Butbut, Tulgao tribes in Kalinga halt gunfire, raising hopes for lasting peace; 325 troops secure disputed areas

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The exchange of gunfire between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan has stopped following separate dialogues with tribal elders, while government forces continue security operations in disputed areas to prevent renewed hostilities.

Lt. Col. Jimrick Obias, commander of the 103rd Infantry Battalion, reported the development during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on October 26 at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol.

Obias said the military had secured a commitment from Butbut elders to refrain from further hostile actions against the Tulgao tribe. However, the long-standing boundary dispute remains unresolved, and authorities continue efforts to prevent further violence and pursue a peaceful settlement.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure that there will be no exchange of gunfire between both sides. Once we settle the area, we can proceed with discussions,” Obias said.

As part of the security measures, a composite force of 325 personnel from the Philippine Army and the 103rd Infantry Battalion had been deployed to Tinglayan as of October 25.

Obias said the troops were pulled out from Abra over the weekend on the directive of Brig. Gen. Rhenante Salvador to reinforce security operations in the conflict-affected areas.

The military also established a 500-meter security buffer in all directions around the disputed areas. Under the arrangement discussed with tribal representatives, neither side should enter the designated zone once government troops occupy it.

Obias said the military would document the accounts of both sides and present them to the task force for consideration as part of efforts to address the conflict.

“I was able to get the commitment of the Butbut tribe that they will not engage in any further hostile action against the other party. Yun ang pinaka-magandang nangyari during that day.

Sabi ko sa kanila [Butbut tribe] itataya ko dito ang career ko as an officer and as a commander,” he said.

The military also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Butbut Council of Elders aimed at preventing further casualties and allowing Army units to serve as peacekeeping forces amid the continuing boundary dispute.

Under the agreement, peacekeeping forces will be positioned in boundary areas, including Chapanan, Tugcho, Sakumpi-il, Gwitti and Hullajao.

PPOC resolution on troop deployment pending signature

Meanwhile, Governor James S. Edduba said a PPOC resolution authorizing police and military personnel to oversee the disputed areas had yet to be signed.

Provincial Legal Officer John Paul Baguiwan said the resolution was under review by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). DILG Provincial Director Meyer Adong, meanwhile, said the document had already been prepared and checked and was ready for signature.

The council also discussed organizing a coordinated task force to address the conflict. Edduba proposed Kalinga Rep. Caroline Agyao as chairperson and Vice Governor Dave Odiem as co-chairperson.

The cessation of gunfire marks a positive development in efforts to restore peace in the area.

However, the deployment of troops, the establishment of security buffers and the continuing dialogues underscore the need for sustained measures to prevent renewed clashes and resolve the ancestral boundary dispute.