Gov. Edduba reports peace efforts on Tulgao-Butbut conflict in Kalinga, underscores processes are being followed

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba outlined the continuing efforts of the Kalinga provincial government to address the conflict between the Tulgao and Butbut tribes, including coordination through peace and order mechanisms, task force initiatives, and discussions with regional authorities.

Speaking during the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Center on September 21, Edduba said the province has been actively working on the situation even when some actions are not publicly announced.

He said government responses are being undertaken through established peace and order structures, with agencies following their respective mandates and procedures.

“Idiay social media gamin ket adu ti claims nga awan kanu araramiden ti province ngem anyway, ammo tayo met latta nga haan tayo kailangan nga ian-announce dagita nga ar-aramiden tayo. Adda met naiyaramid tayo nga ceasefire agreement, naikabil met ti news reports ken updates. Adda proseso na amin ti trabaho ti gobyerno. Napan tayo met RPOC tapno adda tumulong kadatayo,” Edduba said.

Edduba explained that the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) operates within a defined government structure and requires proper endorsement and processes before taking action on specific concerns.

Task force, peace mechanisms activated

Edduba also reported that a task force involving neutral tribes from Tinglayan had previously been organized to help address the boundary concerns between the Butbut and Tulgao groups.

According to the governor, the task force had begun its work but temporarily stopped after reaching an area where the parties involved could not reach an understanding.

He said the province continues to handle the matter through the PPOC and the Local Finance Committee (LFC), among other government mechanisms.

The governor also reported on the matter during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting, where the existing task force and possible factors contributing to the conflict were discussed.

He said he reported the creation of the Sumangchil Task Force during the administration of former Mayor Sacrament Gumilab, as well as the recommendations it had generated.

During the RPOC meeting, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong suggested that the Sumangchil Task Force be endorsed to the regional council to provide a mechanism for following up its recommendations with concerned national government agencies.

Peace agreement, security measures

Edduba also discussed the agreement between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes and said the RPOC advised that any agreement reached through the PPOC should be implemented.

The provincial government’s peace efforts come as authorities have strengthened security and other protective measures following renewed tensions between the two groups. The Kalinga PPOC previously convened an emergency meeting, while schools and higher education institutions in affected areas adopted alternative learning arrangements and enhanced security measures.

Authorities have also cautioned uniformed personnel from the two tribes against participating in the conflict, while police and other security forces continue coordinating to prevent further violence.

Edduba said he also raised the possibility of seeking search warrants in connection with reports of firearms, a recommendation he attributed to Mayor Magalong. He said the PNP advised that the existing PPOC agreement and process should be followed for the meantime.

Meanwhile, a separate Butbut-Tulgao Matagoan Task Force was activated in Tabuk City to strengthen early warning, security coordination and peace dialogue and prevent possible retaliation or spillover of the conflict into the city.

Edduba said the provincial government will continue coordinating with the appropriate peace and order, law enforcement and other concerned agencies as efforts to address the conflict continue.

The renewed tensions have also prompted Tinglayan authorities to temporarily advise tourists and visitors to avoid seven barangays while peace and security measures remain in place.