'.

FIRIS ANCESTRAL DOMAIN R18HT HOLDERS ORGANIZATION

(FADRHO)
Borders of Talayan, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi, Datu Unsay, Datu Hofer, Ampatuan and South Upi
Maguindanao

MOST t::ONFLJcrAFFECI'ED FUSAKA INGED CANt::ESI'RAL DOMAIN)

CJUGA.MORO MILITIAS A AFPMORO REVOLIJTIONARY WARS,

LOCATION: Borders of the municipalities of Talayan, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi, Datu

Unsay, Datu Hofer, Ampatuan and South Upi, located in south-eastern part
of Maguindanao Province, ARMM
TRIBAL PEOPLES AFFECTED:
TOPOGRAPHY:

Toouray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo

Hilly, Mountainous and Open Grassland where the Sacred Stone,

some Sacred Mountains, hunting, fishing and worship grounds of the
ethnic groups are found.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION
The rights of the Tribal Peoples (Indigenous Peoples) have been recognized by the United
Nations through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
and the International Labor Organization Convention No. 169 (!LO Convention No. 169), the
Republic of the Philippines through the 1987 Philippine Constitution, implemented by Republic
Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) and
Republic Act No.9054, otherwise known as the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), implemented by Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No 241,
otherwise known as the Tribal Peoples Rights Act. The IPRA being the landmark Philippine
Legislation recognizes the four (4) bundles of rights of the Indigenous Peoples nationwide, to
wit: (I) Right to Ancestral Domains and Lands; (II) Right to Self-Governance and
Empowerment; (111) Social Justice and Human Rights; and (IV) Right to Cultural Integrity.

The Unified Ancestral Domain (Te"itory) ofthe Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan
Manobo in the Province ofMaguindanao, ARMM
The ENTIRE UNIFIED FUSAKA INGED (Ancestral Domain) of the Tribal Peoples
belonging to the Toouray, Lambangian and part of the Dulangan Manobo ethnic groups is
located at the south-western part of the Province of Maguindanao, Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), bounded on the south-west is the Municipality of Lebak, on the
east is the Municipality of Esperanza, all in the Province of Sultan Kudarat, Region 12 and on
the north is the City of Cotabato, a chartered City separate from the Province of Maguindanao
which is not part of the ARMM, and still under Region 12, but the interim seat of the ARMM
government, and on the west, laid the Illana Bay and on the north-west is the Moro Gulf.
However, Cotabato City and some barangays of Esperanza and Lebak along the southern and
eastern borders of the municipalities of South Upi and North Upi, Maguindanao are part of the
traditional territory and Native Tide of the said ethnic groups.

mSTORICAL BACKGROUND
The UNIFIED TERRITORY is the remaining area of the agreed territory for the
descendants of Mamalu as forged by and between Mamalu and TabWlaway through sacred ritual,
but Wlwritten agreement that took place sometime between 1450-1475 A.D when Shariff
Mohammad KabWlSuan, a Muslim Missionary from lohore, Malaysia arrived in the Cotabato
area to spread out Islamic faith. Mamalu. the ancestor of the Tedurays, Lambangians and
Dulangan Manobos refused to be converted to Islam, but he chose to remain in his traditional
belief system. When they parted ways, they agreed to divide their territory and delineate it with
identified landmarks. Mamalu and his progeny chose to live in the upland and mOWltainous areas
(palaw), the ancestral territory of the present Toouray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo,
while Tabunaway and his progeny chose to occupy the lowland and marshy areas (pawas). The
agreement was known to the descendants of both leaders Wltil this modem times.
The entire territory of the Tribal Peoples was affected by the ILAGA-Moro war in the
later part of 1960s to early part of 1970. In the later part of 1970, it was affected by the AFP
Blackshirt war and followed by the AFP-MNLF war. Later on, it was affected by the AFP-MILF
and most recent is the AFP-BIFF war. The Tribal Peoples laid claim over their ancestral domain
with an estimated area of 201,850 hectares more or less. The documents were already submitted
to the National Commission on indigenous Peoples, Central Office in 2005.

