‘Nu madistorbo iti peace and order, apektaran na iti amin’: Tinglayan VM Malasi on why they work hard on restoring Butbut-Tulgao peace pact

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — Retired police officer and Tinglayan Vice Mayor Alexander Malasi underscored the importance of preserving peace and order, saying any disruption affects not only security but also businesses, education, and the daily lives of the people. This, he said, is why the municipal government remains committed to helping restore the peace pact between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes.

As part of the Tinglayan LGU's efforts to help the Butbut and Tulgao tribes rebuild their strained relationship, Malasi joined Engr. Andres Ngao-i and Municipal Administrator Atty. Mark Dave Bang-as in facilitating the peace dialogue held on July 30 at the headquarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan.

With both parties agreeing to a three-month ceasefire, Malasi expressed optimism that the tribes would eventually resolve their issues and restore their Bodong or peace pact.

“Very supportive tayo idiay Tinglayan LGU kadagitoy initiatibo para iti panagpatalinaed iti linak ken talna. Kasi nu madistorbo iti peace and order ket it affects all, it affects businesses ken iti panagbiyag iti tattao,” he said.

("The Tinglayan LGU fully supports these initiatives to sustain peace and order. If peace and order are disrupted, everyone is affected—it impacts businesses and the lives of our people.")

Malasi urged both tribes to remain committed to the peace process and faithfully honor the ceasefire agreement so discussions could continue until they reach a Sipat and ultimately restore a lasting and permanent Bodong.

“Ta nu haan tayo ipapati daytoy, kas nakuna tayo garud, kaasi dagiti u-ubbing tayo nga maapektaeran iti uskwela ken trabaho da. Isu nga dawatek kuma nga itultuloy tayo latta dagitoy narugyan tayo aginggana ma-restore tayo iti Bodong iti nagbaetan iti Tulgao ken Butbut,” he said.

Malasi emphasized that children and future generations stand to benefit the most from lasting peace, as conflict disrupts schooling, livelihoods, and opportunities for communities.

The vice mayor also assured the public that the Tinglayan LGU, led by Mayor Charles Abay, will continue supporting ongoing and future initiatives aimed at achieving permanent peace between the two tribes.

The Vice-Mayor added that neutral parties will remain actively involved in facilitating dialogues and mediation efforts until the Butbut and Tulgao tribes resolve their concerns and successfully reinstate their Bodong.