Kalinga tribal conflict: Butbut, Tulgao barangays allow gov’t forces to stay as peace efforts continue

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — An acceptance document, on September 25, 2026, was circulated among barangays affected by the continuing conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes to formalize their support for the presence and peace and security operations of government forces while efforts toward a peaceful resolution continue.

According to Atty. Dave Bang-as, Municipal Administrator of the Tinglayan Local Government Unit (LGU) under Mayor Charles A. Abay, the “Acceptance, Acknowledgment and Authorization for Coordination and Peace and Security Operations” serves as a document indicating that affected barangays accept and support assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as authorities pursue processes aimed at resolving the conflict.

Bang-as said in a message on September 26 that the acceptance letters were delivered to barangays affected by the Butbut-Tulgao conflict through a representative of the Philippine Army.

As of September 26, Barangay Tulgao East and Barangay Tulgao West had signed their respective acceptance letters.

The municipal acceptance document signed by Mayor Abay on September 23, 2026, recognizes and supports the presence and deployment of government security forces in Tulgao East, Tulgao West and Butbut Proper in connection with the continuing conflict.

It states that security measures are necessary to help prevent further escalation of hostilities, protect communities, and maintain peace and order in the affected areas.

The document also provides for continued efforts by the Tinglayan LGU to pursue dialogue, reconciliation, mediation and other peace-building and conflict-resolution mechanisms, while government forces remain in the area to help maintain security, prevent escalation and protect residents and their properties.

It further calls for continued coordination among the municipal government, AFP, PNP, barangay officials, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other concerned agencies on peace and security concerns.

Butbut Proper said they allow gov't forces to stay but yet to sign

As of September 27, a PNP representative said a barangay official of Butbut Proper had received the document and expressed that the barangay would allow government forces to remain in the community.

The police representative said authorities are hoping that the barangay officials will sign the document to formally signify their acceptance and support for the continued presence of government forces.

Meanwhile, Bang-as said Mayor Abay and Tinglayan officials continue to pray and work toward helping resolve the conflict peacefully and preventing further escalation of tensions.

The acceptance process comes as government security forces remain deployed in Tinglayan following renewed reports of gunfire between the Butbut and Tulgao communities. The Police Regional Office-Cordillera has said its deployment is intended to maintain security, prevent retaliation and help facilitate dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

The overall objective is to protect residents and communities while giving the affected parties space to pursue dialogue and other mechanisms toward a longer-term peaceful settlement.