2 Kalinga tribes agree on peaceful conflict resolution

By Peter Balocnit

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- The tribal conflict between the sub-tribes of Mabongtot and Lubuagan this province mediated by a sectoral team was solved with both tribes agreeing on cessation of hostilities.

In mediation here last week at  Kalinga police provincial office here  brokered by government, religious sects and neutral tribe representatives, both tribes agreed to support peaceful resolution of their conflict.

The severance of the peacepact between the two tribes stemmed from the  killing last year of one  Russendyle Ando of the Lubuagan tribe  allegedly by  gunmen from Mabongtot.

In their agreement, they committed themselves not to take revenge and retaliation or harassment of any kind promising also to prevent any act of aggression; to strictly abide to their agreement and support all initiatives geared towards resolution of the conflict.

“Any violation of the agreement shall be ground for the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to file appropriate charges before the court against the liable party,” the memorandum of agreement read.

The agreement was signed by representatives from both sub-tribes and witnessed by Regional Trial Court Judge Marcelino Wacas, Col. Paul Atal, commanding officer of the 503rd Infantry Brigade; OIC PNP provincial director PS/Supt. Victor Wanchacan, Lt. Col. Resurrection Mariano of the 17th Infantry Battalion, provincial DILG director Francisco Gamatero; Engr. Andres Ngao-i of the KalingaBodong Council, Provincial Legal Officer Kristian Wandag; Lubuagan Mayor Johnny Dickpus, NCIP representative Miguel Atumpa, and Ptr. Sabas Ayangwa of the Bilong tribe.

The severance of their peacepact paralyzed economic activities when some families of Mabongtot fled to the forests for safety and school children stopped going to school.

This agreement will not stop or affect law enforcers from apprehending the suspect in the killing of Ando.