Tinglayan tribal leaders call on Butbut and Betwagan tribes to extend ceasefire agreement

Tinglayan, Kalinga – Ahead of the expiration of the two-month truce between the Butbut and Betwagan tribes, the elders and tribal leaders of Tinglayan are calling on both parties to extend their Cease-and-Desist Agreement made on September 27, 2025.

The appeal was issued through Resolution No. 01 s. 2025, which the Office of the Municipal Peace Corps of Tinglayan submitted and approved on November 26. The two-month truce between the Butbut tribe of Tinglayan, Kalinga, and the Betwagan tribe of Sadanga, Mountain Province mandated the immediate cessation of hostilities, with both sides refraining from armed conflict, violence, retaliation, and threats.

With no decision yet to extend the ceasefire ahead of its termination on November 27, the Tinglayan tribal leaders and elders came together along with Vice Mayor Alexander Malasi and urged both tribes to prolong the temporary but binding measure as they have yet to exchange “Sipat,” the first step toward peace negotiations and a permanent peace pact.

“The Municipal Peace Corps of Tinglayan and the tribal leaders of Tinglayan find it essential to sustain the gains of the ceasefire, avoid renewed clashes, and preserve an atmosphere conducive to formal dialogue and long-term peace-building between the Butbut and Betwagan tribes,” the office wrote.

Mayor Charles Abay also supported the call, encouraging the two tribes to extend their armistice to prevent renewed clashes and hostilities while they continue working toward a lasting peace agreement.

It may be recalled that the Tongrayan tribe hosted the peace talks between the groups on September 27, which paved the way for the signing of the two-month truce.