Malacañang has declared July 15 a special non-working holiday in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). But how was this region of freedom, autonomy and cultural diversity created?
CAR is commemorating its 35th founding anniversary on July 15 after it was created through Executive Order 220 which was a result of successful peace talks with the local armed group – Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) led by former priest Conrado “Ka Ambo” Balweg. CPLA is a break-away group from communist People’s Army (NPA) which is also the merger of Abra Province’s Tingguian Liberation Force in 1986, forming the Cordillera Organisation with the aim to fight for self-determination of the people of Cordillera.
The Philippine national government thru former President Corazon Aquino initiated talks with the rebel group in September 13, 1986 at Mt Data Hotel, Bauko, Mt Province. Adopting the local practice of “bodong” (peace talks), the parties went thru “sipat” (exchange of peace tokens) that led to the issuance of the EO creating the Cordillera Administrative Region in preparation for becoming an autonomous region. This is called the 1986 Mt Data Peace Accord.
In 1999, Conrado Balweg was assasinated by the NPA.
CPLA agreed and signed with the Philippine Government on July 04, 2011 for its closure or dissolution; bringing the rebel organisation to disarm and reintegrate into the mainstream society. Today, any rebel group left in the Cordillera are factions that are only fighting for their personal interests and not for the people of Cordillera.
THE CORDILLERA CONNECTION 