the tinir*
ly, N66t270,5

AsEr[?OI I-

Nadr?LJ'f,ilf

t. ,/

Prieciple 2(2), Pinlriero Prircipies"

10

polisy of restitution to permit ilisplaced families to return to their

i*ginal places of residence, where possible, hforc cnnsideriug &e
nno-build zstre$o ar other off-site rffiIment
implementation af
options.

zons', like forcd errietions, n4, be acceptable where the,y

impd to prottrt affected perrilorr-< from eaviroumestal kaaards.
Howarer, the im$ementatiou of "no-build zores' must be

g8. "No-build
are

proportionate to the ilanger presented by the enviroumental hazard.

Voluntary and con$Itative reloca.dons should be purcued hefore
ir*pleue$iug fua*build zones'. rv*er "a+'brdd zoues" are
considered absolutely aeesary they must be imposed in strict
compliaure with the hman dghts staldards appHcable &Eing forced
evictions.
gg.

*No-build zon6' should only be implemented if the foltowine

eonditions are met, to guarantthe righrc of those affeeted:
(a). *No-buitd zoncs' must not render pople homelss.
For those uuable to pmvide for themsehres, the Govenrmeat
must en$ur &at adeguate housing or reset$ement is made
armilable in a resonable time;
(b).

Persons affected bV 'ho-build zones' must be

genuinely cansulted on alternative relocation plans iu
aeordancewith &e requirernents setout abeve;

(c). Compensation must be provided to affected persons

for losses to property and sball be made arnailable in addition
or as a voluutaly alternative to resettlemea!,and

jrrdicial reviert, must be

to those affected by'ro+uild zsue$'.

(d). Administnative appeals and

available

4o.Gonernuileut must prorride resettlement or acess to altemative

housing for persoas ilisplaced as a result of forced evictio,ns or
prerreutative proBerty iatervertions, sudr ** "n+.bdld zones'.46
Resettlement must easure safe aad sectre access tc;

(a). Essertial food, potable water and sanitation;

(b). Basic shelter and housing;
(c). Appropriate clothing;

11

.t

,
(e). Liyelihood soures;

far }iraestmk an* *ere to eomu*on pmprty rcs6}r5c6

previously drynded upoa; and

{0. Fdder

{g). Education for children anil ehildcare frcilitie.+z

4r. $ince displacemeut should last no Iongel than required by the
circ*mstancesn4s afc&s-to permanent mre housing *ti*to *rist be
provided to pmcns subject to displacemeat as soon-as

possible.

Philippine Law on Res*tlertent and Restitntion

for IDps
42. Philippine

law diseourages evietioas and demolitionsle The rggT

ccnstitgtion of the philippines etates that eviction* *r *e*ouuiil
are only pemitted according to law aud in a just ;J h;rm;;
uoattner.so

6.

?be tlrbgn Deuelaprneflt and Hausing,4ef establishes an exlraustive

list of

circumstanees in lthirrh efr$ioos

permitted bylaq which is as follows:

(a). When ilersons

*a

a**ou,uo",

*"

occupy *danger areasb;si

(b). I&en govemment infrastructrne projecrrs are about

to be
imPleme*ted;szapd

(c). when

there is a court order for eviction and demolition.ss

44, ru tbe errert of an ervietion or deuolition franr urbau settlemeab, the

foil*wing mandatory

safeguaxars

Ilotrs;ing Aet are to be enforced:

under

ee r*ian oa;;{;w*"t'"rrd

{a}. At least 3c *a3r pror r*tlee m*st be provided to affeet*d

Ilerons prior to

wictior or demolition-;

(b). Authorities responsible for evietious and

demolitiqns
mrrst undertake
masultations
*te
ceslgiiea
$ryufue
representatives of fam:iHes to be resettled ana- aFu"tea
communities iu &e areas to l6ich resettiement *iu
mcur;

t
,48

J'
'I
g

t2

I
{c}. Lffiel gorre:nmeat sffieia}s mrist be present during a[
evictions and demolitions;

{d}, Atrl dmolitioa crer,ss musE -be id*utified as sueh wit}

unifo:ms or o&er markings;

(el.

Evietions and demolitions may only take place during

regular sffie houcls,&giag Sood weather, 'rFrless affectee
femilies eonsent oth*wise;

{O.

Hearry equipmeut must notbe usd sreptfor

strur{rrres or eoacrete mateials; and

gm*nent

(g). Uniformed members of the Philippine National police

must be prwent at all wietions and demolitians as the
iiff af law enforcement and obsere disturbance

firsr

eoatrolproeedures+

4$.

