Two farmers died after participating in a traditional trial by ordeal known as sulif to settle a land dispute between two families in Barangay Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani province.
The two men reportedly represented their respective families, the Mansag and Palasanon families, in the ritual at Glamang River after efforts to resolve the land conflict at the barangay level failed.
According to the account provided, the ritual required both men to submerge themselves in the river. The ordeal reportedly lasted about 12 minutes, resulting in the deaths of both participants.
A video of the incident captured a voice saying “tabla,” a term used to indicate a tie. The two men were retrieved from the water and rushed to a hospital, but both had already died.
The Alabel Municipal Police Station is investigating the incident. Initial information from the police investigation indicated that the two men voluntarily participated in the ritual as a way to resolve the land dispute between their families.
In an interview with Brigada Gensan, relatives identified the two participants as Tony Mansag and Gaspar Palasanon, who represented the opposing sides in the dispute.
The incident highlights the deadly outcome of the traditional method reportedly used by the families to settle their disagreement over land.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. No further details about the ownership dispute or possible legal proceedings were provided in the original account.
The incident occurred in Barangay Anggas, Alabel, where the two farmers entered Glamang River as part of the reported ordeal.
The deaths of Mansag and Palasanon were confirmed in the account provided by the families and police investigation details. Further findings from authorities may clarify the circumstances surrounding the ritual and the unresolved land dispute.
