Guina-ang, Pasil and Licuan-Ba-ay, Abra Reclaim Bodong Ties
By Myla Wail
When the Bodong system works, it really works positively. This is what resulted from the severed ties that used to bind the barangays of Guina-ng, Pasil and Licuan-Ba-ay, Abra. The bond between the two tribes automatically disintegrated two years back when James Tejero, 38, of Guina-ang, was gunned down in Bunglo, Abra on August 22, 2005. Some time in 1999, Tejero’s older brother, Ibis, suffered the same fate. For the 2005 slay, Elpidio Bobila, of Licuan-Ba-ay, was accused as the culprit. “However, we do believe that the two cases were perpetrated by another member from the same family,” Rafael Tejero, the victim’s brother, said. “Naturally, the family of the accused refused to admit their member’s guilt, but then based on the findings of the Licuan-Ba-ay elders who tried the case in their level, he was guilty.” According to former Pasil Mayor Artemio Dalsen, the Tejero family tried the standard court of justice but was dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence. But this ha not deterred the aggrieved family to seek redress – this time, using the bodong system. And so finally, last June 2-5, 2007, elders from and barangay officials from Guina-ang visited Licuan-Ba-ay for the settlement attempt. Kau Aggalao represented Guina-ang, while Mr. Pawil and Idao Brilantes represented the Licuan-Ba-ay side. In the presence of esteemed elders from both camps, the Galigad process of Bodong was formally conducted. The accused perpetrator was bought before the Bodong forum. After an exercise of skillful negotiations during the galigad, both parties pegged the fine or penalty at PhP150,000.00, coming from the Bobila family. “200,00.00 is supposed to be the penalty for Patoy according to the Pagta, but since the offending party did their best to reduce the penalty , we met at 150,000.00,” Ex-Mayor Dalsen said. Dalsen added that, in addition, the banat was also claimed. Banat refers to the land on which the murder was committed. Unfortunately, the land is currently occupied, but still the bugis should be claimed since the place of the killing is located within the territorial jurisdiction of Licuan-Ba-ay. During the bodong forum, the Bobila family butchered 1 carabao as Tupyak as provided in the pagta of bodong (Article VII, Sec. 5) in addition to their fine. “I am at peace, knowing that the murder of my brother was finally given justice through the bodong system,” Rafael Tejero commented. “I especially commend the Guina-ang tribe elders who had been very astute in demanding for justice. I won’t forget the way they did the settlement, their love, support, sacrifice, concern and very shrewd decision making.”
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