English - Balay Mindanaw

Part 1 - IntroductionsThese interest groups are the logging companies, the militaryand the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the variouschurches, local politicians and businessmen with interests intimber, agricultural, mineral and other products. Throughthe years of aggression, we witnessed how the Higaunonsexperience deep divisions among the clans that resulted toviolence, violence that have kept low profile but could eruptanytime unless properly managed. Killings have been thepattern to resolve their conflicts, thereby causing the tribeto become weaker, disunited and continually in the state ofunpeace.The tribal elders and leaders, however, have always wantedto end these conflicts. Initiatives on conflict resolutions wereslowly started in the mountain borders of the four provinces.These initiatives need to be documented so that othermembers of the Higaunon tribe, especially those under similarsituations of unpeace, can learn from the experience. Othertribal communities, too, can learn from the peacebuildingexperience of the Higaunons.Hence, the answer to the question, “Why document thepeacebuilding initiatives of the Higaunons?”The Processes UndertakenThe research project commenced in the last days of July2005 and became full blown a month after.The project began with a “singampo” in the respective areasof focus -- Sitio Bagasbas, Barangay Sangalan in Gingoog Cityand Sitio Malunsagay, Barangay Minalwang in Claveria,Misamis Oriental; Sitio Kiudto, Barangay Hagpa in Impasugong,Bukidnon. The “singampo,” actually a tribal ritual, is away of asking the permission of the community, as well asthe “spirits and gods,” to implement certain projects. In the5