Haggiyo Police probes unauthorized trip of 17 minors to Baguio event organized by Cordillera People’s Alliance

Ifugao, Philippines - Haggiyo cops of Ifugao Police Provincial Office (PPO) launched a probe to determine accountability over the unauthorized Baguio trip of 17 minors from Lamut last week.

The incident happened on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Ifugao PPO in a press release said they received a phone call probably from a concerned parent, informing them that at around 7 a.m. of the said day, three white vans transported the minors, all from Barangay Sanafe of Lamut town in Ifugao, to attend a seminar in Baguio City.

The minors reportedly travelled without the permission of their parents or guardians.

Upon verification, the minors were found attending a seminar on Cordillera Summit on Energy Transition and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights at a building along Teodora Alonzo Street in Baguio City. The event was held by Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) as part of the 41st Peoples' Cordillera Day celebration.

The following day, Haggiyo cops of Ifugao PPO and Napino cops of Baguio City Police Office, coordinating with social welfare officers and other authorities, conducted rescue operation, bringing the minors back safely and sound to their respective homes.

On Saturday, April 26, the minors involved, along with their parents and the local government officers, convened to address concerns surrounding the incident.

It was revealed that before their trip to Baguio, the minors were approached by a certain individual who is also a resident of the same village. They were, accordingly, informed that they will be attending a seminar on “Cordillera and Senators” for three days. The topic captured the attention of the juveniles.

It appears that they sought permission from their respective parents and guardians but were denied. Still, the individual who approached them facilitated their trip.

Police confirmed that “no written parental or guardian consent had been obtained for the minors’ participation, constituting a possible violation of both Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and Article 271 of the Revised Penal Code.”

An investigation is underway to identify those who should be responsible for the incident and establish accountability upon them, since there is a clear violation of the law.

Ifugao police reminded event organizers to always coordinate with the local government unit and ask for a formal waiver or consent for parents to sign if minors are involved. On the part of the minors, they are urged to listen to their parents and avoid activities that may expose them to harm and danger.

The CPA denied allegations of kidnapping and NPA recruitment. They claim that participating in said event was voluntary, and no one was forced to attend.