Butbut, Tulgao tribes seal 3-month peace covenant; truce violators face 2-carabao penalty

Tabuk City, Kalinga — Students and employees from the Butbut and Tulgao tribes can now return to their schools and workplaces without fear after the two conflicting tribes signed a peace covenant formalizing a three-month ceasefire on July 30, 2026, at the 503rd Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Calanan, Tabuk City.

The covenant was signed during a peace dialogue presided over by Engr. Andres Ngao-i, together with Tinglayan Municipal Administrator Atty. Mark Dave Bang-as and Vice Mayor Alexander Malasi.

During the dialogue, Ngao-i emphasized the importance of the ceasefire, or sipat, noting that the conflict had forced many students from both tribes to stop attending classes, while several employees had taken leave from work out of fear for their safety.

"Kaadwan nga uskwela tayo ket haan da nga sinumreken... ket adda da nga nagaawid. Tuguegarao nagaawid da. Uray empleyado, nagadu iti nag-leave. Ket dayta iti panunuten tayo amin ket masapul kuma nga haan tayo ib-ibatan daytoy panaguummong tayo hanggat masolusyunan," he said.

Representatives from both tribes were given the opportunity to present their concerns and discuss possible measures to resolve the conflict. After hours of dialogue, they agreed to enter into a three-month ceasefire by signing the peace covenant.

Violators face penalties

Under the mutual and unconditional ceasefire, both tribes agreed that, pending the final settlement of their issues, no member of either tribe shall initiate any hostile act against the other. They also committed to immediately report any incidents or tensions to the authorities and to cooperate fully with peacekeeping and mediation efforts.

The agreement further guarantees the uninterrupted delivery of essential services. Health workers, social workers, emergency responders, teachers, and humanitarian personnel shall be allowed to perform their duties safely and without interference. Likewise, learners shall be able to attend classes without disruption, patients shall have access to healthcare facilities, and government services shall continue without obstruction.

Any violation of the covenant carries a customary penalty of one carabao payable to the offended sub-tribe and another carabao to the Binodngan negotiators or mediators.

With the ceasefire taking effect immediately on July 30, the Butbut and Tulgao tribes, together with neutral parties, will use the three-month truce to address their remaining issues and work toward restoring peace and rebuilding their relationship.