Cayat faces calls for resignation after linking ‘Igorot’ to Communist Group

JOHNREL R. BALAODAN resignation after allegedly linking the terms “Igorot”, “Lumad”, and “Tumandok” to the CPP-NPA-NDF during the launching of the NCIP Epanaw Coffee Table Books at SM Baguio last March 21, 2021.

The red-tagging incident from March 2021 was brought to light last April 17, 2023, when the Baguio City Council passed a resolution calling on Cayat to refrain from linking Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities to the CPPNPA-NDF.

The said resolution also urged him to “exercise caution” in his use of language and public statements.

In his speech last March 21, 2021, Cayat was quoted saying: “I want to or refrain you, ladies and gentlemen, that these words: “Igorot”, “Lumad”, and “Tumandok” are the very words being used by the CPPNPA-NDF or the Communists Terrorists Groups.”

In a post by Baguio

Chronicle, Cayat did not mean to red-tag Cordillerans. He was only denouncing certain groups who intend to exploit the Ips for “political intentions.”

“Igorot, in its present use, refers to people from the mountains. But for some people, this term refers to natives who are co-opted or used by some ideological groups in order to agitate, arose [sic], mobilize, and organize against the government,” Cayat explained in the council forum.

However, netizens were not happy about his remarks –calling for him to resign from his position as an NCIP Commissioner.

“Such statement is a historical distortion, disinformation sowing confusion and disunity among us Igorots, Lumad and Tumanduk peoples. He must resign. Such commissioner has no place in NCIP if NCIP does its mandate in the service of indigenous peoples,” posted Windel F. Bolinget, CPA Chairperson.

“As Indigenous Youth who are heirs of the culture and identity of our fore ancestors, we cannot allow individuals like Cayat who do not possess any good characteristics and morale to represent us,” said Siklab Philippine Indigenous Youth Network in their Facebook post.

“This is an affront to our long history of struggle and assertion of identity,” posted Cordillera Peopl’es Alliance, calling for a social media rally.

As of April 23, 2023, #cayatresign and #madiminicayat posts are growing on Facebook with less than 1000 post since April 17, 2023.