Kalinga tribal war feared; police, military on alert

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Police and military personnel are on alert in Tinglayan, Kalinga to prevent a possible tribal war after one tribe member was shot on the head recently.

Art Truth Ewad, 27, a member of Tinglayan tribe and resident of Ambato, Legleg, Poblacion, Tinglayan, Kalinga was shot by a still unidentified suspect at around 3:30 p.m. last Tuesday.

The victim was immediately brought to the Tinglayan Regional Health Unit, but was later transferred to Bontoc General Hospital.

One possible motive behind the attack is the failed negotiation on boundary issues between the Tinglayan and Tulgao tribes.

Senior Superintendent Brent Madjaco, Kalinga police provincial director, reported that teams from the Tinglayan police, Provincial Public Safety Company and the 50th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army, were posted at the disputed area while other one platoon proceeded to Tulgao proper for security measures.

Madjaco said members of both tribes were sent home and were advised to refrain from going out of their homes to prevent further tension until the issue is peacefully settled.