Mayor Abay continues peace efforts for Butbut-Tulgao, inhibits himself from decision-making to ensure fairness

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Tinglayan Mayor Charles Abay has reaffirmed his support for peace efforts between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes, calling for sustained military deployment and the fair enforcement of security advisories as both sides work toward resolving their territorial dispute.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on October 26 at the Provincial Capitol, Abay said he had chosen to refrain from directly participating in conflict-related decision-making to avoid perceptions of bias because of his tribal affiliation, while continuing to support the provincial government’s initiatives toward reconciliation.

“I have inhibited myself in these situations, kas kunan ni Governor nga sumuporta tayo latta,” Abay said.

Despite stepping back from direct decision-making, Abay stressed the importance of maintaining security forces in strategic areas to prevent renewed hostilities and provide a safer environment for peace negotiations.

He appealed to 103rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jimrick Obias to sustain troop deployment in occupied positions until the dispute is addressed.

“And to LTC Obias, kung pwede na pag na-occcupy nyo na ang highest ground... habang nandun po kayo, i-coordinate natin at ituloy natin and sana huwag niyo na pong iwan yun hanggang maayos yung problema natin,” Abay said.

Obias assured the mayor that troops would remain deployed as long as resources permitted.

“Yes Mayor, hindi namin iiwanan ninyan. That is our commitment- that is the guidelines and directives to ensure that our troops are there, basta may resources lang sila,” Obias said.

Abay also called for the consistent and impartial implementation of security advisories, emphasizing that enforcement should not be affected by tribal affiliations or customary peace ties.

“Inabagak metten nu haan nga matupad diay advisory tayo.. idiay Ikker palang ket very Binodngan ti adda idiay so mabain ti personnel nga Binodngan idiay. So nu mabalin kuma ket naynayunan tayo.. ken diay strict kuma uray haan nga Binodngan basta adda tangtangken na nga mangi-implement idiay nga advisory tayo,” he said.

He sought additional personnel and firm enforcement to ensure that all parties comply with security measures in conflict-affected areas.

Meanwhile, Obias reported that both the Butbut and Tulgao tribes had agreed to a ceasefire following separate dialogues with their respective elders. He said the immediate priority was to prevent further exchanges of gunfire while efforts continued to address the underlying territorial dispute.

As of October 25, a composite force of 325 personnel from the Philippine Army and the 103rd Infantry Battalion had been deployed in Tinglayan.

The military also proposed a 500-meter security buffer around disputed areas, with members of both tribes expected to stay outside designated zones once troops occupy them.

The council also discussed a resolution authorizing the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army to oversee conflict-affected areas. The measure was under review by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

With the ceasefire in place, local officials, security forces and tribal leaders continue to face the challenge of sustaining calm while pursuing a peaceful settlement. Abay’s call for continued security presence and impartial enforcement underscores the need for measures that protect both communities and support their efforts to restore lasting peace in Tinglayan.