TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — The Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC) facilitated a ‘Sipat’ (peace negotiations) between the Guinaang and Balatoc tribes of Pasil to pursue a permanent solution to the long-standing boundary dispute of the two communities and restore their peaceful relations.
The sipat was formalized on Monday, January 26, 2026, between former board member Arthur M. Abbacan, sipat holder for Guinaang tribe, and Rev. Fr. Albert B. Maiyao, sipat holder for Balatoc.
The sipat is the initial part of the Bodong (traditional peace pact) system that signifies the start of negotiations between two tribes to resolve their issues.
Sipat holders have a crucial responsibility as guarantors of peace and overseers of continuing dialogue.
Miguel Balbin of the MBCC said the negotiations between the two tribes is aimed towards an agreement to re-establish their original ‘bugis’ (territorial boundaries) with the goal of institutionalizing the ‘bugis’ through an ordinance to be passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Pasil.
“We came to innovate a plan by, first, renewing the old custom and tradition of the bodong establishing the bugis or the boundary. The boundary was established on natural landmarks. After that, whatever is covered by the boundary would be processed in accordance with the processes or rules and regulations of the DENR [and other government authorities]. After this, it would end up as an ordinance to be passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Pasil, so that ends the problem,” Balbin explained.
The sipat holders expressed hope that this renewed reconciliation effort will finally end the decades-long conflict that has occasionally led to violent altercations.
“Rugyan tayo manen ti reconciliation processes. Sapay kuma ta agballigi daytuy ipagpagna tayo nga peace and order,” Maiyao said.
“Bareng nga daytuy ti mangted ti permanent nga solution ti problema ti duwwa nga ili,” Abbacan said.
The sipat was hosted and witnessed by the Kalinga Police Provincial Office led by Provincial Director PCOL Gilbert Fati-ig, who conveyed his full support to the traditional practice and recognized its role in complementing peace and order initiatives.
“Sikayu nga elders ti Kalinga agtitinnulong tayo tapnu ti kasta ket ma-maintain tayo ti peace and order diuty Kalinga. We are one hundred percent nga sumuporta dituy tradition tayo ngem nu man ada met ti maikaliwas ti gobyerno ada kami nga PNP nga mang-implement ti trabaho ti kapulisan,” Fati-ig said. **IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga
