Respect, above all things

“Dangan to panahon, kung madat ka, motayan ka’t Bagobo!”, says Lorenzo Licawan of the Bagobo – Tagabawa tribe of Toril, Davao City.

Translated,“that in the olden days, if you break a good custom or if you are behaving arrogantly, you will be killed by Bagobos.”

Bagobos refer to their behavioral customs as “Botassan.” This code of conduct dictates that a Bagobo must first put himself in proper character in order for him to gain the acceptance and respect of his elders and friends in the community.

The rules that form the Bagobo’s character are not that easy to follow, however. This pattern of behavior have stemmed from the hard experiences of a people that have survived the rigidity of living near the mountains and the wild forests. Not to mention the trepidation of having to be always on guard from tribal retaliation or invasion. Bagobos, in their wanderings in the forests, are also careful not to offend the spirits that guard the big trees, the rocks, the streams and the animals. Reverence for and harmonious relations with nature have always been one of their strongest beliefs.

In fact when approaching a lonely river in a forest, a Bagobo must not talk nor open his mouth until he accords a proper ritual to appease the spirit guardian in the vicinity. For him, it is only fitting that all creatures, seen and unseen be accorded the proper spiritual courtesy.

Another taboo is laughing at another’s physical deformity or defect. While laughing is generally considered a positive social response in the modern age, it may be taken as an insult to a Bagobo. If he is shamed and considers that his honor has been taken, he might result to taking revenge. This usually ends in tragedy.

Taking a man’s wife, which was an occurrence during the old days, was considered a serious offense. The act would merit a grave punishment. Killings would not only be undertaken by the aggrieved party, but also by his kinsmen against the offender. Many a time these would result to many murders, due a pangayao (tribal vengeance).  Even innocent men, women and children of an opposing village would be made to suffer. Not until a Datu would restore justice, killings could not be put to an end.

Bagobos in the old world took their relationships more seriously. It was important for them to have good character. “Moppiyon to botassan”, they would say, alluding to a good character of a person. Being hospitable to house guests, lending an article or a tool to a neighbor, giving of presents when visiting a house, and being respectful of others business constitute only a few of the many dignities of the Bagobo tribe.

For the Bagobo, it is important that one must have a sense of respect in all things. For it is in this way that he gains his honor and place in his own universe.