Tinglayan LGU brokers peace: Sipat seals new chapter for Tulgao, Butbut tribes

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga — From ceasefire agreement to a traditional peace ritual, the Tulgao and Butbut tribes are taking a major step toward ending their boundary conflict, with the two tribes set to begin the delineation, mapping, and marking of their tribal boundary this week following a Sipat exchange on Friday, August 14, 2026.

The Sipat marks a significant step in the tribes’ efforts to restore their Bodong and rebuild relations after tensions escalated into an armed confrontation in their disputed boundary area in Tinglayan in mid-July.

On July 26, elders and members of both tribes appealed for the immediate cessation of hostilities. Four days later, on July 30, the two parties met at the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City, where they agreed to a three-month ceasefire.

The truce allowed students and employees from both sides to return to their schools and workplaces without fear amid the tensions.

More than two weeks after the signing of the peace covenant, representatives of Tulgao and Butbut convened again to take another significant step toward restoring their Bodong, with the two parties exchanging Sipat.

The renewed peace and reconciliation process was facilitated by the Tinglayan Municipal Government negotiating team, headed by Mayor Charles Abay. The team was composed of members of the Tinglayan Peace Corps and the Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

According to the Tinglayan LGU, the two tribes agreed to settle their boundary dispute in accordance with their respective Pagta, or customary laws governing their communities.

With the Sipat now sealed, the Tulgao and Butbut tribes are set to meet again this week to begin the delineation, mapping, and marking of their tribal boundary as part of the process of resolving their long-standing dispute.

The Tinglayan LGU lauded the elders, officials, and members of both tribes for choosing “peace, reconciliation, and unity” and acknowledged the efforts of neutral parties who helped mediate between the two sides and bring them closer to a lasting settlement.

“May this Sipat pave the way for the restoration of Bodong and the strengthening of lasting peace between the two tribes,” the LGU said.

The Sipat exchange not only signals a renewed commitment to peace but also demonstrates the role of customary law and traditional conflict-resolution practices in helping communities address disputes and restore relationships.