Butbut-Betwagan leaders sign interim ceasefire deal, push peaceful resolution to end long-standing conflict

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — Leaders of the Butbut and Betwagan communities have signed an Interim Ceasefire Agreement on September 10, 2026, following a peace dialogue in Awichon, Lubuagan, Kalinga, marking a significant step toward resolving their long-standing conflict.

The agreement formalized the parties’ commitment to temporarily cease hostilities and continue addressing their differences through peaceful dialogue.

The peace dialogue brought together tribal elders and community leaders from both sides, along with representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, provincial and local governments, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives, and other concerned stakeholders.

During the meeting, both parties openly discussed issues affecting their communities and expressed willingness to continue negotiations through peaceful means.

One of the priority concerns identified was the establishment, identification and clarification of the boundary between the two communities, which has been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the long-running dispute.

The parties are expected to seek technical assistance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in addressing the boundary issue.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled in October, during which stakeholders are expected to discuss the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that will facilitate regular consultations and monitor developments in the peace process.

A Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Resolution is also expected to be crafted and endorsed to the Regional Peace and Order Council as part of efforts to strengthen the peace process.

The dialogue was facilitated by the 103rd Infantry “Mabalasik” Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, under Lt. Col. Jimrhic B. Obias, with the participation of the 503rd Infantry Brigade, 102nd Infantry Battalion, DILG-Kalinga, PNP, and the local governments of Tinglayan, Kalinga and Sadanga, Mountain Province.

The 5th Infantry (STAR) Division expressed support for the local governments, law enforcement agencies, indigenous leaders and other stakeholders working toward peaceful and inclusive mechanisms to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba also welcomed the continuing peace efforts, expressing hope that the negotiations would eventually result in a formal peace pact.

“Maragsakanak nga agtultuloy latta ti gandat nga maisayangkat ti peace pact between Bugnay and Betwagan. I am praying nga malpas kuma datoyen nga conflict tapno agtultuloy ti kapia para iti mas napinpintas nga masakbayan dagiti annak tayo,” Edduba said.

The governor said ending the conflict would help ensure lasting peace and a better future for the communities and the next generation.

The signing of the interim ceasefire agreement is seen as a positive development in efforts to settle the long-standing dispute and strengthen peaceful relations between the Butbut community of Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga, and the Betwagan community of Sadanga, Mountain Province.