Tribal group, army make peace

THE Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon, a tribal group of the LangilanManobo, has made peace with the military troops and the government in a tribal peace covenant "Pakag" or "Tampura" in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod town in Davao Del Norte on Saturday, June 9.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said in an online chat messenger that the group headed by Datu Gibang Apoga, a known and influential tribal leader of the LangilanManobo Tribe, had been in conflict with the government for more than two decades.

"This divided the tribe itself and made Talaingod town a hot bed for insurgency in Davao del Norte," Balagtey said.

Balagtey said the tribe was received by representatives of the local government, provincial indigenous mandatory representative Bae Pilar Libayao, the Talaingod Tribal Council, other government officials and members of Indigenous Peoples Community in the area.

As a gesture of genuine desire to finally support the government, Datu Gibang Apoga, during the "Tampura" turned-over his rifle to Army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. and 56 Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Edwin M. Paredes, and along with Apoga are his sub-leaders and his tribal warriors.

Balagtey said Torres and Paredes are responsible in reaching out to the tribal leaders in the area.

According to the report of Torres, Datu Gibang was happily welcomed by his tribe mates who have been longing for his return, Balagtey said, adding that the report stated that the legendary tribal leader showed signs of happiness going back to Nasilaban after more than two decades of "cat and mouse situation".

Balagtey said the Eastmincom welcomes this kind of peace development and directed the Army’s 1003rd Brigade and other units under the command to continue pursuing peace initiatives with various tribal groups with utmost respect on their culture. ICT