The Most Conflict-Affected Area

Brief Accounts of the sacred place and the neighboring villages
The MT. FIRIS (Uruk Firis) neighborhood is a place treasured by the Teduray, Lambangian and
Dulangan Manobo peoples in Mindanao. ACCOWlts of famous leaders in the area are told in
folklores and epics where the most prominent were Lagey (male) Ungkuwos, Lagey Firis, Lagey
Seboten and the most recent in history was Sgt. Maw 1, all traced their origin from the
neighborhood now called Firis.
Lagey LtSngkuwos and Lagey Firis became popular because of their hard work in building a
peaceful and prosperous community and defend their people against cruel acts made by the
"dumon keilawan" (fellow human beings) and the "MgeJibaken" (bad spirits). They are brave,
witty and charismatic leaders and at different period in history, Lagey Ungkuwos and Lagey
Firis completed their mission of liberating their people from "rasay" (sufferings) through
"diyat" (going to heaven with the human body). The other one is Lagey Seboren who considered
earth as mother to humanity, an expert in agriculture and cared so much to people even those
who refused to believe him. He and his followers are believed by the Toouray as "senirung"
(sheltered and can no longer be seen). Meaning they are still on earth but no longer visible to
human beings. And the recent in history was Sgt Maw 1, a warrior during the Philippine
,Commonwealth period as member of the Philippine Constabulary with the rank of 1Sgt .. but on
A WOL or Absent Without Official Leave and preferred to directly assist and defend his tribe and
people but was said to be imprisoned by the authorities in the early 1900s in San Ramon Penal
Colony, Zamboanga. But, to date there is no certainty as to his whereabouts though many
believed that he is just aroWld and return anytime.

Without mentioning details on the long stories of diyat, senirung and the imprisonment of 1Sgt.
Maw 1, we will just describe the best we can in the significance of Mt. Firis (Uruk Firis)
neighborhood to the Teduray by presenting the most prominent landmarks in the area - the Uruk
Ungkuwos (Mt. Lengkuwos), Uruk Meringen (Mt. Menngen), Uruk Firis (Mt. Firis) and Batew
(stone).
Uruk Ungkuwos is where Lagey Lengkuwos took off when they go for the diyat and today it is
located south ofUruk Meringen. The poles of the tenines (worship house) of Lagey Lengkuwos
turned stones after their departure to heaven are still found in the area This made it sacred and
second to Tawan-tawan (pC Hill, Cotabato City). And of the same importance and value is
batew, a stone that grew and getting bigger and bigger at the foot of Mt. Firis in its southern
portion and is located north-east of Meringen and Uruk Lengkuwos. In between the two famous
mountains is Ahan River that sneaked its way north-west ward down to the Dohon River
(Talayan River). Most likely as described in many folklores that the senirung are at the northern
portion of Meringen but no landmarks can ever be traced to them. And the Mt. Firis, like Uruk
Ungkuwos; it was the take-off place of Lagey Firis when he followed the foot-steps of Lagey
Ungkuwos in bringing his followers to heaven through diyat.

The contemporary Leaders at Mt. Firis neighborhood

1Sgt. Maw 1 was a Philippine Constabulary officer and is considered one of the contemporary
leaders who took the lead in re-establishing a typical Teduray settlement at Mt. Firis specifically
Barew community. He formed "timanan" (communal farms) and established the core leadership
structures in Batew. He stood as the overall Chief, as a justice officer to resolve conflicts,
spiritual chieftain, economic officer, alliance officer, defense chief and a spokesman with the
title Linggi-o Derer (a Teduray term synonymous to thunder). With this, people from as far as
do got (meaning the coastal area ofUpi but now DBS), Awang to Upi and Tran came to Batew
for the rituals. The birth of Barew as a new spiritual center carried out by the spiritual chieftain
of 1Sgt. Maw in the early 1900s reinforced the faith and beliefs of the people and strengthened
their conviction to stand guard over the historically respected, honored and revered places of
Mts. Firis, Lengkuwos and Meringen.
Aware that their customary-governance and justice systems, economic activities and spiritual
practices are endangered by the "kolonia" (Teduray corrupted word for colony or colonial), the
defense chief of 1Sgt. Maw organized the alangkat (fence/shield), a movement for the protection
of the territory, the preservation of the customary governance and justice system, economic
activities and spiritual or traditional beliefs system through mass education led by the bliyan
(spitiualleader) during "kanduliltula/f' (rituals) on the practice and exercise of customary laws.
But the Philippine Commonwealth was so jealous that some government and military officials
suspected the officialdom of 1Sgt. Maw of initiating an uprising against the Commonwealth
government. And instead of knowing what were the issues and concerns of the tribe, the
Commonwealth government ordered their police to apprehend the ritualist and discouraged
traditional mass education during rituals and special gatherings. Because of this, 1Sgt. Maw
voluntarily submitted himself to the authority to protect his followers from harassments.

