TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Declaring that peace is the foundation of progress, Kalinga Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem lauded the successful ceasefire between the Tulgao and Butbut tribes, saying the breakthrough offers hope for lasting development and unity in the province.
Speaking during the Provincial Government of Kalinga's flag-raising ceremony on Monday, August 3, Odiem commended Governor James S. Edduba, provincial officials, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), tribal elders, and other stakeholders whose collective efforts paved the way for the three-month truce.
“Gusto ko lang bigyan din ng puri 'yung mga opisyales natin led by Governor James Edduba, our uniformed personnel, mga PD, General, doon sa successful na ceasefire between Tulgao and Butbut tribe. Congratulations sa inyo iti dayta nga effort nyo,” Odiem said.
The vice governor stressed that lasting peace is essential to community growth, emphasizing that development cannot flourish where conflict persists.
“Importante la unay ti kapia. Awan iti progreso nu awan ti peace and order. So, kadagiti nag-effort idjay tapno pumintas ti relasyon dagiti dua a tribal groups, congratulations kadakayo,” he added.
Three-month ceasefire
Odiem's remarks came days after representatives of the Tulgao and Butbut tribes signed a three-month peace covenant on July 30 at the headquarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City.
The agreement established a mutual and unconditional ceasefire, allowing both tribes to peacefully address their remaining issues through dialogue and the bodong peace process with the assistance of neutral peace mediators.
The peace dialogue was presided over by Engr. Andres Ngao-i, together with Tinglayan Municipal Administrator Atty. Mark Dave Bang-as and Vice Mayor Alexander Malasi.
Governor Edduba personally attended the dialogue to reaffirm the Provincial Government's commitment to achieving lasting peace, alongside representatives from the Provincial Government of Kalinga, the Municipality of Tinglayan, the PNP, AFP, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other partner agencies.
Under the covenant, both tribes committed to refrain from any hostile acts while peace negotiations continue. The agreement also aims to ensure that students can safely attend school, employees can return to work without fear, and government and health services can be delivered without disruption.
To reinforce compliance, any violation of the ceasefire carries a customary penalty of two carabaos—one for the offended tribe and another for the Binodngan peace mediators.
Hope for lasting peace
The ceasefire followed heightened tensions after an armed confrontation in a disputed ancestral boundary area in July.
In the days that followed, tribal leaders called for restraint and respect for the bodong process, while Governor Edduba urged both sides to choose dialogue over violence and allow traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms to prevail.
For Odiem, the ceasefire represents more than a temporary halt to hostilities. It is a testament to what can be achieved when leaders, security forces, and tribal communities work together toward a common goal.
He expressed hope that the three-month truce will restore trust between the two tribes, pave the way for a lasting settlement, and inspire all iKalingas to continue choosing peace as the foundation for progress, development, and a better future for the province.
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