TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A peace agreement, locally known as Sipat ti Patad, was formally entered into today, between the sub-tribes of Guinaang and Balatoc, both from Pasil, Kalinga facilitated by the Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders chaired by Hon. Johnny Maymaya under the office of Governor James S. Edduba, on September 16.

This agreement, witnessed by local officials and tribal leaders, is seen as a significant step toward ending the ongoing conflict between the two tribes caused by a longstanding boundary dispute.

The peace pact was signed at Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga, with Mr. Martin Liban representing the Guinaang tribe and Mr. Gabriel Busayang representing the Balatoc tribe.

The conflict between the two sub-tribes has been an ongoing issue, fueled by disagreements over territorial boundaries. On September 11, 2024, Mr. Busayang, acting on behalf of the Balatoc tribe, extended a bolo as a Sipat, a symbolic gesture of peace, which was accepted by Mr. Liban of the Guinaang tribe. The following day, Mr. Liban reciprocated by offering a P1,000 peso bill (Subalit ti Sipat), which was accepted by Mayor Alfredo Malannag on behalf of the Balatoc tribe.

Under the agreement, both parties have pledged to uphold peace within the designated areas covered by the Sipat, which includes Tabuk City, the Municipality of Rizal in Kalinga, and the Municipality of Quezon in Isabela. Residents, workers, and visitors from both tribes in these areas are expected to live without fear of violence or retribution stemming from the boundary dispute.

The pact also establishes that any violation of the agreement will be addressed through the Unified Pagta of Kalinga, a customary law that governs tribal conflicts in the province.

The agreement, effective immediately upon signing, is expected to usher in a period of peaceful coexistence, with the hope of resolving the dispute and fostering harmony between the two tribes. (PLGU Kalinga)