Conflicts between clans and troupes can either lead to unresolved tension or settled agreement. For the communities of Kalinga, the latter is more preferred and their desire to clear up disputes is manifested in Bodong. Bodong is a bilateral agreement between two groups, both seeking a harmonious relationship with each other. In the process of resolving their struggle, both parties abide by these steps in forging Bodong.
Patigammo/Pagikna (to make known). One of two tribes engaged in a bloody clash needs to explore peace feelers and initiate the building of a Bodong (bumdongkani). An uninvolved member of a sin-ilian (autonomous tribe), chosen by the initiating group, transmits the message. The papangat (headmen) of the other village assemble to deliberate whether to accept or decline the proposition. If they agree, a favorable response will be transmitted. The exchange of spears or Allasiw or Sipat happens after both parties have signified their willingness to forge the Bodong.
Allasiw/Sipat (exchancing weapons for peace). The papangat (headmen) and Angkamalong-ag (elders) will gather to choose among themselves a mangdon si Bodong (peace pact holder), one from each side. The Bodong holder is sought from a large singkapuun (kindred), and must be maalmmot/maasngan (fierce warrior), masingnan (respected by the tribe), and baknang (wealthy), since he’s expected to protect his community. This represents the presence of peace in the two villages and their mutual responsibility over their people’s security. Once both tribes have chosen, the holders’ symbolic say-ang (spears) are exchanged.
Silgip. To consummate the Allasiw, it is celebrated. Silgip or simsim (to taste) informs that both sin-ilians accepted the Bodong. To determine if the chosen peace-pact holder is destined to fulfill the responsibility, a pig is butchered and its liver is examined. The elders read (abig) it and if it’s favorable, they discuss previous grievances, and share a meal, then the agreement to forge the Bodong is publicly proclaimed. If the liver doesn’t show good omen, another qualified holder is chosen. Once the Allasiw is concluded (naisilgip), warnings on not harming or commit any crime against the other sin-ilian are made.
Inom/Lonok (to drink or enter a village en masse). This is the culmination of the Bodong celebration. A social gathering is set when the two sin-ilians agree to hold it. The peace-pact holder shoulders a percentage of the expenses, community members give their dagup/uyup (share), cash or in kind. For the festivity, men are assigned to do physical tasks and butcher animals. Children serve as alluwagi (servers), while women do the kitchen chores. Everyone works together putting things in order after everything’s done. During the inom, the vibrant sounds of gong reverberate in the celebration, combined with dances, the Ullalim (chanting of Kalinga epic), Sogsogma (spontaneous chants), palpaliwat (speech to boast something) and community meals.
This step in forging Bodong involves many processes. (1) Pagta. The inom is highlighted by the enactment of the by-laws of the Bodong. “Botak de mangmangwa ate lawweng adta anna e kabodongko” (death to anyone who does any harm to anybody on my counterpart) is declared by the peace-pact holder. The provisions implemented in the pagta include komkom/potot, daladac, and wakwak. (2) Tumangad (to raise one’s head). It involves drinking sugarcane wine (basi) from a ceramic bowl (payawyaw). (3) Palpaliwat. This form of entertainment and occasion is held to boast exploits and achievements.
After both tribes have culminated the inom, the Bodong is officially established. They are now perceived as sunud (borther or sister), since the pact built a connection more than just a friendship. The peace-pact holders are bound to protect the linkage by swearing (sapata) to kill anyone who breaks the agreement. Likewise, if one of his people is harmed, the Bodong holder is responsible for the avenging of the victims.
At this point of the process, the Bodong is officially forged and the pagta or simply the laws for ruling peace between the two tribes will be reinforced. If the communities aim to renew the peace-pact and warm their relationship, they hold dolnat, also to remind their respective constituents of the repercussions of violating the pagta. All things considered, the Bodong is a sacred deal that ensures a mutually beneficial relationship between two sin-ilians. Boundaries are drawn, laws are put in place, and a promise of respect and peace is sealed, all for the building of enduring connections and promotion of lasting peace. This is the Bodong link.
31 October 2021