It was in October 2008, the 3rd Mindanao IP Convention, when the IP leaders present recognize the need to have a representation in Congress. They unanimously signed a resolution to file a petition for registration and accreditation with the COMELEC as Party List Group and to participate in the Party List system of representation during the 2010 automated national election.
Thus, Abante Tribung Makabansa (ATM) was accredited by COMELEC as a sectoral Party List. Its regional constituency includes Assemblies of Tribal Elders, Leaders and Representatives belonging to the 18 ethno-linguistic tribes and 38 sub-tribes spread over the five (5) regions of Mindanao and one (1) province within ARMM.
ATM is governed by a Political Directorate composed of the nominees, Executive Committee, and its set of officers while drawing wisdoms from its organizational strength of 41 Tribal Assemblies, 21 Satellite Organizations and 11 partner IP Organizations.
Guided by the purposes, policies and principles of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and R.A 8371 (popularly known as Indigenous Peoples Rights Act or IPRA Law), ATM affirms that Indigenous Peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such.
ATM welcomes the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social and cultural empowerment in order to end all forms of discrimination and oppression wherever they occur.
Convinced that direct participation by indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations, needs and in harmony with other communities and residents.