Kalinga elders help halt tribal dispute

THE DISPUTED tribal boundary between the "Tongrayan" and

"Tolgao" tribes of Kalinga has seen a positive twist, following the intervention of neutral tribal leaders to prevent the dispute from escalating.

Regional Development Council Kalinga private sector representative Engr. Andy Ngao-e said the recent dialogue between the two tribes spearheaded by neutral tribal leaders have agreed to stop any negative action pertaining to the dispute until a final resolution will be agreed upon.

Nao-e, who is part of the tribal leaders, explained as a result of the dialogue, both tribes have agreed to formally respect the "sipat" as a sign of respect to the tribal elders.

Recently, two tribesmen were injured due to the escalation of the dispute with one having to be sent to the Baguio General Hospital for treatment.

"We have visited the tribesman who was recently hurt due to the dispute and have offered financial support for his medication. Hopefully, the observance of the sipat will negate any other action between the two tribes," added Ngao-e.

"Aside from the neutral tribal leaders and elders, efforts is being undertaken by the Provincial and Municipal Peace and Order Council to find a peaceful settlement between the two tribes through continuous dialogue," Nago-e added.

Meanwhile, the continuous presence of government personnel in the disputed boundary have proven to be positive following the seizure of assorted fire arms on September 12 by elements of the 50th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Regional Public Safety Battalion during an anti-criminality operation at Sitio Amfayaca, Brgy. Luplupa.

No other action between the two tribes were reported following the seizure of the assorted combat equipments, while an investigation to the ownership of the combat equipments are still ongoing.