“Awan kuma ti madangran nga sibilyan”: PNP PCol. Ngabit prioritizes safety amid Butbut-Tulgao conflict, orders measures to prevent spillover in Tabuk

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga police will prioritize checkpoints, patrols and preventive security measures over potentially dangerous direct confrontations as tensions continue between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan, aiming to prevent further casualties.

Kalinga Police Provincial Office (KPPO) Director PCol. Peter D. Ngabit Jr. said during the emergency Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on October 19 that police operations must consider the risks of entering areas where armed individuals may hold strategic positions.

“Ti long-range plan ko, para kuma ti pabor ti tropa. Awan ti madisgrasya, awan ti matay ditoy a tropa—awan ti madangran nga sibilyan,” Ngabit said, emphasizing his goal of avoiding injuries and deaths among police personnel and civilians.

His remarks came amid suggestions to enter affected villages and recover firearms.

However, such operations could expose personnel and residents to danger because of the firepower and possible tactical positions of armed members of the two tribes.

Rather than risk a direct firefight, Ngabit said the police would focus on preventing violence from spreading to other communities and strengthening security in areas considered vulnerable to spillover fighting.

Checkpoints, patrols deployed in Nambaran, Lacnog

Ngabit said he was concerned that the conflict could extend to communities outside the immediate fighting area, particularly in Tabuk.

He said he had directed personnel from the Tabuk City Police Station, the First Company of the Provincial Mobile Force, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 based in Talaca, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to help secure Barangays Nambaran and Lacnog.

The measures include patrols and checkpoints to monitor movement, deter further violence and help protect residents.

Ngabit said the approach aims to safeguard both communities and personnel while efforts to restore peace continue.

Investigation into deaths ongoing

The police director also reported progress in the investigation into deaths linked to the tribal conflict, saying authorities were preparing to file a case in connection with one of the fatalities.

He said the family of the latest fatality declined an autopsy, preventing investigators from determining the caliber of the firearm used.

“Tattan diay kaso, bareng mai-file diay maysa. Diay latest nga natay ket haan da kayat nga ipa-autopsy so haan tayo ma-determine diay caliber ti nausar,” he said.

Investigators will have to rely on available evidence and follow proper procedures as they establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Peace efforts remain crucial

Police security operations are continuing as authorities await a proposed sipat—a traditional peace-related process between the Tulgao and Butbut communities—that could help pave the way for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue.

The preventive security measures are intended to limit further harm while peace efforts move forward. Authorities face the challenge of maintaining public safety without exposing civilians and secu