Two indigenous farmers drown during traditional land dispute ritual in Sarangani

Two indigenous farmers lost their lives while participating in a customary ritual designed to settle a land dispute in Alabel, Sarangani province, police reported. The drowning occurred on Friday, October 16, in Barangay Datal. The victims were identified as Tonny Bulanon Mansag, 69, of Sitio Ulo Tubay, and Gaspar Tusan Palasanon, 49, of Sitio Katimbol. Both men were residents of the same barangay where the incident took place. The exact nature of the traditional ceremony and the circumstances that led to the drowning remain under investigation by local authorities. Koronadal City police are gathering additional details about the incident to determine whether the ritual may have contributed to the deaths. The incident highlights the continued reliance among indigenous communities in Mindanao on traditional practices to resolve disputes, though such customs occasionally carry unforeseen risks. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the land feud will be pursued through formal legal channels or addressed by the community through other means.