TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Peace negotiations between the Lubo tribe of Tanudan and the Biga tribe of Tabuk City formally began after the two tribes exchanged Sipat tokens—the traditional first step toward restoring peace and rebuilding severed tribal relations—during a ceremony in Barangay Suyang on Thursday, August 7.
The Sipat is Kalinga's traditional preliminary peace agreement that signifies a cessation of hostilities between warring or reconciling tribes. It is marked by the exchange of symbolic tokens that guarantee the safety of both parties while they work toward resolving their differences and eventually forging a permanent peace pact.
On August 7, members of the Lubo tribe brought a bolo as their Sipat token to Suyang, where the peace process officially commenced. The ceremony was facilitated by the Kalinga Bodong Council (KBC), led by Chairman Johnny Maymaya, together with Governor James S. Edduba, local elders, and representatives of the two tribes.
During the exchange, Bulanao Punong Barangay Cosme Gunnawa of the Lubo tribe handed the bolo to Barangay Kagawad Silverio Banguiyao of the Biga tribe, who, in turn, presented another bolo to Gunnawa as Biga's Sipat token.
With the Sipat now sealed, both tribes may proceed with formal peace negotiations aimed at resolving the issues arising from the shooting incident in April 2026 that led to the severance of their tribal relations.
Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag, who witnessed the ceremony, said the next phase of the peace process will involve negotiations, with the Kalinga Bodong Council serving as moderator as both tribes discuss their respective concerns, demands, and possible settlements until they reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
“Tatta haanen nga agbuteng iti duwa nga tribo, pati dagiti neutral parties, nga pagtungtungan iti settlement ken nu anya iti demand dagiti nabiktima. Gapu ta addan iti Sipat tayo ket siwawaya en iti peace negotiations nga isu iti dalan tapnu masolbar ken ma-restore tayo daytoy nasayaat nga panakilangen-langen ken panagkakabsat tayo,” Dagadag said.
The mayor emphasized that restoring the tribes' relationship is crucial, noting that prolonged severed ties create fear among residents and disrupt the education of students, the work of employees, and the daily lives of people in the affected communities.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kalinga Bodong Council, Governor Edduba, tribal elders, and neutral parties for their commitment to facilitating dialogue and working toward a peaceful resolution.
“Isu nga agyaman tayo kadagiti KBC, kenni Governor Edduba, ken dagitoy elders tayo iti both tribes ken pati dagiti neutral parties ta talaga itrab-trabaho da iti pagsayaatan ken iti panakasolbar na daytoy nga kaso tapnu kapya ken talna latta iti agtalinaed kadagiti taga Lubo ken taga Biga,” he added.
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