Two farmers die in traditional sulif ritual over land dispute in Sarangani

Two farmers died following a traditional trial by ordeal, known as sulif, intended to resolve a land ownership dispute in Barangay Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani province. The participants, identified as 69-year-old Tony Mansag and 49-year-old Gaspar Palasanon, represented the Mansag and Palasanon families respectively.

According to reports, the ritual involved the two men submerging themselves in the Glamang River. The ordeal lasted approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Witnesses reportedly heard the term “tabla,” indicating a tie, before the men were pulled from the water. Mansag was declared dead on arrival at the Sarangani Provincial Hospital, while Palasanon died several hours later at a private hospital in General Santos City.

The Alabel Municipal Police Station is investigating the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the men participated voluntarily to settle the disagreement after local barangay-level mediation efforts failed. The event has raised discussions regarding the intersection of indigenous customary justice and public safety.