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T’BOLI, South Cotabato—After several decades, the municipal government here has given recognition to 300 T’boli and B’laan tribal warriors who risked their lives defending the town against Moro separatist rebels in the 1970s.
Mayor Dibu Tuan led local officials in giving the tribute during the flag-raising ceremony here Monday.
The event was one of the highlights of this year’s “Seslong” Festival held in commemoration of the town’s 40th founding anniversary. Seslong is a T’boli term for “a gathering of people to trade goods or celebrate a socio-cultural heritage.”
Tuan, a businessman before joining politics, said this year’s foundation anniversary primarily aims to give accolade to tribal inhabitants whose toils and travails made T’boli what it is today – a bustling first class municipality.
The 300 tribal warriors composed of B’laans and T’bolis were enlisted as militiamen in 1970’s through the recommendation of the now defunct Presidential Assistance for National Minorities (Panamin).
“Many of these tribal warriors died without receiving an iota of recognition from the national government. Those who are still alive are quite lucky that finally their sacrifices were recognized,” Tuan said.
Hundreds of tribesmen led by tribal chieftain Datu Mai Tuan were mobilized by Panamin at the height of the Moro rebellion in 1970’s to help the peace efforts of the national government.
Mai Tuan, who died in October 2001, became the first mayor of T’boli town by virtue of an appointment issued by the late President Ferdinand Marcos.
Salvador Ramos Sr., who was recently designated by the mayor as his alter ego for the eight hinterland villages of Lambangan, Datal Bob, Malugong, Maan, Basag, Aflek, Mongokayo and Talcon, told the Inquirer that the tribal warriors went through a rigid military training before enlistment.
“They received salaries and they were issued firearms no less than by former President Marcos. Many of them died helping the government’s peace campaign,” Ramos, himself a T’boli, said.
The Moro National Liberation Front had then then established a stronghold in the mountain range of T’boli particularly in the remote villages of Lampari, Maan and Ned.
“Tribal warriors succeeded in driving out MNLF fighters then known as ‘Black Shirts’ from their territories,” Ramos added.
Mayor Dibu, son of Mai Tuan, gave plaques of recognition and cash gifts to 300 surviving tribal warriors.
“What you received today is nothing compared to your contributions and sacrifices to make T’boli a peaceful place. From the bottom of our hearts, we are extending our deepest and endless gratitude to each and every one of you,” Tuan said.
Aside from recognizing tribal warriors, other highlights of this year’s festival include, among others, a national off road challenge, tribal day, shooting competition, traditional horse fight and fun climb to a breath-taking Lake Holon (Lake Maughan) in Salacafe village.