FEATURE: What is difference between PMU–Kalinga Mediators and the KBCE?

As local communities—especially in culturally rich provinces like Kalinga—continue to rely on mediation to resolve conflicts, promote harmony, and ease the workload of provincial courts, the Philippine Mediation Unit (PMU)–Kalinga highlighted a key distinction between court-appointed mediators and members of the Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders (KBCE).

The PMU is a court-based program in which accredited mediators help disputing parties reach settlements before trial. Meanwhile, the KBCE is a council of experienced elders who mediate and negotiate amicable settlements, often involving disputes between tribes, including Binodngan and non-Binodngan groups.

PMU and KBCE

During a group interview with the four PMU–Kalinga mediators at the RTC Building in Capitol Hills, Bulanao on January 22, 2026, PMU–Kalinga Mediator Cirilo Indammog described mediation as a process that brings parties together to reach reconciliation or compromise—serving as a complementary mechanism to the Bodong system.

“Mediation is an intervention between two parties to promote reconciliation or settlement, or to help individuals reach a compromise. Mediation helps support the Bodong system,” he said.

While the two systems share similarities, Mediator Crispin Gayagay emphasized a key difference: while the KBCE typically handles disputes within the locality, court mediators have the authority to handle both civil and criminal cases referred by the court.

“…The difference between court mediators and the Council of Elders is that we can mediate both civil and criminal cases. This mediation allows both parties to reach a win-win solution—there is no winner or loser. It focuses on restoring harmonious relationships. When parties reach an agreement, the case can be dismissed outright. We submit the compromise to the prosecution, which then forwards it to the court for dismissal,” he explained.

Gayagay added that this dual role not only complements the province’s formal justice system but also helps promote harmony and reduce the caseload of Kalinga courts.

Mediator Vicente Bentican further noted that the KBCE can resolve disputes even before cases reach the courts.

“In our mediation process, we only accept cases referred by the court—mainly civil cases. But under the Council of Elders, disputes can be resolved even before they are brought to court,” he said.

Call to avail mediation services

Meanwhile, Mediator Antonio Dumalan encouraged residents to seek mediation services from Supreme Court–accredited Court-Annexed Mediators in Kalinga for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

“Maipakpaka-ammo kadagiti kakailyan nga adda Court-Annexed Mediators ti probinsya ti Kalinga nga sisasagana nga mang-settle kadagiti civil cases nga magapo ti korte. Dagitoy mediators ket nag-undergo da ti training nga inted ti Supreme Court, isu nga well-equipped kami. Accredited kami nga ag-mediate kadagiti tribal, civil, ken criminal cases, as well as community disputes, ken kadagiti individual nga agkiddaw ti tulong,” he said.

With the establishment of the mediation unit, both PMU mediators and the Council of Elders continue to work together, ensuring that court-referred and community-based conflicts are handled by capable and knowledgeable individuals.

Residents seeking mediation services may visit or contact mediators at the RTC Building in Capitol Hills, Bulanao.