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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Two Higaonon clans end 20 years of tribal conflict in Agusan del Sur

Two Higaonon clans end 20 years of tribal conflict in Agusan del Sur

Published Aug 31, 2020 09:41 am

BUTUAN CITY – After two decades of tribal conflict, two clans of the Higaonon tribe finally reconciled through a settlement ceremony called "Tumbasa Daw Bigola", a dialogue aimed at strengthening the bond and forging a peace agreement in a far-flung Agusan del Sur town.

A leader of Higaonon tribe affixes his signature as a signed of settlement during ceremony called
A leader of Higaonon tribe affixes his signature as a signed of settlement during ceremony called "Tumbasa Daw Bigola", a dialogue to strengthen the bond / peace agreement in far-flung Agusan del Sur town on Friday, Aug. 28. (Photo courtesy of 26th IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

The two powerful clans settled their two decades of tribal conflict with the help of local government unit officials in Esperanza town, and the command group of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) in a ceremony held in Baraangay Sinakungan, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province on Friday, August 28.

The settlement ceremony was presided by Esperanza town Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan through the initiative of 26th IB commander Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce.

The settlement ceremony was also witnessed by the officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

“The activity was successfully conducted through the commitment by the clans of Endulom and Langbayan as they signed their written agreement resolving the conflict,” 26th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer First Lt. Percival J. Carido told The Manila Bulletin on Monday.

The Higaonon tribal structure had been destroyed since the exploitation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) of the indigenous people (IPs) of the said barangay. Hence, they were empowered by Goce to resolve the conflict within their tribe in order to re-establish and strengthen their IP Structure, said the 26th IB CMO officer, in a statement. 

The barangay officials in the area gave their deepest gratitude to the LGU of Esperanza and 26th IB for facilitating the peaceful initiative in the settlement of the two decades conflict of the two powerful clans of the Higaonon tribe.

Manpatilan also expressed her gratitude to Goce for his initiative in facilitating the activity and commended him for staying on the said barangay just to mediate the conflict issues. 

“This day marks the true commitment of our native brothers and sisters in resolving their long-termed misunderstanding. Therefore, as our thanksgiving for your cooperation, I will now request the National Task Force- End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF- ELCAC) through our Philippine Army to declare Sinakungan area as cleared barangay from NPA infestation and is now ready for development," the town’s chief executive added.

Sinakungan area had undergone Area Clearing Evaluation for infestation in July 2020. However, Manpatilan requested to postpone the declaration as a cleared barangay due to the inter-clan conflict, which according to the official, could be used by the NPAs as issues in order to agitate and make the situation worse, Carido said. 

NICA Regional Director Manuel M. Orduña also gave emphasis about the vital role of IPs in achieving the main objective of NTF-ELCAC, and according to him, “this settlement will resolve the effects of armed conflict in the said barangay”. 

Meanwhile, Goce also extended his gratitude to all the support he received from the locals and from the LGU Esperanza for making the activity successful. 

He also expressed his willingness and commitment to the LGU as a partner for peace and development, especially among all tribal communities. 

"There is a gossip that Sinakungan area possesses gold, and my stay here for weeks has proven it. The locals here truly own a golden heart that cares and graciously welcomed me," he said.

"This activity will fail without your help. This only proves that being united is the key to success. We, in the Army’s 4th Infantry Division is committed with our mission in serving the people of Sinakungan and securing its land against local terrorists in order to achieve sustainable peace and development in this area.", Goce added.

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