Butbut, Betwagan tribes extend ceasefire to February 2027 as peace talks continue

SADANGA, Mountain Province — The Butbut tribe of Tinglayan, Kalinga, and the Betwagan tribe of Sadanga, Mountain Province have extended their interim ceasefire until February 28, 2027, giving both sides more time to negotiate a formal peace pact to end their longstanding conflict.

The extension was signed on October 10, 2026, at Saclit National High School in Sadanga, with both tribes committing to prevent further hostilities while continuing negotiations through their traditional peace-making mechanisms.

Under the agreement, the tribes committed to refrain from armed conflict, retaliation, revenge attacks, threats, harassment, intimidation and other hostile acts.

They also agreed against armed mobilization and actions or statements—including social media posts—that could provoke violence or further escalate tensions.

The agreement recognizes the role of the Sipat or peace-pact process, the Bodong system and the Councils of Elders in settling disputes through customary practices and dialogue.

Both sides will continue working toward a permanent peace pact while observing customary laws and applicable Philippine laws.

The ceasefire extension followed a September 10 peace dialogue, where the tribes agreed to maintain the truce to protect communities, lives and property and provide additional time to rebuild trust.

The agreement also establishes channels for the tribes to address incidents and misunderstandings without resorting to retaliation.

Each side will designate elders or representatives who can communicate directly on security concerns and reported incidents. They may seek assistance from local government units, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), security forces and neutral elders when necessary.

Any reported violation will be investigated by the appropriate authorities, with legal action to be pursued when warranted. Both tribes are expected to cooperate in identifying individuals responsible for violations.

The agreement specifically prohibits retaliation or collective punishment and states that reports of violations should not be used as grounds to resume hostilities.

The Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue carrying out their respective mandates to maintain peace and order and protect affected communities.

The latest extension is intended to preserve the ceasefire while the two tribes work toward formalizing their Sipat or peace pact.

Recent timeline of the Butbut-Betwagan conflict

September 10, 2026 — Peace dialogue:Representatives of the Butbut and Betwagan tribes agreed to maintain an interim ceasefire while continuing negotiations and efforts to restore trust.

October 10, 2026 — Ceasefire extended:The two tribes formally extended their interim ceasefire until February 28, 2027, during a signing ceremony at Saclit National High School in Sadanga.

The latest agreement provides a longer period for the tribes’ elders and other stakeholders to pursue a formal peace settlement and prevent the conflict from returning to armed hostilities.