Conflict resolution management of the indigenous people of upland Kalinga, Northern Philippines

The study is a qualitative research that intends to bring to the fore the interest and appreciation of the present generation to the time-honored conflict resolution management practiced by the indigenous people (IPs) in upland Kalinga, Northern Philippines. If the practices are not documented and written, they will eventually be forgotten and made oblivious by the present modern methods of conflict resolution. The restorative justice among indigenous peoples will be sacked by the legal system brought to the east by the western colonizers.

The study found that there are more peaceful ways and manners to resolved conflicts without unnecessarily going through the pains and rigors of court ligations. The IP way of restorative justice bring back good acquaintances that were severed by the conflict. The conflicting parties will have a second chance of restoring better relations.

The practices were honored, revered and respected by the IPs as the most appropriate ways of ending feuds and stop unnecessary bloodshed and death. The community in ending conflicts practiced direct democracy where the community folks are involved in the discussion to reach the most appropriate penalty. This amicable settlement of conflicts is reached by the villagers and imposed by them.

Based from the findings it is concluded that among the indigenous peoples, there are different alternative conflict resolution management available for each crime. This alternative conflict resolution management had been practiced and most IP relied on its importance. The practices should be written so that it can be pass-on to the next generation. Efforts should be done for the recognition of the IP courts of justice centering on the IP conflict resolution management.

Revisit Republic Act No. 9285, otherwise known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2004, to make it more dynamic in strengthening and institutionalizing the indigenous alternative dispute resolution strategies and help maintain peace in the villages.