“Konting malaglag na kaldero, nagtatago na ang mga bata”: Traumatized Tinglayan children to receive psychological first aid, other support

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Children in conflict-affected communities in Tinglayan are reportedly experiencing severe trauma from the Butbut-Tulgao tribal conflict, with even the sound of a falling pot or a tree branch hitting a roof prompting them to hide under tables, according to 103rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jimrhic B. Obias.

Obias relayed the concerns raised by parents and teachers during his visits to affected communities at the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on October 26.

“Ito talaga nagpahayag ng concerns na grabe yong trauma sa mga bata na konting malaglag na kaldero nagtatago na yong mga bata sa ilalim lamesa. Yon ang mga sentimiento ng mga nanay, ng mga teachers, talagang traumatic, konting may malaglag sa bobong na sanga ng kahoy na malakas takbuhan yong mga bata,” Obias reported.

Aside from the psychological impact, Obias also reported shortages of basic necessities and high food prices in affected communities.

He said soldiers bring supplies during visits to help residents, using resources collected within the battalion. He also appealed to individuals and groups to extend assistance to families struggling to obtain basic goods.

“I make sure na meron akong baon na something para sa mga katribu natin. May mga konting school supplies kaming dala, may mga bola, may mga medicines, binigyan ko din sila ng mga coffee mugs. Nagipon-ipon kami ng mga resources sa battalion,” he told the council.

Obias also relayed reports that some residents had lost weight amid the continuing fear and difficult living conditions.

Kalinga prepares psychosocial support for children

Meanwhile, the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC)-Kalinga is preparing psychological first aid and other support services for children affected by the conflict.

During an emergency meeting on October 23 at Capitol Hills in Bulanao, Tabuk City, the council discussed proposed visits to conflict-affected barangays on Thursdays in November.

The planned intervention aims to address children’s emotional and psychosocial needs and help restore their sense of safety and stability.

Proposed services include psychological first aid, child vaccination, children’s kits containing hygiene supplies and toys, meals, and career guidance. The teams are expected to include personnel from the health sector, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, and the education sector.

A special meeting was scheduled for October 30 to discuss security arrangements and finalize preparations for the planned visits.