CUBH pushes for stronger cooperation to stop revenge killings, end tribal conflicts; Atty. Dickpus flags vote buying as one source of tensions

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Cordillera United Bodong Holders (CUBH) is pushing for stronger cooperation among tribes and greater recognition of the traditional Bodong system to help end cycles of revenge killings and prevent further tribal violence in the Cordillera.

During its First Cordillera United Bodong Holders Conference on November 7, 2026, in Dagupan Weste, Tabuk City, CUBH called on traditional leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to work together in resolving disputes through dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for customary laws.

Atty. Charisma Anne Dickpus, former mayor of Lubuagan, who attended the gathering, also called for an end to vote buying and urged communities to uphold peace agreements by observing the Cordilleran values of ngilin, paniyaw, and bain.

Dickpus pointed out that in some areas, vote buying, apart from land disputes and crimes, has become one of the factors contributing to conflicts between clans and tribes, making it an issue that must also be addressed in efforts to achieve lasting peace.

She emphasized that peace pacts must be honored and that political activities should not undermine the trust and relationships built among communities.

Meanwhile, Robinson C. Saclag, CUBH lead convenor, said the organization aims to help stop binnales or revenge killings by strengthening the role of Bodong holders in assisting authorities in resolving tribal disputes and locating individuals involved in conflicts.

“Nu ma organize daytuy nga organization, ket ti purpose na maikkat kuma jay binnales. Adda daytuy justice system ti gobyerno tayu, adda korte tayu. Tumulong ti bodong holder tayu iti bodong. Nu kuma nagtaray ni Pedro idjay Tinglayan, tumulong dagiti bodong holder tayu a mangtiliw. Nalaka nga matiliw,” Saclag said.

He stressed that the traditional Bodong system should complement the government’s justice system, with Bodong holders helping law enforcement authorities locate individuals involved in tribal disputes and promoting accountability through cooperation among tribes.

Saclag said his personal experience as a victim of tribal war inspired him to organize CUBH, hoping to spare other families from the suffering caused by prolonged conflicts.

“Biktima kami idi ti tribal war.. isu idjay ti nagpanunutak nga nu napasamak kanyak napasamak metlang kadagijay dadduma nga pamilya. Isu ti nang inspire kanyak nga mangbuo daytuy nga organization,” he said.

Among the organization's proposed initiatives are providing incentives to Bodong holders, seeking government assistance for the voluntary surrender and purchase of firearms, and addressing unresolved tribal conflict cases across the Cordillera.

Saclag said reducing the number of firearms in communities and resolving outstanding disputes would help prevent further violence and break the cycle of revenge killings.

He also appealed to the Butbut and Tulgao tribes, which remain affected by an ongoing conflict in Tinglayan, to prioritize dialogue and consider how continued hostilities could affect the future of their children.

“Daytuy Kuma ti panunuten da, sayang ti biyag. Pagsaritaan tayu Kuma dayta. Nu agiskwela dagiti ubbing, nu Ag lawyer da, doktora, maestra, basta naka eskwela da, gumatang da iti ektaektarya nga lote. I focus tayu Kuma lattan ti pagsayaatan ti tattao aglalo ti estudyante ta apektado dagita annak ti duwwa nga tribe,” he appealed.

The conference was held under the theme, “Natalna Ken Panagkakaduwa Ti Intero Nga Cordillera,” and brought together Bodong holders, traditional leaders, members of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, media practitioners, and other stakeholders.

The gathering was led by Saclag, together with convenors Placido T. Alsiyang Jr., Juanita A. Chulsi, and Bruce Lee T. Dayagon.

CUBH said it aims to preserve indigenous knowledge, customary laws, and the Bodong system as mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution and stronger unity among Cordilleran communities.