Philippines: The Indigenous Conflict Resolution Practices of the Higaunon Tribe

This research explores the indigenous system of conflict resolution of the Higaunon tribe in Kagahuman, San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon, Philippines. The data employed in this study includes the responses of the members of the tribal council and a part of the barangay council of San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon. The study uses qualitative approach and the data is interpreted by means of descriptive analysis. The study shows the different cases of social discords by which the tribal council heard. It also presents the resolution processes, the nature of penalty imposed and the interface of the tribal council and the barangay (village) justice system vis-à-vis resolution of conflicts. It also presents the problems encountered by the tribal council in the resolution of conflicts. The study identi fies eight cases of social discord, namely: thievery, fighting, murder, misunderstandings, adultery, land conflicts, contempt against rituals and conflicts involving rebels. The resolution processes of the Higaunon tribal council varies from one conflict to another. Upon the filing of a complaint, the tribal council would then schedule the time and place for hearing the case. Sala (penalty) varies according to the nature of the offense. Conflicts involving non-Higaunons are resolved by the sitio (zone) representative.