English - Balay Mindanaw

Part 3 - Mga Paghusay: Concepts and Practices in Conflict ResolutionBalaudThe Higaunons relate with life, their social surroundings,and their habitat, including the spirit world, by observing thelaws or balaud that had been handed to them by their ancestors.This balaud forms part of the social control mechanism forthe maintenance of order and harmony in Higaunon society.According to Tatay Malindahay, “In the past, there wereno crooks among Higaunons, no traitors because they wereafraid of the laws.”Higaunon laws are orally transmitted from generation togeneration. These are not written and none among the datusinterviewed can state in toto the laws that they commonlyobserve pertaining to the resolution of conflicts. In maintainingsocial order, the Higaunons invoke the balaud. These lawsare used in settling conflicts in marriage, inheritance, landSangalan talugan visit and initial discussion on the Mandukita-Ansihaganconflict.109