503rd commander warns soldiers: ‘Don’t get involved in Butbut-Tulgao tribal conflict. If found, you will be discharged from service’

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Soldiers proven to have participated physically or logistically in the ongoing Butbut-Tulgao tribal conflict in Tinglayan will face appropriate administrative action, according to BGen. Rhenante Salvador, commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade.

Salvador gave the assurance during an emergency meeting of the Kalinga Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) called by Governor James Edduba on September 16 to discuss immediate measures to restore peace between the two tribes.

Aside from providing security support alongside the Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO), Salvador said the 503rd Infantry Brigade is committed to ensuring that none of its personnel participates in hostilities between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes.

“As to the involvement po of Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially the Philippine Army, pagka po sila ay napatunayan na nag-participate physically or logistically dito sa ongoing na conflict, they will be dealt with accordingly, administratively, and they will be discharged from service,” Salvador said.

Brief conflict timeline

The recent Butbut-Tulgao conflict is rooted in a long-standing boundary dispute between the two tribes. Tensions escalated in July, including an exchange of gunfire in a contested area, prompting calls from tribal elders and authorities for a return to non-hostilities.

On July 30, representatives of the two tribes met at the 503rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Calanan, Tabuk City, where they agreed to a temporary ceasefire while negotiations for a longer-term settlement continued.

On August 14, the tribes exchanged Sipat tokens as part of efforts to restore their traditional peace process and rebuild relations. Ten days later, on August 24, Butbut and Tulgao police personnel assigned to the KPPO signed a peace covenant committing themselves to non-hostility, mutual respect, unity, and cooperation.

Despite these peace efforts, tensions continued into September. Authorities subsequently tightened security measures, while the local government advised visitors to avoid several barangays in Tinglayan affected by the ongoing dispute.

Security and peace efforts

The renewed tensions prompted the September 16 emergency PPOC meeting, where government officials and security agencies discussed measures to prevent further escalation and protect residents.

The 503rd Infantry Brigade and KPPO are working with the Kalinga Provincial Government, Tinglayan Municipal Government, other government agencies, tribal elders, the involved tribes, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and protect communities affected by the dispute.

Salvador’s warning came amid these continuing efforts, stressing that members of the Philippine Army are expected to remain neutral and refrain from participating in hostilities between the two tribes.