“Restore peace pact, prevent more deaths”: Kalinga elders urge Butbut, Tulgao tribes

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders (KBCE) is urging continued dialogue between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes to restore their peace pact and prevent further deaths and possible retaliatory violence amid their unresolved conflict.

KBCE Chairman Johnny Maymaya said the provincial and municipal governments remain committed to finding ways to restore peace between the two tribes, stressing that every new casualty could deepen resentment among relatives and increase the risk of revenge.

Maymaya made the statement during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting at the Provincial Capitol on Monday, October 19.

He said the KBCE sent two representatives to coordinate with the municipal government on October 9 following an invitation from the Association of Barangay Councils president, who also serves as barangay captain of Butbut Proper.

During the coordination, the representatives were reportedly informed that Butbut leaders needed to meet first to discuss the matter.

“Our purpose there, even when there are victims, is for the municipal and provincial governments to continue thinking about how to restore the peace pact between these two tribes,” Maymaya said.

He warned that further casualties could intensify calls for retaliation among the victims’ relatives, making efforts to restore peace more difficult.

The KBCE chairman also expressed concern over renewed violence after receiving reports of the death of a Tulgao resident on October 17.

Maymaya said he personally went to Luyucan in Barangay Lacnog to check the situation and determine whether further incidents or movements that could trigger additional violence had occurred.

He also contacted Colonel Acob to request the mobilization of troops as a precaution against possible escalation.

Maymaya emphasized that the priority of the provincial government and the peace stakeholders is to maintain peace and stability in Tabuk City and protect residents from further violence.

He said preventing further conflict requires continued vigilance, coordination and efforts to discourage retaliatory actions while the peace process moves forward.

With the dispute between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes still unresolved, Maymaya expressed hope that both sides would continue to pursue dialogue and work toward restoring their peace pact.

He stressed that peace efforts should focus on preventing further loss of life and protecting both communities from a cycle of violence and retaliation.