Kalinga leaders unite behind Butbut-Tulgao peace agreement: “Sapay kuma ta bigbiggen ken respetuen tayo nu anya iti nakasurat idiay peace covenant”

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Uniformed authorities and key stakeholders welcomed the three-month ceasefire agreement between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes, describing it as a significant step toward restoring lasting peace in Kalinga.

After hours of dialogue on July 30, representatives of the two tribes signed a peace covenant formalizing a three-month truce. The agreement was met with optimism by government officials, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups, who expressed hope that it would pave the way for the resolution of long-standing issues between the two communities.

Addressing both tribes, 503rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Rhenante Salvador said the outcome of the peace dialogue reflected the shared desire of the people of Kalinga to live in peace rather than conflict.

"Nagpintas apo iti nagbalinan na daytoy nga pinagsasarita tayo. Maysa laeng iti kayat na nga ibaga kadatayo, amin sitayo ket naggapu iti maymaysa nga puli nga anak iti Diyos," he said.

Salvador also reaffirmed the commitment of the 503rd Infantry Brigade to help preserve peace and order in Kalinga, adding that the brigade's headquarters will always remain open as a venue for peace dialogues and conflict resolution among tribes.

Meanwhile, Kalinga Police Deputy Provincial Director for Administration PLt. Col. Domingo Gambican commended both tribes for choosing dialogue over violence and for taking concrete steps toward resolving their conflict.

He said the commitment shown by the Butbut and Tulgao tribes is a welcome development that will greatly assist the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order across the province.

Gambican also urged both parties to faithfully uphold the provisions of the peace covenant they signed and to continue working with neutral mediators until all issues are fully resolved.

"Sapay kuma ta both tribes ket bigbiggen ken respetuen tayo nu anya iti nakasurat idiay peace covenant... Haan lang kuma nga agpatingga ditoy. Dapat kuma agtultuloy daytoy hanggat ma-resolve dagijay issues ken concerns," he said.

Other stakeholders, including the Kalinga-Apayao Religious Sector Association (KARSA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), also expressed their support for the ceasefire and reaffirmed their commitment to helping both tribes achieve a lasting and peaceful settlement of their dispute.