Tke Commissieu eonsidexs that gotm'nuxemt eufolcment sf :*obuitd rclr6'effecrtively qnates to an evietion under Philippiae law.
The above mandatory safeguards will therefore be applicabie duriug
the enforceuent of "ns-build zoaes', regadlers of u&ether afreetd
households still Bairltain reidme in their origin*I dwelliugs.

46.,{Il concerned agencies and local goqremment units are reminded of

Quir procedural -obligations under the t/rban De*sclapment and
.Ifousfng :{ct a*{
urged to e*rnpftr with its t*rss drriag ih*
implementation of any activities !trhjeh faeilitate rems\lal froml or
prevent return to areas classed as "no-build zones".

47.\be c+::*missiou Eotes that "no-hiild rs:ne$' asd o&er

prr-*rrentive

p-ro$rtf_ interrrentions are be_ing- implemented iu areas airectea ly

the Zamboanga Crisis on the basis ttat the localities ia question are
*lassified as "prctectd areE:s' uader &e l\refionfil'Iategretad
Praterf;ed *ess Slsfem tsci (NlPA5}.ss The Commission- notes
firrther that the NIPA,S does uot categorise aleas as proteeted uo tlre
basis that an area is hazardorrs or dangerous for hri,"nan lauitation,
bPt,.ptber,_ that the area is of lmique physical and biologicai
signifieanceo and should be 'protectai-agaidt destructive
exPloitatiss*.so

hftd

fundltians af Resettlement wder Fftfrippine I**

48. the 1987-Constittrtion of

tle

Philippines requirm that resettlement of

rural and urban dwellers canuot-be impiemented

*y

urdt-;dequ"i;

.,r'

(&7_J
I sc+ r8(D{?} R.flrblt" A.rN o-72?9, rJrbot D*eropneu and ttwiw aq of lgg2,/
; f#3ifi:**ActNo.'Iss6,Ndiodh,tqrdGdPrdwddareaa$taa-Adtsyz ./

13

I
t rr/

\xp
\\

consultation takes place with those to be resettled and with the

community to uihich &ey will be resettled.ET

49,The arbsn Datelapraent and rratsing dcr require further that

gwernment resettlement sites are equipped witl the following
mseatial services:

{ai. Po'tabier,nater;
(b). Power and electricity and an adequate power distribution
sgstem;

(c).

Senverage

and

id).

facilities and an efficient solid r,raste disposal qlstem;

Ace6s to primary roads and rransprtation facilities.se

t also requird to prioritise the implemeutatiau of

bealth, edtrcatio*, mmunie*s*, sEurity, *crdtisn, i*li"i aa
welfare facilities.sg when planning the relocatioa of communities,
governmnt is also required by law ts ensure resettlement sites are
lmted $.ithin proximity of emplolmreat apprtunities.co

5o. Gcrrenrmeat

D. Rights of Indigenous Proples

sr- The comnission rmderstands *gt t significant propofiie* ef those
displaeed by &e Earnboauga c_risis, -and ihoie i$t-r*rai"e-i;
trausitional accommodation at the Jaaquin F. Emiq'ez *tu*irur
{p""tr c_omp}ex, ire membere oJthe Badjio, au indige;ous p*riG;
the sou&em Philippines.
se"

tlS.f4{jao

havea-speciat attachmenttothe seq which is their source

of livelihood a3d has-a particrilar c,lh*al significance that must be
-Thaeeouuted for ir ary iaterveutions eat *treet"them.
B-d6;
aftea subjecred to diseriurination oa the b.*i" th"i&e-&id$r;;:
based intervmtions on displacement, resettlement *id ,otitotioo
oftq - perpehrate their -sclusion' from
pa*ieipatory meeh*nisms designed to kn.6t au,E"u**ea

Fli.y_*r6;;;

Populations.et
SB.

85

t1

&
5t

is cognisant of &e heiehtened effects that

dirylacemest ca* have oE lps and -,a-i-r*r*G*i-o- resporsible

The Commission

Artich XIII Sccrion 10. l9B? Consimim ofdre phi!rupin*.

Y. 2I, Repnbiic Arttyo. Ttig, IJrbot Devetqmd irA A*o*rg Act

T4

Ssc, 22, R,public Aet No. 727g,

lhbm Melopnat

Or &aexclusim ofdre Badjao gi'Mrlly, e*,

l gatd r*a**r 6xa, E*tintar* ,#

Tre Hague, Netbslaads, 2009.

end Eo*ing _id

fAaeahnOag

I 99Z -

of fggl.

