English - Balay Mindanaw

LUMADNONG PAGKINABUHI NGADTO SA KALINAWThe tampuda involves a long process. It is said to be the highestpact.”In the traditional Higaunon method of settling conflicts,no one goes to jail. “With the datu’s way, no one would beimprisoned. But with the barangay officials’ method, theguilty party goes to jail, unless there’s an agreement for thepayment of blood money.”The confidence of the people -- especially among women,youth and the tanod -- in a mediator depends on his capabilityand experience in mediating conflicts. Although the youthsin Kalabugao are vocal on their bias toward barangayofficials, they also think that a barangay official’s capabilityand experience as mediator are important considerations.One of the younger ones made this comment about a certainbarangay official: “He has no confidence in himself becausehe had to bring in another person to help him out. It seems helacks experience.” In the same manner, women of Sangalanand wives of datus in Kiudto do not trust the young andinexperienced datus to settle the conflict, saying, “We cannottrust them because they might just aggravate the conflict. Mostof the new datus nowadays drink liquor before mediating theconflict.” Women and youths are in agreement that confidence,capability and experience are the highest qualities required ofa good mediator.The Lupong Tagapamayapa in Minalwang establishedthe differences in the way conflicts are handled by datusand barangay officials. They said Higaunons do not havedocuments, but only manggad. Disputes are readily attendedto, and immediately settled. The tampuda serves as a pact,which symbolizes respect of both parties to each other, andrespect to the mediating datus. The settlement is “conducted”in the heart of everyone involved.104The community members desire to attain and maintain