‘Uston dayta. Diay progreso tayo koma ti kitan tayo. Maymaysa tayo nga Cordillera' — Gov. Edduba urges Butbut and Betwagan tribes to choose peace over conflict

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba has called on the Butbut tribe of Tinglayan, Kalinga, and the Betwagan tribe of Sadanga, Mountain Province to end the cycle of violence and pursue lasting peace, emphasizing that both communities remain one people as fellow Cordillerans despite their long-standing boundary dispute.

Edduba made the appeal following the renewed clash between the two tribes on June 27, 2026, which claimed the life of a Butbut tribesman.

The encounter reportedly occurred at Mt. Tummuwad, an area claimed by both indigenous communities as part of their ancestral domain based on their respective historical accounts.

In an interview on Wednesday, July 15, Edduba expressed sadness that the tribal conflict erupted only weeks after Kalinga was declared an insurgency-free province.

It can be recalled that Kalinga attained the State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS) status on May 12, 2026, after successfully eliminating insurgency threats and demonstrating its capability to maintain peace and order through the collective efforts of government agencies, local officials, security forces, and communities.

While the declaration marked a major milestone for the province, Edduba said genuine peace cannot be fully achieved if conflicts among indigenous communities continue to claim lives and hinder development.

"...we were just declared an insurgency-free province. Medyo kasla nagmadi ti itsura na nga insurgency free ti Kalinga tas ada met manen daytoy maararamid between the two tribes (Butbut-Betwagan conflict). So, haan nga napintas ti itsura na," said Edduba.

The governor appealed to both tribes to set aside violence and resolve their differences peacefully, stressing that they are all part of one Cordillera.

He said ending the conflict would allow Kalinga, Mountain Province, and the rest of the region to focus on development and the continued pursuit of regional autonomy, a cause being highlighted during the celebration of Cordillera Month.

For Edduba, lasting peace between the Butbut and Betwagan tribes would not only save lives but also strengthen the unity of the Cordillera and preserve the region's hard-earned peace.

"Usto daytan… Ti napintas koma ditoy ket peaceful tayo koma amin, maymaysa tayo nga Cordillera. Dapat ket natalna tayo koma ta diay progreso tayo koma ti kitan tayo," Edduba added.

Peace efforts continue

Under Edduba's leadership, the Provincial Government of Kalinga continues to work closely with concerned government agencies, security forces, and tribal leaders to help restore lasting peace between the two communities.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting on June 29, the issue was endorsed to the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to seek broader government intervention in resolving the decades-old territorial dispute.

Meanwhile, local government officials, law enforcement agencies, and tribal elders continue to conduct peace dialogues aimed at preventing further bloodshed and enabling affected residents to safely return to farming, schooling, and their daily lives.