03/10/2025
๐ก๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง | NCIP Condemns Killing of Teduray Elder in Maguindanao del Sur
02 October 2025
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) strongly condemns the brutal killing of Mr. Nel Lupos, 60 years old, a Teduray elder and former barangay kagawad, in Brgy. Limpongo, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, on September 30, 2025, at around 5:00 PM.
Reports indicate that Mr. Lupos was at his farm in Brgy. Limpongo when accosted by armed men and mercilessly beheaded. His belongings were also taken. His family, accompanied by military personnel, has since retrieved his body.
The NCIP extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lupos, the Teduray leadership, and the entire community of Brgy. Limpongo. We stand in solidarity with them as they face grief and fear in the wake of relentless violence.
This heinous act is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of systemic killings of non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Such atrocities terrorize Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), erode peace and security, and gravely violate the most basic principles of human rights and human dignity.
As the primary government agency mandated to recognize, protect, and promote the rights and welfare of ICCs/IPs, the NCIP demands a swift and impartial investigation. The perpetrators must be held accountable.
We call on the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and relevant security agencies to urgently intensify their operations in Brgy. Limpongo and other vulnerable communities. We likewise urge the BARMM government to take decisive and clear action on the recurring violence against non-Moro IPs, and to ensure that IP leaders and communities are partners in security, governance, and peacebuilding efforts.
The NCIP will be working with relevant security and government agencies in providing support to the victimโs family, assisting the Teduray leadership, and monitor the progress of the investigation until justice is served. We reaffirm our commitment to justice, peace, and protection of all ICCs/IPs across the Philippines.
