“Appreciate tayo met ti efforts da, nangruna iti peace and order ditoy Kalinga”: BM Kitongan proposes commendations for Pol. Col. Fati-ig and Lt. Col. Obias

The move seeks to recognize their contributions to Kalinga’s peace and security efforts. Fati-ig is preparing to retire from the police service, while Obias is set to transfer to another assignment.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan has proposed resolutions of commendation for Police Colonel Gilbert Fati-ig and Lieutenant Colonel Jimrhic B. Obias in recognition of their contributions to peace and security efforts in Kalinga.

Fati-ig is preparing to retire from the police service, while Obias is set to transfer to another assignment.

Kitongan proposed the commendations for Fati-ig, Kalinga Police Provincial Office director, and Obias, commander of the 103rd Infantry (Mabalasik) Battalion, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on Tuesday, October 6.

The proposed resolutions seek to formally recognize the two officials for their service to the province, particularly their roles in maintaining peace and order and working with local governments, communities and other government agencies on security concerns.

Fati-ig’s return to Kalinga

Fati-ig brought more than three decades of police experience when he returned to head the Kalinga PPO.

A native of Tinglayan, Fati-ig first served as Kalinga PPO director in June 2024 before being reassigned to the Abra Police Provincial Office in December of the same year. He returned to Kalinga and formally assumed the post again on October 16, 2025.

During his leadership, the Kalinga police reported gains in peace and order operations, including declines in several index crimes and continued arrests of wanted persons.

The provincial police also conducted operations against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, loose firearms and other criminal activities.

In one of the province’s major anti-illegal drug operations, police reported the destruction of 159,100 marijuana plants with an estimated value of ₱31.76 million, along with arrests in drug-related operations.

Other operations under the provincial police focused on loose firearms and illegal logging.

Fati-ig’s work also extended to community-based peace efforts.

In January 2026, the Kalinga PPO hosted and witnessed a sipat between the Guinaang and Balatoc tribes in Pasil as part of efforts to address their long-standing boundary dispute.

Fati-ig expressed support for the traditional peace process while emphasizing the role of the police in enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.

His leadership also extended to efforts to address the continuing conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes of Tinglayan.

In August 2026, police personnel from the two tribes assigned to the Kalinga PPO signed a peace covenant committing to mutual respect, unity, cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution.

Fati-ig called on the officers to become examples of peace in their respective communities and avoid becoming part of the conflict involving their tribes.

The effort came amid continuing attempts by the two tribes to restore relations following the termination of their bodong and the signing of a temporary ceasefire in July.

The conflict, however, resurfaced in September, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel to Tinglayan to strengthen security, prevent retaliatory violence and protect residents while peace efforts continued.

Fati-ig’s return to Kalinga also coincided with a major milestone in the province’s broader peace and security campaign.

On May 12, 2026, Fati-ig received the traditional spear and kalasag from Obias during Kalinga’s declaration under the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security.

The symbolic handover marked the transfer of the lead role in internal security operations from the military to the Philippine National Police.

Obias leads 103rd IB toward stable peace

Obias, meanwhile, led the 103rd Infantry Battalion during the province’s efforts to achieve stable internal peace and security.

By June 2025, Obias reported that the Army had dismantled the WKLG Baggas and WKLG North Abra guerrilla fronts of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee, alongside the surrender of members and the weakening of remaining insurgent structures in the province.

Under his leadership, the 103rd IB also pursued community-based peace engagement, including efforts to encourage remaining armed individuals to surrender and return to mainstream society.

The battalion deployed Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams to help maintain peace in previously cleared communities and worked with people’s organizations to sustain gains made in areas affected by insurgency.

In March 2026, Obias presented the Army’s assessment that insurgency was no longer a viable threat in Kalinga, citing the dismantling of insurgent structures and the accounting of remaining active members through surrender, arrest or other government operations.

His report helped support the provincial recommendation for the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS) declaration.

During the May 12 declaration ceremony, Obias and Fati-ig also became central figures in the province’s security transition.

Obias handed the traditional spear and kalasag to Fati-ig, symbolizing the transfer of the lead role in internal security operations from the Philippine Army to the Philippine National Police.

‘Two roles, one peace effort’

While Fati-ig and Obias led different security institutions, their assignments brought them together in Kalinga’s peace and security transition.

Fati-ig led the provincial police force as the PNP prepared to take the lead in internal security, while Obias led the 103rd IB as the Army worked toward completing its security and peace-building responsibilities in the province.

‘Apay nga saan tayo nga ibaga ti thank you?’

For Kitongan, the proposed commendations are an opportunity for the provincial government to express its appreciation for Fati-ig’s service before his retirement and Obias’ contributions before his transfer to another assignment.

He said the two officials deserve recognition for their efforts to maintain peace and order in Kalinga and for working with different sectors toward a safer province.

“Appreciation tayo met iti efforts da, nangruna iti peace and order ditoy Kalinga. Kasapulan tayo nga maipakita ti panagyaman kadagiti nagserbi iti Kalinga,” Kitongan said.

Kitongan said the proposed commendations are meant to recognize not only the positions held by Fati-ig and Obias but also the responsibilities they carried while serving the province.

“Dagiti trabaho da ket saan nga nalaka. Adda dagiti challenges ken responsibilities a masapul da a sangoen tapno mapagtalinaed ti talna ken seguridad. Isu nga napateg nga iti panawen nga agretire ti maysa ken maitransfer ti sabali, maipakita tayo nga makita ken ma-appreciate ti probinsya ti serbisyo da. Nu adda panawen nga maibaga tayo ti ‘thank you,’ apay nga saan tayo nga ibaga?” Kitongan added.

Commendations to be presented during flag-raising

During the session presided over by Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem, the provincial board approved the proposed commendations for Fati-ig and Obias.

The board also agreed that the formal presentation of the commendations will be held during the next flag-raising ceremony of the Provincial Government of Kalinga.