English - Balay Mindanaw

Part 3 - Mga Paghusay: Concepts and Practices in Conflict Resolutionanother respected datu in Sangalan. Datu Manbutalan actsas the mantukaw, one skilled at recalling tradition as well asthe natural land boundaries. He is older than Tatay Yukmoand he put his age at 65. He had spent more than 40 years inmediating community disputes. His sphere of influence spansthroughout the whole barangay and the whole Baligihanand Odiongan River basins. Datu Manbutalan has handledcountless cases, which ranged from lido, extra-marital cases,divorce, theft and land disputes.Conflicts normally arise out of misunderstanding andthese are usually aggravated because of the absence of a formalvenue where the parties could discuss their differences. Inmost cases, it is pride that dominates, causing the conflict togo on unsettled for years. In the misunderstanding betweenManposponan and Marcelo Linunsag that happened in Purok4 in Kiudto in 2005, Datu Manggul-anan provided a venue forthe feuding parties where they could discuss their differencesand finally come into settlement.Marcelo versus ManposponanMarcelo built a fence that effectively blocked the accessroad where Porferio used to pass. Naturally, the latter gotangry. Marcelo said it was not his intention to block theaccess road, he just wanted to fence off the carabaos, whichcaused destruction on the road. But Manposponan did notbelieve him. Manposposan was so angry that he vowed to killMarcelo the next time they meet.Marcelo was so alarmed by Porferio’s threat. Datu Manggulananintervened, summoning both parties for a settlement.During the mediation, Datu Manggul-anan advised Marceloand Manposponan not to continue holding grudges on eachother because they are cousins. Manposponan was also advisednot to use his anger, especially if he knew that he was wrong.After hearing the advices, the feuding cousins reconciled.139