Restorative Justice in Cordillera Administrative Region: Tradition and Praxis towards a Peace Process Model

Abstract

The study assessed the peace processes under the concept of Restorative Justice in Cordillera Administrate Region (CAR). Restorative Justice (RJ) is a means to heal, not punish, the harm caused by one person to another. It is a process which allows the harmed party to participate in the decisions which are made to heal the harm caused them. The study used the Individual Positivism Theory to analyze the use of RJ in CAR. Through Descriptive Survey Method, the level of attainment of the goals and objectives of peace processes was measured based on the responses of the three groups of respondents in the study namely: (a) Stakeholders (victims, complainants, respondents, witnesses, and the community); (b) Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC) (Lupong Tagapamayapa chaired by the Punong Barangay [Barangay Officials] and Council of Elders); and (c) PNP organic personnel. Hence, study showed that RJ through indigenous method of conflict resolution played a significant role in preserving Unity, Peace and Order, and Justice in the community most especially among families, relatives, or clans in CAR.