After decades of conflict, the Kalinga sub-tribes of Lubuagan and Mabongtot in the Cordillera have agreed to end hostilities and rebuild their bodong (indigenous security and social agreement), sealing the reconciliation with a peace pact on Monday.
The agreement was formalized at the Kalinga Sports Complex Function Hall through a sipat (cessation of hostilities) and allasiw (traditional exchange of tokens) to affirm peace and renewed relations.
Three families involved in the conflict received P1.5 million in settlement assistance. The Ando, Jaime, and Lumpao families each received P500,000.
The parties also agreed to forego revenge and retaliation and to refrain from undertaking harassment or aggression. They committed to settling future disputes through dialogue and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms.
A sectoral team, with the Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders, led by Chairperson Jhonny Maymaya, and Lubuagan Vice Mayor Oliver Dickly, who helped mediate the negotiations, facilitated the settlement.
Representatives of the families and the two sub-tribes signed the Amicable Settlement and Acknowledgement of Receipt.
Witnessing the ceremony were presentatives of the Kalinga provincial and Lubuagan municipal governments, the Mabongtot Elders Council, Lubuagan peace and security bodies, neutral tribes, religious groups, and the Tabuk City government led by Mayor Darwin C. Estranero.
The pact highlights the continuing role of the bodong and community elders in resolving tribal conflicts and preserving peace in Kalinga.