*I*p*ig *-i*uo,
xi*a,ri *tit*t*rlna*atim*t lrsrirr$e

of s.eial

llarJ:*

a4

govemment au&oritiee of &eir dury

to accord th<lse affected with the
special prutection required by internatiouar
and domestic law.

Iaisrntionalstand*rds aa t?w Rights of rndigenousrlps

s4.IPs hare the qeneral rsht not- to be forcibry removed
from their
Eaditioaal tands or to G rseuled *ithnir #r, pao"
*ud is&rced
eonseut, and
the agreemeut of ao-u*inipt"ur.-;*"r_rilIr
eompensatioa.62_after

ss. rs the esioy,Beut of their right

:" .9 adequate stagdfird +f liticg ia
&e adminis&tion of the tr*iuiuooJrluit1ilil"gu**r*,
rps must
be provided with serniees that ar-e
uarptua
t" &eir
pa*icular cultuml requirementsr6i ryceptabre
:ti*-*m in*ua* adapting f&{d,
dueatioe and shelte? sernces jo meet the speciai
needs of &e
indigeuous conrmuaity coneerued^.

*a

55. Government
r. partiffilar obrigatiou to protect against the
riispiacement of indigino*
r"optg
il*ar,
the speciar curyurlr_ rerauoosi,ip -*ira *"0'aE['"iL.y to ensure that
ou t]ose rands
ean be uaintained.s+

Fiil t#

57' Any properry intervenfions contempiated

by the
hmboanga crisis must also take account for respouse to the
any potential for
communit}r owaerehip that thg B"qril
*;;
tradttionar landsos rr addition to the iruugffius have or.er &eir
comlletent authorities to consult with #;;e lneumbe!$ ups*
communities as

describedaborre,
_rps are
-be-pffiaH;th
Gi.[io*ion in anysuch
consurtative mechanisms""tiueato
and to "n*tr
the information
ne*ssa-ry to participate efiteethely i* ar:y
rrLn*t

g.-iJ[-"-##

Processes.66

laus onfhe.Rrglr* af Indigexowl0ps

Prtil#4o*xe

58' The rggT Cousritutioa of the phiEppines provides

that the gtate.qh*u
protect the rights of Ips to &eii
ances&d hnds-ana etrsure thei,
mnomic, social and enltural weil-*ing.*
IilfrgSZ Conetifi:tioa
simfiarry requires the state io recogniqe,
respect ^rhe risbt
traditions and
,T*T,}"T" fr q"
institutiousJ#'fi
taticnalptransa*dpolic{6.ea

f,rat*{il
pm"*^**
th;il'".,i;,H
ly^*lr?" ?"*ffH"ffi1
{4c ;G-#
i "#ft

6t
63

g
65

&
,
6a

11

j*_"jff^:,ggihexisr*sop{rucigery:u
on Durabre sot,si*c; ii:

*T:yXg"

ffi

Diirpraoemwr
$l*{"s fd"',p6;ffii
s*i*ls#ffi;:*

?t

ffi-'s

ffi l*iiffig1g1*

Art XIV,

?copix,ziltr,.

z, rsar

C$stirorio{,.i6;h[6fi;.

m &nabre sotutimq

#Jffi;**
p 3s.

15

'9

59. 1he. rndigmous ?eoples Righrs

Act protects Ips, iateiets in laad

dulug periods of armed conflicr; in p*rtisrdar, that gormtr**i

authorities shall not force indige*ous populations ta abidas&d;

Iands, te$itsries and msa*s af subsista*efr;r miiiiary pulp66.**

6o.rte_rnrtig*nons ?eoptes ftlgrlitseet'provides further that iE casm of

displ*cement by "natural cabshphes" that lps shalt b- *"-tt]ed i"
areas where lhey are to hare
life support
provided that they shall r,etain the right to returu t" tLei" auidoE
"Jrrtums,
lands.To

