Kalinga taps BM Amla, Dangani to represent Butbut tribe in peace talks, speed up conflict resolution

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Butbut tribe is seeking representation in provincial peace and order meetings to ensure its leaders can participate directly in discussions and planning to resolve the longstanding tribal conflict with the Tulgao community in Tinglayan.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on October 26, 103rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jimrhic B. Obias said one of the Butbut community’s requests was to have its tribal leaders present during council meetings concerning the conflict.

Obias said the tribe wanted its leaders involved in planning and discussions rather than having decisions made without their direct participation.

In response, Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba recommended Board Members Julius “Glenn” Amla and Alfredo Dangani to help represent the Butbut community in PPOC deliberations and ensure that its concerns are heard.

Edduba said the two board members should be included immediately in discussions concerning the Butbut-Tulgao conflict, recognizing the importance of giving the tribe a voice in the peace process.

Dangani’s ancestral ties to the Butbut and Dananao tribes were also cited as an advantage in strengthening communication between the provincial government and the community.

To ensure impartiality in handling the issue, Edduba also said he would assign the PPOC chairmanship for discussions specifically concerning the Butbut-Tulgao conflict to Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem to avoid possible suspicions of playing favoritism.

The move aims to maintain confidence in the peace process and ensure that discussions are conducted fairly among the parties involved.

The request for representation comes as authorities continue efforts to prevent further hostilities and pursue a peaceful settlement of the longstanding ancestral boundary dispute between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes.

During the same PPOC meeting, Obias reported that the Butbut community had committed to refrain from further hostile actions against the Tulgao tribe. Meanwhile, Tulgao West Punong Barangay Ruben T. Ganagan expressed openness to holding a sipat in November, a traditional process intended to restore peaceful relations.

The proposed inclusion of Butbut representatives in PPOC deliberations is expected to strengthen tribal participation in peace planning, improve communication with provincial officials, and help move negotiations toward a lasting resolution.