English - Balay Mindanaw

Part 3 - Mga Paghusay: Concepts and Practices in Conflict Resolutionand so it would not create another problem. But this largelydepends on the situation because there are different typesof conflicts and the mediators have their own ways ofresolving it.”For lido and other serious types of conflicts, the tampudais done. Tampuda literally means kasabutan or pact. This ritualrequires a piece of rattan about a foot long and a youngchicken. There are, however, variations to this, depending onthe palaghusay who mediates the conflict. In a case reported inMinalwang, three tiny pieces of lanot or strands of abaca fiberwere included in the tampuda aside from the usual rattan andchicken.During the tampuda, the Higaunons dig a hole where theritual materials will be buried in a ceremony called panlitub.“The feuding parties hold both ends of the rattan, and thechicken’s neck will be placed near the rattan. The datu handlingthe settlement will then cut the rattan and the chicken’s neckwith one stroke of his bolo.” This happens with the followersof each party watching tensely, with their hands near the bolosready for the draw. Should the datu fail to successfully cut therattan in one stroke, bloody encounters between the two partiesmay ensue as the failure of the tampuda means that one partywas dissatisfied with the terms of the settlement. Tampuda isvery dangerous, according to Tatay Manuel Pinaader. “In thepast, if a datu cannot successfully cut the rattan, there wouldbe killings, which could include the mediating datu. Thefeuding parties’ bolos would be used against the enemy. Thisis why the datu and the alimaong would really watch theirback. If indeed there will be a commotion, the bae may screamto stop it.” When asked if there ever was an instance when therattan was not cut with one stroke, the informants said therewas none. “The datus always prepare for that,” they said.“The sign that the rattan was successfully cut was the singingof the limbay by the datu’s wife,” added Datu Pignaoan, ofKalipay.117