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Balatoc-Guinaang inks peace covenant

TABUK, Kalinga (Jan. 27) — The Balatoc and Guinaang sub-tribes of Pasil signed a covenant to stop further killings among the conflicting tribes at the Sanguniang Panlalawigan (SP) hall on January 19 through the intervention of the SP officials and tribal affairs office.

Twenty-seven peace guarantors signed the said covenant. Each tribe composed of 7 principal guarantors representing council members and respected elders; 13 neutral tribes representatives including Vice Governor Rommel Diasen signed as witnesses and co-guarantors. Other signatories included Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director James Dogao and Philippine Army 501st Deputy Commander Col. Bonifacio Talde. 

The said pact aimed to protect students, government workers and residents living outside the targets of retaliation. Guarantors are paid two carabaos with an estimated cost of P15, 000 each for any violation of the pact or a total of 24 heads penalty. A criminal case would be filed in court against violators.

The said tribes are in conflict over the Tabia Mining area, which is believed to be rich in mineral resources according to geologists that mapped out the mine area of the Batong Buhay Gold Mines. Neutral tribes that mediated settlement of the border dispute in the past years confirmed that Guina-ang is the rightful claimant. However, Balatoc tribe is persistent in claiming ownership.

The tribal conflict started in 1999 that led to the killing of Jerry Libunao of the Guina-ang tribe by suspected Balatoc tribesmen last January 12. In order to avoid further conflict, the Guina-ang tribe set aside their retaliation and instead opted to bring the case to court. Guarantors in the said covenant would help in the filing of the case against Libunao’s murder suspects. # Peter A. Balocnit/PIA

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