“Let us work together to preserve peace, protect our communities”: 72 police deployed to Tinglayan amid Butbut-Tulgao tribal conflict

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — The Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) has deployed 72 police personnel to Tinglayan, Kalinga following reports of continuing gunfire between the Butbut and Tulgao communities early morning of September 22, 2026.

The deployment, ordered under the leadership of PRO-CAR Regional Director PBGen Noel B. Vallo, consists of 48 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) and 24 personnel from the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office.

The deployed personnel are tasked to strengthen security in the affected communities, help de-escalate tensions, prevent further violence, and protect residents and their properties.

Some of the deployed police personnel have established community ties with the tribes involved in the conflict and are assisting in facilitating dialogue and community engagement.

Police units are also conducting Oplan Bandillo, heightened visibility patrols, and coordination with local government units and tribal leaders as part of efforts to prevent further escalation and possible retaliatory actions.

PRO-CAR urged tribal elders, community leaders and all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful means of resolving the conflict.

The regional police office also emphasized its neutrality and commitment to supporting a fair and peaceful process, ensuring that the concerns of all parties are heard and addressed within the bounds of the law and established tribal conflict-resolution mechanisms.

The police deployment will remain focused on protecting lives, maintaining public safety and supporting efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Butbut-Tulgao conflict.