Long-standing clan feud in Tanudan sees settlement as suspects behind killings surrender

Tanudan, Kalinga – The long-standing clan feud between the Banya-ao and Lingbawan of the Lubo sub-tribe sees the possibility of settlement with the surrender and arrest of the suspects involved in the disputed killing incidents in Tabuk and Tanudan.

Police Lieutenant Manuel Sabado, Acting Tanudan Police Chief, said that this September 1, a certain Tirso Lingbawan was arrested in Sitio Se-et, Barangay Mabaca due to joint intel operations of Kalinga Police Provincial Office and Tanudan police and the interventions of elders, tribe mates, and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Tanudan headed by Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag.

Lingbawan and his brothers, who already surrendered and were arrested in January this year, were said to be the suspects behind the shooting of Limbangan Banya-ao on August 29, 2010.

On May 11, 2011, a warrant of arrest was issued against him, but went into hiding for a decade before he finally surrendered to the authorities.

Meantime, just a day before the surrender of the suspect, a certain Albert Banya-ao of the other clan also surrendered to Tabuk City Police Station.

Start of the Lingbawan, Banya-ao feud

Based on the Tanudan police report, sometime in the year 2010, a certain Adaggan shot Gilbert Angnganay while they were drinking at the Bulanao Public Market.

This unfortunate incident led to a series of shooting incidents between the clans in Tabuk area that eventually escalated to family clashes in Tanudan.

Among the killings is the death of Limbangan Banya-ao who was shot by the Lingbawan brothers on August 29. The Banya-ao is said to be under the Adaggan side, while Lingbawan is on Angnganay side.

Identified problems on the arrest of the suspects

The Tanudan police stated that it was hard to arrest the suspects because of the old belief that tribal warriors must be protected, since they are seen as defenders of their tribe. The reason why the community helps hide them from the authorities.

Also, the absence of witnesses and the unwillingness to provide information on the committed crime are contributory factors hindering the arrest said suspects.

‘They begin to embrace the benefit of a peaceful life’

Police Lieutenant Sabado stated that the surrender of the suspects from both sides portray that the two clans are now willing to embrace the benefit of a peaceful life and that they are now willing to forget hostilities.

Sabado said that their surrender lessened the number of wanted persons in Tanudan.

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