Leaders of the five Mandaya clans in Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya, Mati City are calling for a full accounting of the PHP19-million royalty released in 2024, emphasizing that the funds—generated from the operations of Hallmark Mining Corporation (HMC)—should directly benefit the indigenous communities for whom they are intended.

Under existing laws and regulations, HMC remits royalty payments for the development and welfare of the host indigenous communities.

Tribal leaders stressed that the present issue is not the payment of royalties by the company, but the transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of the funds after their release.

Datu Vidal Mapinogos Jr., 56, and Datu Simplicio Mendoza Jr., 67, recognized tribal leaders and members of the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of Macambol, said the Community Resources Management Development Program (CRMDP) should be implemented in accordance with the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection (ADSDP) Plan.

“The IPS is the highest governing body on matters concerning the CRMDP,” Mapinogos said.

“The ADSDP serves as the legal framework that guides how royalty funds should be utilized, in accordance with the guidelines of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).”

He explained that implementation of programs funded by the royalty is entrusted to the Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) through the Macambol-Cabuaya Ancestral Domain Management Office (MCADMO), headed by Barangay Kagawad Errol Aquino.

According to Mendoza, 10 of the 12 IPS members have formally sought an accounting of how the PHP19-million royalty released in 2024 was utilized.

“We have yet to receive resolutions or official documents identifying the projects funded through the royalty. The community deserves transparency because these funds belong to the indigenous people,” Mendoza said.

The tribal leaders also questioned the oversight exercised by the NCIP Regional Office over the management of the royalty funds, saying they have repeatedly raised their concerns before the agency.

Mapinogos likewise claimed that an assembly convened on July 22 by the NCIP Regional Office and Aquino attempted to introduce what was described as an “interim leadership” to replace the existing IPS.

According to him, the proposed interim leadership would pave the way for the release of the estimated PHP32-million royalty for 2025.

He said more than a thousand residents attended the assembly, where many participants allegedly called for accountability over the 2024 royalty before any new funds are released.

“The community’s position is simple, accountability first before the release of additional royalties,” Mapinogos said.

Mendoza echoed the same sentiment, stressing that the royalty belongs collectively to the Mandaya community.

“This money is intended for the welfare and development of the tribe. Before another royalty is released, the people have the right to know how the previous PHP19 million was spent,” he said.

The tribal leaders maintained that their appeal is anchored on transparency, proper governance, and the faithful implementation of programs that will ensure mining royalties continue to benefit the indigenous communities they are meant to serve.

Hallmark Mining Corporation, for its part, has continued to comply with its legal obligation to remit royalty payments to the rightful beneficiaries in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The tribal leaders emphasized that their call is focused on accountability in the management of the funds after their release, so that future royalties can be utilized transparently and for the lasting benefit of the Mandaya communities.