2 katutubong magsasaka, nalunod sa ritwal para ayusin ang alitan sa lupa

• Two Indigenous farmers drowned during a ritual intended to settle their land dispute in Alabel, Sarangani
• Both men reportedly participated after efforts to resolve their disagreement at the barangay level failed
• Police identified the victims as members of the Tagakaulo community and began investigating the incident
• A local official called for a review of traditional practices that could endanger Indigenous community members

Two Indigenous farmers drowned in Glamang River in Alabel, Sarangani, while taking part in a traditional ritual meant to resolve their disagreement over land.

The deaths prompted a municipal councilor to urge tribal leaders and concerned agencies to examine practices that could place members of Indigenous communities at risk.

According to John Consulta’s report on GMA’s Unang Balita, the two men entered the river together for a ritual called “sulif,” described in the report as a trial by ordeal.

Police said the farmers belonged to the Tagakaulo community. Their land dispute had reportedly remained unresolved despite attempts to settle it at the barangay level.

Read also

Barangay tanod in Pangasinan wanted after allegedly shooting neighbor dead, injuring his brother

The men then turned to the ritual, which involved remaining underwater while holding their breath. Residents gathered nearby and waited to see who would surface first.

“Tabla, tabla, tabla,” a voice could be heard saying in the footage included in the report.

Residents eventually pulled the farmers from the river and brought them to the hospital. One of the victims, a senior citizen, was declared dead on arrival. The other man died later.

GMA’s written account estimated that the farmers had been submerged for around 12 minutes. Police were already investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The report also discussed the belief associated with the practice. Citing a study, it explained that sulif reflects a belief that nature, represented by water or the sea, determines who is at fault.

This was presented as the ritual’s cultural meaning, rather than a finding about either farmer’s claim to the disputed land.

Read also

Radio anchor Adrian Loterte shot dead at his bakery in Albay; task force formed

Meanwhile, the president of the Sarangani IP Professionals Association extended condolences to the bereaved families.

In a statement discussed in the broadcast, the association leader described sulif as part of the Blaan community’s traditions for settling disagreements and restoring peace. The report also noted cultural similarities between the Blaan and Tagakaulo communities.

The association president expressed respect for tradition but said its purpose is lost when someone dies. The leader also maintained that cultural practices should remain consistent with the law.

These remarks focused on the purpose of resolving conflict and preserving peace within a community, alongside concern for the lives of those involved.

Following the incident, an Alabel municipal councilor appealed to tribal chieftains and agencies working with Indigenous peoples to review customs that could cause harm.

The appeal called for an examination of potentially dangerous practices. The report did not announce a ban on the ritual or identify anyone facing charges in connection with the deaths.

Authorities’ investigation remained ongoing as the families mourned the two farmers whose disagreement had led them to the river.

Read also

Lalaki, arestado matapos umanong manaksak ng 8 katao sa South Korea

Watch the video below:

In another report, a man was shot dead outside a school in Barangay Prinza, Teresa, Rizal, on Thursday afternoon, triggering a police manhunt and leaving his family grieving. According to a report by GMA News' "Unang Balita," the victim was shot in the head at around 4 p.m. The gunman reportedly escaped immediately after the attack. A viral video of the incident showed the victim lying on the ground while his live-in partner stayed beside him carrying their infant child.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle shop owner in Davao City sustained a gunshot wound to the arm after attempting to fight back against an armed man who entered his establishment. According to a report on Unang Balita, the suspect was wearing a helmet when he went inside the motorcycle shop and pointed a gun. The owner tried to resist, but the armed man fired at him.

Source: KAMI.com.gh