FOLLOWING three months of intensive mediation, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities involved in the “Maghat” tribal conflict have reached a formal peaceful close during the third settlement conference held in Barangay Namnam on May 15.
The agreement served as a landmark step toward reconciliation across the tri-boundary regions of Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte and San Fernando in Bukidnon.
The mediation was facilitated by Datu Julio Alub , chieftain of the Kalagangan tribal officials. Datu Alub emphasized a process rooted in healing and unity, seeking to mend ties between families and tribes bound by centuries of shared ancestral history.
A pivotal moment in the conference was the formal acceptance of the settlement by the victim’s family, including immediate support for those affected, resources to ensure long-term economic stability, and educational scholarships, pledged by the Province of Davao del Norte through Atty. Ralph Dela Cruz, representing Governor Edwin Jubahib.
San Fernando Municipal Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke praised the transition toward modern peace-building while honoring indigenous roots.
“We must preserve the beautiful traditions that strengthen unity, respect, and identity, while leaving behind practices that bring fear, violence, and division,” Yeke stated. “Progress comes when culture and peace move forward together.”
Lieutenant Colonel Antonio G. Bulao I (89th Infantry Battalion) and Police Captain Ernie Cabrera (San Fernando MPS) also committed their support to sustain the peace.
The Tampuda ritual
The peace process will culminate in a Tampuda ceremony scheduled for May 28, 2026. The ritual will coincide with the 2nd Anniversary of San Fernando’s “insurgency-free” declaration.
The Tampuda is a sacred traditional peace pact that formally seals the reconciliation. By performing this ritual, the parties reaffirm their commitment to harmony and the prevention of future conflict, ensuring that the “Maghat” dispute remains a closed chapter in tribal history.
