17/09/2026
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The local government of Tinglayan is temporarily closing seven barangays to tourists because of a tribal conflict between the Butbut and the Tulgao subtribes.
The seven barangays included in the advisory are Tulgao East, Tulgao West, Loccong, Ngibat, Proper Butbut, Bugnay, and Buscalan. This means even the famous tattoo village in Buscalan is off-limits for now.
According to the municipal officials, the closure is a a safety measure for the residents, tourists and visitors who plan to visit the said municipality. They noted that there is an on-going tension due to a long-standing issue about boundary disputes in which both tribes are claiming parts of the same ancestral lands. To avoid putting visitors at risk and to give way for peace talks, municipal officials decided to temporarily stop tourism activities in those areas.
On the other side, it may be recalled that on July 30, 2026, leaders from both tribes met at the headquarters of the 503rd Infantry Brigade to agree on a ceasefire. The goal was to stop the clashes and fix the problem peacefully.
The ceasefire was made using two ways: government mediation and the tribes' traditional or customary laws.
Wherein it was agreed that if one side violates, they will have to pay a heavy fine, like giving carabaos to the other side.
The tribes also did a traditional ritual called βSipat.β In a sipat, both groups exchange tokens as a sign that they are ending the fight and are ready to talk about peace more deeply.
The LGU reminded the public to postpone all trips to the mentioned barangays until an official advisory for lifting tourism acrivities temporary closure is released by the LGU.
