ILOILO – Former Calinog mayor Alex Centena has been appointed commissioner of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), representing the island groups of Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Panay, and the rest of the Visayas — marking a significant political comeback years after being linked to illegal drugs without basis during the Duterte administration.
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) secretary Conrado M. Estrella III administered the oath of office to Centena on Tuesday, May 27. The ceremony was witnessed by DAR Undersecretary Jesry Palmares who expressed satisfaction over the appointment, saying it will benefit the Ilonggos, especially in matters concerning the NCIP.
The NCIP is the primary government agency responsible for protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). It was created under Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA).
Centena’s appointment was officially made through a letter signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated May 22, 2025.
“Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed Commissioner, Representing Island Groups Including Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon, Panay, and the rest of the Visayas, National Commission Indigenous Peoples, for a term of three years,” read the President’s letter.
It further directed: “By virtue hereof, you may qualify and perform the duties of the Office, furnishing the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your Oath of Office.”
The NCIP is expected to work closely with the DAR on long-standing ancestral domain land issues under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) program.
Centena’s name had previously been embroiled in controversy. In August 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte included him in a so-called narco list. Centena, however, denied any involvement in illegal drugs and expressed willingness to resign as mayor if proven otherwise.
“Mapa-drug test kami sa mga naga-isyu sa akon. Ma-resign ako kon mapamatud-an nga nagagamit ako (drugs). Bisan bwas [dayon],” he said at the time.
He admitted the allegation was personally painful. “Sin-o gin baligya-an ko drugs sa banwa ko? Masakit ni nga lahug sa kabuhi ko.”
Centena was no longer included in Duterte’s updated narco-list released on March 14, 2019.
“I’m not a drug protector, never was and never will be. Konsensyahon gid ako kon matuod nga gaintra ako ukon nagaprotektar,” he said./PN
