Kalinga forms Task Force for prompt resolution of Butbut - Betwagan conflict

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In an effort to restore the peace between Butbut of Tinglayan and Betwagan of Sadanga, the provincial government of Kalinga created a task force to facilitate resolution of their longstanding dispute that had claimed another life on May 30.

Governor Ferdinand Tubban signed the Executive Order (EO) No. 2021-23 on June 14, mandating the organization of a task force for the peaceful resolution of the Butbut-Betwagan conflict.

Tubban, in said EO, mentioned that for the past months, both provinces of Kalinga and Mountain Province, along with the Philippine National Police and other stakeholders tried to resolve the dispute. However, it is without success.

The EO stated that ‘the arm conflict affects the economic activities of the two conflicting tribes, as members from both sides are afraid to work in their farms near the disputed area for fear of attack from either side.’

Kalinga Bodong Council Chairman, Engineer Andres Ngao-i chairs the task force with DILG Provincial Director, Engineer Mayer Max Adong as the Vice Chairperson.

Members include William Puday Sr. and Fidel Pan-oy of the Provincial Bodong Council of Elders; Rev. Luis Ao-as of KARSA; Sangguniang Panlalawigan Peace and Order Committee Chairman, Board Member Antonio Bakilan; Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Ken Emery Martinez; Kalinga Police Provincial Office Director,PCol Davy Vicente Limmong; and 503rd Brigade Commander, Col Santiago Enginco.

Powers and Functions

Among the task force’ powers and functions include the facilitation of dialogues between the two tribes.

They can also request or require attendance of certain individual or group of individuals that can help and assist them in the proper and prompt resolution of the dispute.

Moreover, they also have the power to request records or documents from concerned government agencies that may serve as bases in the conflict resolution.

Lastly, the task force can also perform other related functions as may be necessary in the realization of the objective of the task force.

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