Kalinga strengthens dispute resolution with launch of first Mediation Unit; Four mediators appointed

Aiming to ease court delays and promote peaceful dispute resolution, the province of Kalinga officially launched its first-ever Court-Annexed Mediation Unit—the Philippine Mediation Unit (PMU)–Kalinga—following the announcement made by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 25 during a meeting held at the RTC building in Capitol Hills, Bulanao on January 22, 2026.

In support of the existing Bodong system, mediation provides a mechanism for parties to settle conflicts and restore harmony within the community.

During the meeting, four accredited mediators were formally appointed to handle cases referred by the court, helping litigants reach settlements through dialogue and compromise.

The newly established unit, as relayed by Presiding Judge Jerson Angog, is part of the Supreme Court’s initiative to provide alternative amicable settlements, allowing parties to resolve conflicts without resorting to lengthy court proceedings while fostering harmonious community relations.

The four mediators—Antonio Dumalan and Cirilo Indammog, both from Mangali, Tanudan; Vicente Bentican of Pangol, Tanudan; and Crispin Gayagay, currently residing in Bulanao—underwent training that included both online and on-site seminars. They were later accredited after successfully completing the required case settlements and assessments.

Bentican highlighted that the unit would complement Kalinga’s traditional Bodong system, allowing elders and mediators to work together in resolving disputes.

“Namnamaen mi nga makatilong kami ti panaka-resolba ti kaskaso ti Kalinga tapnu haan metlang nga matambakan dagitoy korte tayo. Daytoy ti maysa nga rason nu apay nga i-promote ti Supreme Court daytoy mediation. Ket sapay kuma ta makatulong kami kendakayo (legal practitioners) para ti peace and order ti ili tayo,” he said.

Meanwhile, cases are accepted for mediation only if referred by the court, with mediators guiding both parties toward a mutually agreeable settlement. If successful, the compromise agreement is submitted to the prosecution for dismissal, providing an efficient alternative to formal litigation.

The launch marks a historic milestone for Kalinga, making it one of the few provinces in the Cordillera region with a fully operational court-annexed mediation unit.