Kalinga tribal feud unresolved after 10 peace talks

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Despite 103 days of continuous security deployments and 10 formal peace talks, the armed conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan, Kalinga, remains unresolved, with three civilian casualties reported.

Authorities are now pushing for the creation of a Provincial Task Force to End Tribal Armed Conflict to strengthen peace efforts and prevent further violence.

Lt. Col. Jimric Obias, commander of the 103rd Infantry Battalion, proposed the task force during a special meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on 19 October.

The meeting was presided over by Kalinga Governor James Edduba at Capitol Hills in Barangay Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Obias said security forces had maintained their presence in affected communities for more than three months and participated in 10 formal peace dialogues and numerous informal meetings.

However, hostilities have continued despite repeated mediation efforts.

The proposed task force would bring together government agencies, civil society organizations and local communities to address the violence and underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to tribal disputes.

It would also cover other ongoing tribal conflicts across Kalinga.

During the meeting, a representative of religious group KARSA expressed willingness to help mediate between the two tribes and facilitate renewed negotiations.

Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council chairman Andres Ngao-i, meanwhile, reminded police and military personnel belonging to the tribes that their primary responsibility is to maintain peace.

He stressed that uniformed personnel must perform their law enforcement duties and refrain from participating in hostilities, while remaining mindful of their obligations under the traditional bodong, or peace pact system.

Tinglayan Mayor Charles Abay also called for stronger coordination with the municipal government, emphasizing that local officials should be consulted before peace negotiations are conducted.

Provincial authorities hope the proposed task force will strengthen mediation efforts and help restore peace in affected communities.