SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte- After years of conflict, the Mamanwa and Manobo tribes of the Porogoy clan finally reconciled, and were reunited through a ceremony called Tampuda/Tangkob (peace pact) at the Pangaylan area, in Santiago town, Agusan Del Norte province.
Tampuda is a sacred ritual of the lumads, or indigenous peoples, as a way to settle disputes, and mend gaps between clans having disagreements through unwritten treaties.
The ritual had a theme of ”bridging the gap, strengthening the bond, building a better IP community”.
The highlight of the event was when the warring groups entered into the peace pact by holding on to opposite ends of a rattan vine. The officiating tribal chieftain then cut the rattan in the middle, symbolizing the cessation of the struggle between the groups.
Tribal chieftains and sectoral datus of Mamanwa and Manobo tribes expressed gratitude to the local officials and Army commanders for reuniting the tribes in Northeastern Mindanao.
“I am grateful that the tribes have been reunited, and that their long-running conflict has been resolved. I hope we’ll continue to be united and grow within us the spirit of peace and compassion which we can pass on to the next generation,” Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) “Datu Bawang” Eddie Ampiyawan said.
The ceremony on Friday, August 21, was witnessed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Allen A. Capuyan, NCIP 13 Regional Director Atty. Marlon P. Bosantog, Agusan del Norte second district Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante- Matba, Datu Bawang, 29th Infantry Battalion (29th IB) Commander Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, various local government units and agencies of the municipality of Santiago, and the lumads of Pangaylan both Mamanwa and Manobo.
“In a certain community, we cannot expect to achieve any kind of prosperity if there is no peace. And if we truly wanted peace in our lives, then all of us must contribute until we achieve the peace and development we are hoping for in our community,” Amante-Matba also said.
According to Criste, “seeing the reunion and reconciliation of two previously conflicting clans truly melts the heart and proves that forgiveness is still available and that peace is still possible".
"I know that this sacred ceremony will not only benefit both clans but will be a continuous blessing of peace until the next generation who can only be thankful for this event,' the 29th IB commander added.