6r. iiiP.{,S aiso acconis due recogniiion to anaeshal tands and customary
r.r8lts in the administratiou of p-rotected areas. l" p"*i.ur#,
iudigenous communities caanot -be evicted or ruretfta e";
established prstectd &!eas wiflout their museqt.zl :fte C+s$rissL*
therefsre remiads responsible authorities that no alisplaed lfs cai
be resettled without their free, prior and inforured eoneant
6e T$e (i.ntnrniccinn_ stsr&w
airrioas su
oll wuwrsuu
F,a
^--.r-^,
-^*^--^-e
^^-m*-,l SvvErlrJtltrul
auulufl&es
or lae
intenratioually recognised rights gf rps and or their ouxi"tiil. ond*
domestic law to qto.tgct the* rishts ia the course or
the zasboanga crisis. psrd$rlar emphasis uust b" "*6n*-6
*-^r:^-F ,r
-'-rr! - ..
-- J r^.I+..-l
*rhe
ciuEiirai
praffiicEs aiiG
Era.:UUoEs
of the affeeEeo Bad:iao feopie in
sv
"'
determination of any policies uftich affect th.i" *"n:i;-i";vr-e

E. Distribution of *FAes' Docnment

Governrnent

ty

d#-t- g;

zamnoansa citv

63. Tbe commissisn is affarre of the distribution of an FAes

document,

$&ieh has been.eirculated by the &mboaaga city g;rn"**""t ;;

IlPs and identifies various proposed meaiures aoa
i"
ryspor'se to the-displaeement ctisis. The commissioa"cu.,rffir,
issu*-&.
follorringadvice in respectsf these FAes.

Prioritization in Siulte,- Assistance

6+.the FAQs document identifies the critria for transfer from

eeafiration
centrres to transitional aecornmodsticr: Th.h+d;;
this seetiou ootes tLat transfer of IDps t;Eilit ry sites wilt be

based ou toillingness_ and vurnerabiHqf. wiuingnffis i"

this
syggwts that those who voluntarily u:rpt tr.rrf6",ii
ahad oftlase u&+di-sprrt* *eir renditiJas
fsr t*rsrer.

;;*t
besl&;ffi
"r* **""*

0\A?

o
iist of categories o{pereonwbo shallbe p-rioritised in the rendering
of
"core shelter" and "modifid shelten" assistance.?,
66. Thg 5 eritena for a-esistatee sdp*iaieri iu itre F.ryQs are not
consistent
th: categories established by the DswD s,riadi""*. do not list a numler of groups that are to be p".ioriur"a accordins

ytr

&;r;a;
i;
"e*ili;

ilrr"h;ldE;

the guidelines. Ttese include "frmilies wLoseiead

oI yE incapaertateri=, "ia.milim headd fu a soio pareaf,
"f
with more than five members u&ere ag ura;ority uie u"ioro;g
old" and "surrogatepa&uts of orphaned childreu;.

67. Mo_reover,

to

be

1"";

iiany perym! faiiing into these categories are not willins

voluntarilg.tbey should not be-excluded tom ueinE

made offers of pri,ority asistauce. Any housine, land or restit$di
FmSrammes must a1s be carisd out on a t rtlunteryb*sis aed ir: fr:B
consulhtion with the individuals, soups and communities aretea.r,
I&e use of "wiliugpes$' as a olt"igr?gpriorifioUoo *Sg"*t* &at
those wbo do not_eooperate with authorities will be uru *Gffii""t*s*_
Althougk *e lnoltntar3' basis for transfer is a csraerstane of the
relevant international human rights shndads, ramflieJ susuld;;t bdisad*antaged by disputi:ng auy-aspect of the risettleme;G.d;: -Re-*fi&cffon

snd Ee*.tn -

68.The raQsaote that *rDps g;ill retura to their places of ori$a when
relabflitation",.is complere" {eaphasis aitfrdi. *mord6;ts the
i::ternatiouai staudards articuiateg airorre, Eifs shouldGiver b;
forced to iuvoluntarily refimr tq tlreir original places
or,.siaeo.u,
5which should be reflected in the

FAes.

69. The FAQI aho specir] that houses

areas

to make way for "road

will not be reconstrncte{i in some

wide-ning" atd t&e "op"*"i or

roads", among.,orthq. thinss. wunJ rBps *"y i*-r,ia:*t-"*

resettlement, _tle displacement of percons
zubsuno"ot
resettiement shouiti not ire a cause rirr unrehGa a*-r"iri".ii

ti

i"a

projects that give rise to forced evietions.

zo- rDPe w{a pgssese risbts orp-rivrlege pursue*tt+ presideatial }ecree

Ng,.r+ps of 7 JuIy-rg7S arq "assured of
origin". It should be noted *at rrcsiaduat=p#e No. ra5-s d.t-d
rr Juae rgTB and estabtrisbes the Finanee oepa&e4 dir:rid;ce
*nd,rnrestigatie* Bure*u, y,'hieh appea= *fir*ty u*il*t**G-6J
siege
n? rigbts or pi{*'ilegm are cieated for;i*bcte;

going

s-

IDPs punsq,r* to this deeie" rt ii assuiled

error, uihich should be rectified in the FAes,

01N.5

r?,lgri*
I.- #!::1*:.q!.{b
principies.
tTuElpie iti- pinirisrB sr

of2$IB,

rt vr(AI s r J.

