“Allow me to also extend a call for peace…Tulungan tayo ni Apo Governor, sapay kuma ta kapya latta ti agtalinaed” — VG Odiem urges unity, lasting peace in Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem has urged iKalingas to support Governor James S. Edduba and work together to preserve peace in the province amid the ongoing tribal conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan.

Speaking during the provincial government’s regular flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City, on October 26, Odiem called on residents to pray for the safety of families affected by the conflict, security personnel deployed in the area, and community elders working to restore peace.

He recognized the sacrifices of elders involved in efforts to resolve the dispute and urged the public to consider the welfare of affected communities as authorities and concerned groups pursue a peaceful settlement.

“Allow me to also extend a call for peace. Itatta nga panawen ket makita tayo nga ti mangdisdistorbo met ti peace and order tayo tatta ket daytoy agdama nga sangsangwen tayo- the Butbut and Tulgao tribal conflict. Pangaasi tayo ta ikarkararagan tayo man isuda tapnu safe dagiti pamilya idiay nga il-ili,” Odiem said.

The vice governor also cautioned the public against spreading false or unverified information about the conflict, warning that misleading reports could create confusion and damage the image of provincial officials, particularly the governor.

He stressed the need for responsible communication while tensions persist in the affected communities, appealing to residents not to circulate information that could further complicate the situation.

“...pangaasi tayo haan tayo unay kuma nga agiwarwaras ti false information ken dagitoy nga pasamak. Ta kas makita ket nagad-ado metten iti information nga mangperperdi iti imahe lalo ti Governor tayo, ket haan kuma... we thank Governor James for his good leadership. Tulungan tayo ni Apo governor. Sapay kuma ta kapya latta ti agtalinaed iti probinsya tayo nga Kalinga,” Odiem said.

His remarks highlighted the importance of public unity and support for the provincial government’s efforts to address the conflict while protecting residents and preventing further violence.

Security personnel have been deployed in Tinglayan as government officials and community elders continue working to resolve the Butbut-Tulgao dispute and restore peace in affected areas.

Odiem expressed hope that peace would prevail in Kalinga, urging residents to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution and help ensure the safety of families and communities.