Conflict Resolution in the Barangay Justice System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20643985Keywords:
Barangay Justice System, conflict resolution, justice as fairness, Katarungang Pambarangay, procedural justice, Lupon TagapamayapaAbstract
This study assessed conflict resolution in the Barangay Justice System (BJS) in selected barangays of Mambajao, Camiguin, using the disputants' perspectives. Anchored on John Rawls' theory of justice as fairness, the study employed a quantitative descriptive-comparative design. Data were gathered from 232 disputants involved in officially recorded cases in Barangay Poblacion, Baylao, and Balbagon during calendar years 2023 and 2024. Respondents were selected through stratified sampling with purposive or availability-based selection. A researcher-made questionnaire based on the Katarungang Pambarangay handbook underwent expert validation and pilot testing, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.8471. Frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviations, an independent-samples t-test, analysis of variance, and ranking were used. Results showed that conflict resolution was observed at all times (M = 3.57, SD = 0.58). Accessibility and fairness of the process both obtained the highest area mean of 3.64, followed by effectiveness of the resolution (M = 3.53) and implementation and due process (M = 3.51). No significant differences were found when perceptions were grouped according to sex or educational attainment; however, perceptions differed significantly across age groups (F = 2.49, p = .044). The most serious reported challenges were fear of retaliation, perceived imbalance when one party was wealthier or more influential, and concern about external influences within the community. The findings affirm the value of the BJS as an accessible community-based justice mechanism while indicating the need for post-settlement monitoring, protection-oriented interventions, procedural safeguards, and information campaigns.
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