Datu Manpatilan - Ayala Museum Research Team (1971)
Datu Manpatilan. He is considered the political and religious chief of the Higaonons. Manpatilan meaning "He who cuts", is the ruler of some 100 Higaonon tribal datus scattered among 7 sub-provinces in Bukidnon, Davao and Agusan with a growing population of 4,000. Last June 1971, he was officially crowned by Panamin Secretary Manuel Elizalde with all his subject datus, tribal heads and government leaders attending. Aged 67, he has 5 wives and 30 children. A polygamous Higaonon may have either one house with individual subdivisions for each wife, or wives may live with their own family group. Occasionally a wife of this latter kind will visit her husband or vice-versa. The Datu is one who has successfully protected the interests of his immediate blood relations. Then words of his good work spreads, he acquires fame and becomes in demand as a negotiator. In return for such services his clients give him a share of the articles that have been paid as fines, the products of their clearings and the title of datu. The datu''s crowning achievement was his meeting with President Marcos last July 1970, when he asked for a reservation of 2,000 hectares for his people. As protector, he has killed about 14 people who wronged him and his immediate family. This is shown by his red headgear, locally called sulang-sulang. As a religious leader or head, he is known to keep contacts with the "Diwatas", or spirits.
With prints
Original
Keywords: 1971; Sultans, datus, and kin; Esperanza, Agusan del Sur