MATI CITY, July 22 -- Indigenous peoples leaders in Barangay Macambol are pressing for greater transparency and accountability in the disbursement of mining royalty fees, stressing that benefits must be clearly documented and equitably shared within IP communities, including Barangay Cabuaya.

In an interview, Datu Vidal Mapinogos Jr., 56, and Datu Simplicio Mendoza Jr., 67 - recognized tribal leaders and members of the Indigenous Peoples Political Structure - asserted their authority in demanding full accountability for the PHP24 million royalty released in 2024 by Hallmark Mining Corp.

The royalty, legally earmarked for tribal development, was downloaded to the Macambol-Cabuaya Ancestral Domain Management Office.

Mapinogos said that d...