‘Preserve tribal honor, spare children from war’ - Gov. Edduba to the people of Kalinga on breaking cycle of retaliation

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba has appealed to iKalingas to end the cycle of tribal retaliation and preserve the honor of their communities without sacrificing the lives and safety of innocent people, especially children and women.

Speaking during the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony on October 12 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Edduba urged residents to reject revenge and work together to restore peace amid the continuing conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao communities of Tinglayan.

The governor called for a forum where stakeholders could discuss the conflict and pursue solutions, stressing that peace and harmony should take precedence over retaliation.

He said he had earlier called on the parties to refrain from revenge, urging them to uphold the positive values and traditions of the Kalinga people while putting an end to tribal war.

Edduba particularly appealed to young professionals to take an active role in encouraging their fellow iKalingas to abandon retaliation and help preserve the province’s cultural heritage.

He urged them to speak out against tribal violence and promote the values that unite communities, rather than allow conflict to define their traditions.

The governor stressed that the most vulnerable residents often bear the heaviest burden of violence, particularly children and women who may suffer from fear, displacement and trauma even when they are not directly involved in the dispute.

The continuing conflict has also required the deployment of police and other uniformed personnel from different municipalities, placing additional demands on government resources.

The appeal comes amid renewed hostilities between the Butbut and Tulgao communities over a longstanding boundary dispute. A ceasefire agreement signed on July 30 was followed by renewed clashes in September, prompting additional security measures in affected areas.

The provincial government has convened meetings with police and military officials and the Provincial Peace and Order Council to coordinate interventions and prevent further escalation. Security personnel have been deployed to affected communities, while schools and higher education institutions have been directed to strengthen security protocols and coordinate with police.

Some learners from affected communities have also been offered temporary learning arrangements or options to transfer to schools closer to their communities.

Edduba’s message underscored the need to protect Kalinga’s cultural identity while breaking the cycle of retaliation, so that future generations can grow up in communities where peace, safety and respect prevail.

The provincial government continues to coordinate with local officials, tribal leaders and security forces as efforts toward de-escalation and a lasting settlement continue.