A group of people illegally occupied Sitio Mariahangin Island in Balabac, Palawan, falsely claiming to be Molbog. They are causing distress to the authentic Molbog tribe and raising concerns about cultural deceit and misinformation. The situation escalated in 2024, with the occupying group resorting to harassing tactics. Tactics such as instructing children to undress and wave their clothes at those approaching the island.
Tribal Chieftain Hamidon Monsarapa revealed this alarming situation. Who is also a Balabac Councilor as they discussed the situation at a press conference on 02 May in Quezon City. Chieftain Monsarapa, alongside tribal authorities and former Mariahangin residents, detailed the group’s actions and their attempts to exploit the Molbog identity for personal gain.
The Molbog is an indigenous Moro cultural minority group vital to Palawan. They have a rich history and a deep connection to the islands. Their indigenous way of life revolves mostly around fishing. A subsistence that is backed up with coconut farming and trading. Their unique cultural practices are intrinsic to the identity of Pala’wan (Palawan). It contributes significantly to the region’s unique heritage. Their ancestral claims are rooted in generations of stewardship and cultural continuity.
The illegal group currently occupying Sitio Mariahangin are the Sambilogs. They try to learn the cultural practices to portray themselves as Molbogs. Using this fabricated identity to garner sympathy and financial aid through their social media campaigns. “Everything was rehearsed,” revealed a former Mariahangin resident, exposing their deceptive tactics. “We knew what to say when officials visited. But it was all an act.”
Crucially, Sitio Mariahangin Island is privately owned. A fact unknown to many who have been misled by the illegally occupying group’s online appeals. The rightful owners have already initiated legal proceedings against the trespassers. The group’s claims of ancestral rights lack authentic proof. This prompted the Molbog tribe to take further legal action.
The Molbog, supported by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and other government agencies, will utilize the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 to formally renounce any claim of prior Indigenous possession by the occupying group. This action is backed by the fact that the group previously applied for land under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, a legal route that inherently relinquishes any claim under IPRA. Provincial IPMR Arnel Abrina emphasized “We have exhausted all avenues for community-level and agency-led settlement. At this point, only the courts can resolve the legal questions that confront Sitio Mariahangin.”
This case highlights the urgent need to combat misinformation surrounding ancestral land claims. In addition, to protect the rights of Indigenous communities. The Molbog tribe’s fight serves as a warning against the exploitation of cultural identities for personal gain. It also underscores the importance of verifying information before contributing to potentially damaging narratives.
