Tumandok’s in Caticlan Alleges Fencing Demolition, Property Seizure by Airport Security Guards

MALAY, AKLAN — An Indigenous community in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan is seeking appropriate action after alleging that a group of private security guards demolished fences and removed materials from what the community claims is part of its ancestral land on August 13, 2026.
According to a narrative submitted by the Indigenous group, the incident was preceded by a meeting on August 12 at around 3:29 p.m. when several security guards from Elite Blue Security Specialist Inc., led by Mr. Mario Magno, visited the tribe’s office at Sitio Airport A, Barangay Caticlan.
The guards reportedly questioned the community about the installation of fences in an area allegedly covered by the airport.
Dato Joseph Gaysis Oberio explained that the fencing was part of the tribe’s ongoing self-delineation process to establish and document the boundaries of its ancestral land. The community said tarpaulins posted at the site identified the area as part of their ancestral domain.
The group said the self-delineation process includes the preparation of supporting documents and coordination with local authorities, including the barangay, Caticlan Police Station and the Office of the Mayor of Malay.
The discussion on August 12 reportedly ended peacefully, with no indication that a confrontation would occur the following day.
However, at around 12:43 p.m. on August 13, approximately 15 security personnel from Elite Blue Security Specialist Inc., allegedly led by head guard Mr. Gabriel Maestrado and accompanied by Magno, arrived at the area.
The Indigenous group alleged that the security personnel entered the property without prior notice and proceeded to dismantle the fences and remove the tarpaulins posted by the community.
The group further alleged that some of its equipment and materials were taken from the area.
According to the narrative, several members of the tribe, including elders and members of its Council of Elders, were present during the incident. The community said the presence of armed security personnel caused fear among the Indigenous residents, particularly the elderly members.
Those identified in the narrative included Dato Carlito, Dato Billy, Dato Tito, Dato Joseph, Dato Jesus, Bae Nenita, Bae Merelyn, Bae Tita, Bae Rosie Arca Oberio, Dato Sonny and Dato Juno.
Police officers from the Airport Aviation Security unit later arrived after an emergency call was made through 911 by Dato Jesus Gaysis Oberio.
The responding officers were identified as PMSg Darwin D. Rabino, Pat Quian Aquino, PCMS Marcial Solano and PCPL Delos Santos.
Dato Joseph reportedly narrated the incident to the responding officers. According to the community’s account, PMSg Rabino expressed concern over the manner in which the fences and properties were allegedly dismantled and taken, saying the matter should first have been addressed through proper communication and peaceful discussion.
The police officer also reportedly advised the Indigenous community to coordinate with authorities should another confrontation occur and to have the incident documented through a barangay blotter.
At around 1:27 p.m., Dato Joseph also recorded the names of the responding police officers for documentation purposes.
Following the incident, Dato Joseph Gaysis Oberio and Dato Billy Rosauro Prado proceeded to the Barangay Lupon ng Katarungan to seek documentation of the alleged incident.
However, the community alleged that the complaint was not accepted by Lupon Secretary Ms. Marialyn Bandiola Asuncion, who reportedly said that a complaint could not be filed against the security personnel unless their residency in Barangay Caticlan was first established.
Kagawad Hon. Alimar Cahilig reportedly agreed with the position.
The Indigenous community said the development left its representatives saddened, while stressing that they intend to continue asserting what they believe are their rights as Indigenous Peoples and to pursue the restoration of their language, culture and traditional way of life.
The allegations have yet to be independently established, and the security company and other parties identified in the account have not been given an opportunity to respond to the claims.
The incident could potentially involve questions concerning ancestral land claims, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, private security operations, property ownership and the proper procedure for resolving disputes over land.
The community is calling the attention of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region VI, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other concerned government agencies to the incident and is seeking appropriate intervention and documentation.
The group said it remains committed to pursuing its self-delineation process through proper documentation and coordination with government authorities.