World · Philippines Bureau
Talaandig tribal leader Datu Migketay Saway dies at 72
Datu Victorino 'Migketay' Saway, supreme chieftain of the Talaandig people and a prominent advocate for indigenous rights in Mindanao, has passed away. His death marks the loss of a key figure in the region's struggle for ancestral land recognition and tribal autonomy.
LSN Philippines ·
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Datu Victorino 'Migketay' Saway, the supreme chieftain of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon province, has died at the age of 72, according to sources close to the indigenous community.
Saway was recognized across Mindanao as a leading voice in the indigenous rights movement, having spent decades advocating for the protection of the Talaandig people's ancestral territories, particularly the Mount Kitanglad region. His leadership extended beyond tribal governance, as he became known for mediating conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence among different communities in the province.
Throughout his life, Saway championed indigenous self-determination and played an instrumental role in efforts to secure recognition and rights for his people amid competing land claims and development pressures. His work earned him respect among indigenous groups across the broader Cordillera and Mindanao regions.
The Talaandig, one of the principal indigenous groups in Bukidnon, have long depended on Mount Kitanglad and surrounding areas for their cultural practices, livelihoods, and spiritual traditions. Saway's tenure as tribal leader coincided with increasing challenges to indigenous land rights in the region.