TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte — Classes in several schools in the upland municipality of Talaingod, Davao del Norte have been suspended after authorities confirmed a security threat linked to a reported “pangayaw,” a traditional tribal conflict among some Indigenous communities.
The suspension was ordered by the local government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and residents amid ongoing tensions in affected areas.
According to an advisory issued by the local government, classes have been suspended since Friday, March 6, 2026, in two barangays — Barangay Dagohoy and Barangay Palma Gil.
Local officials said the decision followed a reported pangayaw incident triggered by a land dispute that occurred on March 4, 2026, in Sitio Lumbayan, Barangay Dagohoy.
Emergency meeting held
In response to the incident, tribal leaders in Talaingod held an emergency meeting with Mayor Jonnie A. Libayao to discuss the situation and seek immediate solutions to prevent further escalation of conflict.
During the meeting, leaders confirmed that the pangayaw incident had resulted in harm to an innocent individual, prompting strong condemnation from community elders.
Although pangayaw has historically been recognized as a traditional practice among certain Indigenous groups to settle disputes, tribal leaders stressed that the recent incident violated customary processes because it involved individuals who were not part of the dispute.
“The tribal leaders condemned the involvement of innocent individuals because it no longer follows the proper traditional procedures for conducting a pangayaw,” local officials said.
Suspects in police custody
Authorities said the individuals believed to have carried out the attack — referred to locally as “momangayaw” — are currently in police custody while investigations continue.
Mayor Libayao expressed concern over the incident and extended sympathy to those affected, assuring the public that the local government will support efforts to achieve justice and restore peace in the community.
Local officials, tribal leaders, and barangay authorities are now working closely together to resolve the conflict and prevent further violence.
Travel advisory issued
The local government also issued a public advisory urging motorists to temporarily avoid traveling through affected areas until authorities declare the situation safe.
Among the areas identified as affected in Barangay Dagohoy are:
- Lumondong
- Pong-Pong
- Lumbayan
- Bato
- Badyatan
- KM 31
- Bolo
- Peroy
Meanwhile, in Barangay Palma Gil, the affected sitios include:
- Natulinan
- Bano-og
- Sambulongan
- Nalubas
“The general public is likewise advised to be cautious when traveling or passing through the affected areas until the situation has been declared safe by the concerned authorities,” the mayor’s memorandum stated.
Authorities monitoring situation
Officials said the class suspension will remain in effect while authorities continue to monitor the security situation and conduct peace-building efforts among the concerned communities.
Local leaders emphasized that maintaining the safety of students and residents remains the top priority as the municipality works toward resolving the land dispute and preventing further tribal conflict.