*uitui*

;;;;

dt*;;;

]
zL The rAes stipulate that those qth *land titles or aEy
other tegal
i,sk*men&"
ass,rd of tleir
tr
"?T

Gil*;

]ltlt:iiA,-..rs#fJit#reside*em-o*uffi
urgr! r'riurugce ano repossss mopertJr in a simiiar ?ff*ffiff$
Bramer to those
wit{ Iegal owgers}ip.ro Io orh*.l
*rtitotioo
should not be
1'r*,
made automatically iraitaute to titleoiders

ffiil&r*d to secondary
ffiupants* s&* ae irformal settrers.
auromaEc arirnantage in accessing properry
rcstitution-r"i

ru"*GrrJu;;Effi
i"s*ilil
titleholders over seondary occupants.
eIfPA.Secf
7z' {he FAQs identiff specific BarangaSns as "no-build zo'es,
sa the basis
eat thev

are hazad p*n*r i"rau"-iallii*io""

*ai*

categorlse ar?,n$-as protected on the pas:i

daugemus

for hufran habitafiou,

b"t ffi;

"r*"
il"t

rntqratd

n[u|a"* i,
*u area is of

is

:;#ffiH;* -H}#f,H-=;,effi;9, *#t *

the purportJdly huodo*Htoru
"
a particular
a rationale
o-f

for.preraenting.resdhrtion incorreetry

ff_oflf"Fffi

.i,jg;tJo

l3pg.ri;ffflffikffii;h

area as

rDps that such a

i, ."t uu ot;L,ti* o]

irnplementing:df *.d *golations ORRs) to the NIpAS

Act
ideutig a ,dety of
otprot*G*i;*fi-,
iqrlementation
rytgories
-tA-*
under &e
OrS-use
t*-o ,f
*[Sd;; -suicr protectior
zones' and "sustaiuable
rcnes,, p*Eiii-*.ia"Uui
The remainiug categories
p"tir*i"a *t*?rmit reside'tial
"r
human-habitation'to
*arying degred. It is not crear to
-1r..^tyq:"rd
whrch

Zg. The

$tr"*i

il;ffi;

category of proteciai area thg stipu6tea-saran;;;til;;;

aeeordingly uihat manaer of resrricrioi
required.

*-*iEtfrr d;;lltrg;;

r4'Itie

EatEr and extent of these ineonsisteneies with

intenrational
standads and domestic regislation G;--I-d th;
commissiou to
advise that the FAQs in theJr present ro"*
rnouta b--i#i"[:t#
remo,ed from eire'lation und such time a"
Gi ** updated to
ensure compliance wi& interruatir""r-*d;;J..['J"*.
TTF.

COhTCT,U$IO$

The coMMlssroN urges an stakehorders, especialy

rocal
g.*emment unitq relerant housing authorities,
til-J pof"" ;a
adopt tne s6uoaras *a
"ffi
s"i ilfi ;;

ot%

;"t_i#.t

ftr"tr#f TT2
I _ -+t"

te,

niom*o1#*iplo

ffi h*red
!4*ed

ArEs svsreo' iNipAsi rm-'rem*tirg

n"r* *J

nid;i;,"i

,sisof
io.

lgea,Ndo,sr

The coMMIs-sIoN may conyeae a hearing to mouitor compliane

with the lararc and.standards described in this advisory. Fruthermore, the
eoMlfrssro$, p*rseularlycltBP F;qi+n IX office, is on the graiind fe,r
mouitoring based ea the constitutional mandate of the Commissisn ts
protect human rights, and specifie notices maybe issued for this purpose.
r,E1r
possible.

rr{rs AEvrscR.Y

Done this rZtl day

be adapted and be eirerdated as wideiy as

sf Juue zor4 at euezcn

Ir

Cit-v,

philippiue*.

,/

r.oBsrra*ffiffi*o*
chair$erlon

CEICIIJA RACTIEL Ir. QUI$UMBING

eommissioner

1T{A-

\rICTT}ru*Y. CARI)IONA

19