Per request of my readers, especially, LOUIE, i will attempt to elaborate the fact of tribal war in Kalinga Province and neighboring provinces, its origins, cause and effects.

Click here for a brief introduction on the fact of tribal war in the area. You can also click here for more information.

Tribal Wars exist in Kalinga Province. Note that the name "kalinga" means, "enemy" or "fighter".

However, no one can pinpoint with certainty when tribal started in the area. What we are certain of is that tribal wars happened and they are still happening.

There are several origins of tribal wars.

The most common is territorial expansion. When the tribes expand their hunting grounds, they come in conflict with the tribes occupying the grounds to be hunted. Thus, war ensue. The reason here is survival.

My greatgrandfather told me a story of how their "fun" ended in a tribal war. They made "fun" of another villager and in the process killed the man. The other tribe wanted to retaliate and their retaliation led to a killing one of my grandfather's villagers. That killing led to another and so forth. The reason here is retaliation.

Another is Cañao, originally, a form of spirits summoning. The warriors headhunt their enemies' and success is celebrated in Cañao. Today, Cañao is known as a feast in many Cordilleran Villages. But to those who understand the original intent of a Cañao, they would see the war dances displayed during the celebration. The reason here is animism.

Regardless of whether or not tribal wars are fought by reason of survival, retaliation or animism, one thing is sure : people die. A mother mourns for her husband or for her son. Or a son cries for his father. Or a father for his son.

Recent reports tell us that the system of Bodong following the rule of PAGTA or called the law of the Bdong is keeping the province peaceful.

Labels: tribal war