After the voluntary disappearance of 1Sgt. Maw from Mt. Firis, the people started to dispersed
and went to as far as Awang, Sibutu, dogot (coastal areas), Ufi (Upi), Tran, Kauran and other
areas. The bliyans (spiritual Leaders) were at a time afraid to perform their rituals. And there was
a lull in the installation of leaders at Mt. Firis. For several decades the people who choose to stay
experienced cases of repression, killings, harassments, cattle rustlings and the likes from the
"tulisan" (bandits).
After the World War II, the tribal leaders begun to re-establish their leadership structures
beginning from the time of Chieftain Yey Takilid, a former close in follower of 1Sgt. Maw,
then followed by Masla Mama Takilid as teniente del barrio of Ahan. It was a peaceful time
and the area was abundant with food with an estimated population of 5,000 families of 100% all
Teduray, Lambangian and Manobo Dulangan. It was an intact large community where traditional
culture is very much alive and being practiced, such as; their system of governance, customary
laws and other indigenous knowledge systems and practices.
In 1960s, Antonio Batitao was appointed the first /capitan del barrio of Ahan, the Y01.mgest at the
age of 15. It was the time of kapitan del barrio Batitao that the concept of "sawit" system was
revived, a system of bringing the first harvest of upland palay by the Tedurays to the Moro Datus
as a symbol of continued kinship and in return, the Tedurays brought home with them fishes,
clothing, farm implements, etc., but it was abused later. Though there were minor disturbances
perpetrated by Moro bandits and robbers and the abusive activities, the once peaceful existence
of the ethnic groups was gradually disturbed, but stiU the ethnic groups took control of the
situation and their ancestral domain. However, out of tolerance, the Tribal Peoples began to fight
back against the bandits and abusive Moro Datus.

In the early 1970, because of the presence of the ILAGA group led by Feliciano Luces, a.k.a.
''Toothpick'' who introduced himself as the son of ISgt Maw took advantage of the seed of
sentiments within the Tribal Peoples and instigated an anti-Moro armed conflict. Many of the
ethnic groups were recruited as members of the armed forces of Toothpick. This time, the
recovery program at Mt. Firis started to be destructed again by hostilities.
In the same year, the residents massively fled to nearby Barangay Pandan, Upi Municipality
(now South Upi) because the Moro Militias combined with the so called "Barracudas" attacked
the entire community and totally burnt thousands of houses and animals and belongings were
taken by the attackers. It was an exodus of the more than five thousand (5,000) Teduray,
Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo families and majority of the native inhabitants left the area
pennanently, like this writer. Some of the original Tribal Peoples residents evacuated to different
municipalities in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Cotabato Province, some
are in the City of Cotabato and some gone to as far as General Santos City. Since then, the
territory was abandoned with only few Toourays, Lambangians and Dulangan Manobos
sustained in the area by just taking side steps and roaming around within the territory. Since this
time, the area was under controlled by the Black Shirt group until the emergence of the MNLF in
1971. Since then, the Tribal Peoples in Firis, whether those sustained in the area or the
permanently evacuated to other places, lived a miserable life and their culture and traditions were
gradually lost.

Nevertheless, in early 1970s, Chieftain Banda Pagles took the leadership and stayed at Mari,
Ahan. He tried to befriend to all people including the bandits just to ensure that peace will
4

prevail in the village. For a time, there was hannony but when the bandits ordered him again
and again to fill up 20, 50 or 100 empty sacks with palay and asked him to deliver it to where the
commander wanted it to be, the Chieftain felt bad of it for he felt no longer Chieftain of his
people but of the bandits so he decided to stop being the Chieftain and took a rest at Merireb
(Manirub), Femantingen (pamantingan), Esperanza and simply focused to his family.
In 1975, Fintailan Gogon Ignacio, daughter of 1Sgt. Maw took over the position of Banda
Pagles, though she lived ever since at Batew, the Sitio of Ahan. This time, the bandits' hideouts
were taken over by the MNLF and Gogon with all respect coordinated with the rebel forces and
even agree to give sakal or revolutionary taxes. But as time passed by, she observed that some
elements of the MNLF were doing things other than their commanders ordered them to do and
complaints to the commanders also fell to deaf ears.

