“Ti update na tatta… nagsardeng jay gunfight”: Prov’l Administrator Gullay says gov’t forces stay deployed as Butbut-Tulgao conflict in Kalinga eases

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The reported gunfight between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes has stopped, but government security forces remain deployed in the conflict-affected areas to prevent renewed violence and help restore peace, according to Provincial Administrator Teddy Gullay.

“Wen, plan, we strategize, and then we execute. Ti update na tatta ket nagsardeng jay gunfight between the two tribes,” Gullay said during the flag raising ceremony conducted by the Kalinga Provincial Government on September 28, 2026 as he provided updates on the provincial government’s response to the tribal conflict.

Gullay said the intervention was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the Municipal Government of Tinglayan, Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office, Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, and the Provincial Government of Kalinga, following the direction of Governor James S. Edduba.

He said government forces have been deployed in the affected communities to maintain security, monitor the situation and prevent the conflict from escalating.

The intervention came as tensions between the two tribes intensified, prompting local authorities and security agencies to strengthen their presence in the affected areas.

Earlier, the Butbut and Betwagan tribes had also entered into a two-month interim ceasefire and peace agreement in Awichon Village, Lubuagan. However, tensions involving the Butbut and Tulgao tribes later prompted renewed security concerns in Tinglayan.

On September 23, Edduba called for an emergency meeting with the police and military following the escalation of tensions between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes. The meeting focused on strengthening collaborative efforts, securing residents and augmenting security forces in preparation for succeeding government interventions.

Gullay said the deployment of security forces is not intended only to respond to the immediate threat but also to create conditions where dialogue and peace efforts can move forward.

“With the intervention of our God Almighty ket peace kuma iti sumaruno…I hope nga agtitinulong tayu kuma nga mangikararag ta sumimpa kuma kasi amin tayo ket affected. Uray duwwa nga tribo lang amin ket affected. Especially jay tourism tayo,” Gullay said.

His appeal underscored the wider impact of the conflict, saying that the consequences extend beyond the two tribes and affect the entire province, including its tourism industry.

Gullay expressed hope that the cessation of the gunfight, combined with the continued presence of government forces, would provide an opportunity for the communities to move toward lasting peace.

He also appealed to residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with authorities and help prevent actions that could reignite tensions.

“Amin tayo ket affected,” Gullay emphasized, calling on the community to work together and pray for peace as government authorities continue their security and peace-building efforts.

The conflict remains under close monitoring, with police and military personnel maintaining their presence in the affected communities while the provincial government pursues measures aimed at preventing further violence and restoring stability.

Conflict timeline

Earlier in September — Tensions between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes escalated, prompting local authorities to advise tourists to avoid several affected barangays in Tinglayan.

September 23 — Edduba called an emergency meeting with police and military officials to discuss measures to de-escalate the conflict, strengthen community security and augment government forces in the area.

Following the emergency meeting — Police and military personnel were deployed to affected communities as part of the government’s security intervention.

September 24 onward — Authorities continued monitoring the situation and coordinating security and peace efforts.

Latest update — Gullay reported that the gunfight between the two tribes had stopped, although government security forces remain deployed to prevent further violence.