In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities in Surigao City arrested 21 members of the so-called Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP), including its top leaders, on Thursday morning in Barangay Sabang. The apprehended leaders, Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas, known as Datu Adlaw, Bae Lourdes Latraca Infante, and Ester Hilarion Santisas, were charged with Usurpation of Authority under the Revised Penal Code, following an arrest warrant issued by the Municipal Trial Court Branch 2 in Surigao City.
The operation also led to the detention of nine minors, a senior citizen, and two breastfeeding mothers, who were subsequently handed over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for medical evaluations and support.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II publicly denounced the FTGP’s activities during a press conference, emphasizing the city’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal actions that deceive or endanger the public. “This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to combat unlawful activities that threaten our community’s safety and order,” Dumlao stated.
Lt. Col. Mariano Lucban, the city’s police chief, revealed that the FTGP faces further legal action, with pending arrest warrants related to charges such as large-scale illegal recruitment, qualified human trafficking, and violations of the Cybercrime Act of 2012. Lucban noted that there are 12 criminal charges filed against the group’s leaders and members.
Recent activities by the FTGP, including locking down businesses in Surigao City under claims of ancestral land ownership, have instilled fear and unrest among local residents, business owners, and journalists.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, along with recognized Indigenous Peoples leaders in the Caraga region, have officially denounced the FTGP as a fraudulent and illegitimate entity.