Because of those experiences, she decided to go to Maganoy. But at the poblacion, lives were
difficult for farmers like her followers. And in 1984 thru the order of Maganoy Mayor Datu
Akilan Ampatuan, she brought back her people to Batew at Mt. Firis. And with the fertile soil
and some assistance from the Mayor, their fanning activities fast develop and transforming their
community into a normal and typical village life without experiencing food crisis and other
materials except things that can only be obtained with money.
Since then, they lived a simple but happy life at Mt. Firis. They continued to befriend with the
MNLF Commanders with renewed commitments. But in 1996, with the forging of GRP and
MNLF peace agreement, the MILF emerged under Ustadz Hashim Salamat and the MNLF
sanctuary at Mt. Firis was taken over by the MILF under Amiril Umbra Kato (Head ofthe Ulama
Brigade) and made popular as Camp Omar and the nearby villages of Mari, Fute, Tamatalon,
Uruk (Mt.) Meringen, Uruk (Mt.) Ungkuwos, Fenutfut and Datar (Plain) M6neb were under
Camp Badre which was controlled by the MILF 104 Brigade Command of Saban Campong.
Though the followers of Kato were known as the disciplined forces, the Teduray were also
critical to their Islamic policies that at times conflict with their local beliefs. And in 1998,
Chieftain Gogon Ignacio died and was buried near the foot of Barew. Her position was assumed
by Salipada Kaol and later, it was forcibly taken over by Moro leaders including the surname of
Salipada Kaol. At present, the Barangay Chairman of Ahan which is now under Guindulungan,
Maguindanao is in the name of Quirino Kaol, a Toouray name, but a Moro who is residing at
Barangay Semangkong, Talayan Maguindanao.
Specifically for the residence of Batew, a certain Rogelio Sangkupan led the people and
continued the relationship with the MILF at Camp Omar under Commander Umbra Kato. Then
in 2000, major changes happened when His Excellency President Joseph "Erap" Estrada ordered
the all-out war against the MILF where camp Omar was bombarded by the military. It was also
on this year that Chieftain Rogelio Sangkupan together with Tony Ulama were believed to be
salvaged by the rebel forces and their bodies were not recovered.
On the same year, the followers of Chieftain Rogelio Sangkupan that time led by LOlji Met and
Allan Balinto gathered at Sitio Kemeder also of Mt. Firis, east of Camp Omar. The triba11eaders
coordinated their security situation to the military assigned at Hill 224 detachment and prompted
decision to transfer the civilians from Sitio Kemeder to Hill 224. That started the exodus of more
than 200 families from Camp Omar, an MILF camp to Hill 224, a military detachment. Later, the

able bodied males were given military training and issued firearms to augment the limited
number of regular army to defend the detachment turned settlement for the more than 200
families.
During that time, MT. FIRIS is located in between the former municipalities of Dinaig ( now
Datu Odin Sinsuat), Datu Piang, Maganoy (now Shariff Aguak) and Upi (now South Upi),
formerly empire Cotabato province, now Maguindanao.
.
At present, Mt. Firis is located at the borders of the municipalities of Talayan, Guindulungan,
both are controlled by the Midtimbang Clan, Datu Saudi, which is previously controlled by the
Ampatuan, now by the Dimaukom Clan and Datu Unsay and Datu Hofer, both controlled by the
Ampatuan Clan, all of Maguindanao Province. All these municipalities were newly created and
the favorite sanctuaries of Moro lawless elements, considering that these LGUs are Moro
controlled areas, except South Upi which is a Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo
territory.
In 2008, after the failed MOA-AD signing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Ulama Brigade of the

MILF splitted and later established its new name, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement
(BIFM) with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as its military arm. The Camp
Omar was established by the Ulama Brigade of Commander Amilil Umbra Kato, now head of
the BIFF without the consent of the Tribal Peoples in the area.
Recently, the Moro Political Leaders from Talayan are taking over the areas ofMari, Fute and all
areas under Barangay Ahan of the Municipality of Guindulungan for their Palm Oil Plantation
project. These areas are part of Firis Complex. The Teduray indigenous residents were advised
to prepare their picture if they are willing to become workers of the project. Those who opposed
the project should vacate the areas, otherwise something will happen to them. The armed Moros
who are members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Private Armies of the
politicians and some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who are relatives
and supporters of the politicians were conducting survey of the areas because they are claiming
the lands as their own.
Whereas, vast lands in Babay-Babay (Hill 224, Sitio Kyamko), Bagung, Kemeder (Teduray
terms) going to Batew, all of Firis Complex were claimed by the Moro Political leaders from
Datu Saudi and Datu Piang, Maguindanao, allegedly, titled to them. Many times, groups ofMoro
have attempted to enter the areas, bringing with them banana shoots for planting, while
conducting the survey at the same time. Banana Plantation projects will be established in the area
without the Tribal Peoples' consent.
Areas in Mara, Kateman, Kenagul and Reneba were occupied by Moros with established
communities already and they are continuously expanding their occupation to other areas within
the Firis Complex.
The very recent development in the GPH-MILF Peace Talks is the signing of the Annex on
Normalization, the last and final annex to the FAB on January 24, 2014 at Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia by the GPH and MILF Peace Panels wherein the legitimacy of MILF Camps in Central
Mindanao were recognized including the two (2) Camps covered by the Ancestral Domains of
the Toouray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo, the Camps Omar and Badre located at Firis

Complex including the areas of Mari and Fute, Barangay Ahan and other areas of the Tribal
Peoples under the municipality of Guinduhmgan, Maguindanao.

