Nas Academy refutes NCIP's findings that Whang-od did not consent to teach the Kalinga Art of tattooing

Nas Academy on Monday refuted the findings of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) about Whang-od not giving consent to teach the Kalinga Art of Tattooing online course.

"We have just been informed of the contents of a Press Release from the Regional Office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples ('NCIP')," Nas Academy began its statement on Facebook.

"It is not true that Apo Whang-Od's consent was not obtained and that she did not affix her signature," it said.

"It is also not true that the contract was not discussed with her."

According to Nas Academy, producing the Whang-Od Academy course had them "engage the services of a local production company, known for the projects they produce on Indigenous Peoples. "

"Under our agreement, they were expected to conduct due diligence and comply with all requirements mandated by Philippine law," the statement added.

Nas Academy said they "were assured that their group would coordinate with Whang-Od, her family, and their community."

They spent two full days "filming with Whang-Od and Estela" and the whole process involved "more than 7 people."

According to the beleaguered organization, Estela even set up a bank account to be able to receive revenue from the project, which was proof that the contract was not onerous to Whang-Od, as the NCIP earlier said.

"The contract’s terms are standard for all Nas Academy agreements, containing fair and legally sound terms that are fair to both parties," they added.

Nas Academy said the contract was "presented and translated to Whang-Od by her niece, Estela Baydon Palangdao, in the presence of Rudy (brother of Whang-Od), husband of Estela (biological nephew of Whang-Od), two other members of their tribe as well as Agosto, a tour guide and tourism officer. "

Pointing to a portion of the video they previously released in response to the Facebook post calling them out, Nas Academy said, "you can see that Whang-Od affixed her thumbprint on the contract, only after the contents had been explained to her by the local Filipino production team with the help of Estela."

"It was only after the permission was granted by the family, that the filming started," they said.

According to the Nas Academy statement, "We engaged with Whang-Od and her family in order to support them during these difficult times. COVID-19 has had a negative impact on tourism for everyone, including Whang-Od." 

Nas Academy said they were "ready to cooperate with the Regional Office of the NCIP in its investigation" but that they were "not given the chance to explain its side before arriving at a conclusion and releasing a statement."

"This is not how a fair investigation is held. Both sides must be heard to reach a fair and informed conclusion," they added.

"We regret the inconvenience made to the public. We think this issue is the result of internal disputes that are outside of our control. That being said, we remain committed to our mission in the Philippines," they ended their note.

Nas Academy's statement came a day after NICP released a statement on the Whang-Od issue saying that Whang-Od did not consent to teach the Kalinga Art of tattooing in Nas Academy, among other findings.

"Whang-Od Academy" under Nas Academy has been tagged a scam by the artist's grandniece Gracia Palicas earlier this month.

Nas Daily then issued a statement saying that Whang-Od has signed a contract with them, sharing a video of her imprinting her thumb mark on a paper.

Nas Academy immediately took down the Whang Od course from the website, with organization issuing a statement days later saying they are halting operations in the Philippines. — LA, GMA News