Authorities Arrest Tribal Group Leaders Datu Adlaw and Reyna Lourdes
DATU ADLAW AND REYNA LOURDES – Authorities arrested the tribal leaders on Tuesday morning in Barangay Sabang, Surigao City, after serving them with an arrest warrant.
Several members of their group, the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP), were also taken into custody. The group, which claims to be an indigenous government, has faced multiple complaints for allegedly overstepping legal boundaries.
The arrest was based on charges of usurpation of authority, which involves falsely claiming to hold an official position. Authorities set bail at ₱30,000 for each accused, but further legal action is being considered as investigations continue.
The FTGP gained attention for enforcing its own rules in Surigao City, shutting down businesses they claimed were violating their regulations. Their activities sparked controversy, leading to multiple verbal confrontations with local authorities. In January, they were involved in sealing off two business establishments and even setting up an unauthorized checkpoint near their headquarters. The group also allegedly demanded payments from business owners and its own members in exchange for recognition and protection under their so-called government.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), which oversees indigenous communities in the country, confirmed that the FTGP is not a recognized tribal group. The commission also clarified that the group’s claims over lands in Surigao City and the entire Caraga region have no legal basis.
During the police operation, 30 individuals, including Datu Adlaw (Jorgeto Santisas) and Reyna Lourdes (Lourdes Infante), were arrested, while nine children were taken into protective custody. Authorities emphasized that the arrests were necessary to protect the public from fraudulent activities and prevent further unauthorized actions. The case highlights the growing issue of unregistered organizations falsely claiming authority, prompting law enforcement to take stricter measures.
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