THE National Commission on Indigenous People-Cordillera Administrative Region (NCIP-CAR) released a statement on the controversial issue involving Nas Academy and Apo Whang-Od.
On Sunday, it said that the Kalinga tattoo artist did not give consent to teach the Kalinga Art of Tattooing on the online learning platform Nas Academy.
“Apo Whang-Od is not aware of any contract, and she did not affix her thumb mark in any contract for this account,” it added.
The commission went to Buscalan in Kalinga to investigate the issue led by its regional director, Marlon Bosantog, who personally talked to the 104-year-old mambabatok.
Whang-Od’s grandniece revealed that the provisions of the contract were not explained to them. They were also made to sign the contract of filming, interview, and photography and the release of all those that were mentioned.
The NCIP also questioned the thumb mark allegedly affixed by Whang-Od on the contract, saying: “The same is now the subject of further forensic study.”
In addition, NCIP-CAR stressed that the contract was “onerous” as it stated that Nas Academy would have exclusive ownership of “any content that the show would produce.” It added that the law of Singapore “shall govern the said contract.”
The NCIP said it would provide assistance should Whang-Od and her community decide to pursue legal action.(Push)