Reflection
From the 2000 all-out war to the MOA-AD conflict and now the BIFF attacks plus minor
skirmishes and at one time, a clearing operation against the so called Pentagon kidnap for ransom
group (KFRG), not to mention the troubles created by the tulisan and Toothpick gangs in the
past. In the current wars, the military used the full force of their mortar cannons and air powers
to demolish enemy positions. And in the same manner, the rebel forces employed their full force
and strength. For outsiders, it is easy for them to understand the impact and effects of those wars
to the living conditions of the Teduray and Lambangian resettled at the Hill 224. But other
community experiences are still unknown to stranger and with the pennission we got from the
community, we can now discuss with all due respect and honesty the "meIe/" an antic Teduray
escape mechanism when in danger, under attack by enemy or of any perceive incoming bad
elements. In simple term, a sidestep.
Much is our desire to make it clear for outsiders to understand the subject matters but borrowed
language makes it difficult to explain and the only way possible to convey the idea is to make a
comparative presentation of experiences with high note that this is not illustration of who is right
or wrong but simply to communicate the untold stories of the people of Mt. Firis neighborhood,
and presented as follows:
1. At Hill 224, a military detachment turned evacuation center and settlement for more or
less 200 households, if there is no assistance for food and war implements at times that
they are under attack; they felt that the "dunya" (world) is against them; and,
2. The Toouray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo who took refuge just along the creeks
and rivers and or beside the mountains, under the trees and bushes or in extreme situation
just jump few steps from their ladder to ensure that they are at least outside of their
"fesayawan" (household playground) is "meIef', and if unhurt; they look at the "dunya"
(world) as their rescuer.
The two (2) cases depict higher tolerance to violence plus signs of declining trust and confidence
to government interventions from one group. There is also glaring contradiction between courage
and hopelessness among the communities. In both cases, there is "lunson" - both are equally
dangerous because lunson is an act with a suicidal tendency.
The "bitoh krara" concept: a situation where somebody/group wish to please each of the
opposing groups in good faith. At Mt. Firis neighborhood, the AFPIPNP and the rebel forces are
always at war. If bitoh krara is applied at Mt. Firis by the people, it can be missed construed as
traitor - a war crime.
But in all indications, actors in both cases are heroes of Mt. Firis neighborhood. In the past, the
prize of their heroism is "diyat" but it's a thing of the past now. Today, we are living in the new
era, in a democratic society where the power of the state resides on the people. Sadly however,
democracy is still elusive at Mt. Firis neighborhood. Had it been realized in words and in deeds

at Mt. Firis neighborhood, the Toouray, Lambangian and Dulangan Manobo had been quick to
translate democracy into the present day interpretation of diyat.
However, the new interpretation is, it doesn't follow that the introduction of a new system will
change the condition of the people of Mt. Firis from bad to better. It is proven in history that the
development they enjoyed before were product of their hard work and wisdom of their leaders to
establish a peaceful community. They did not request it from outside to come; they worked it out
inside but only interrupted. And if the only way forward is to build a new society, then let it be,
but let these people continue building their own future in fulfillment of their diyat in the present
world order.
TRIBAL PEOPLES' STRONG APPEAL
In order to correct the historical injustices committed against the Tribal Peoples,
1. Delist Camps OMAR and BADRE in Firis Complex from the list of MILF Camps
because these are within the Ancestral Domain of the Teduray, Lambangian and
Dulangan Manobo Tribal Peoples.

2. The development projects intended for Camps Omar and Badre as stipulated in the
Annex on Nonnalization should be implemented with the Tribal Peoples within the area
3. Establish a Military Camp in the area for peace and security of the Tribal Peoples as
provided in Par. 1, Article 30 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Tribal Peoples appealed not to remove the Military
from the area as per their Petition submit to the Government of the Philippines.

PICTORIALS

Batew at Mt. Firis

(a sacred growing Brown Stone)

Mt. Firis and the Base of Camp Omar viewed from Hill 224 on Oct. 18, 2005
Five (5)
after the all-out war in 2000

Based of Cam Omar

Ritual at Uruk Lengkuwos as part of a belated celebration of the Indigenous Peoples' Month

Officiated by KK Rendaw Mosela, Nov. 12, 2007

Compiled from the writings of Alim Bandara and

TimuaySAN
Titay Bleyen (Assis t Supreme Tribal Chieftain)
Timuay Justice and overnance
Internal Consultant, FADRHO

10