2 farmers drown in 'ritual trial' over land dispute

A land dispute led to the deaths of two farmers after they attempted to settle the matter through a traditional ritual in Alabel, Sarangani.

According to a State of the Nation report, the two farmers tried to reach a settlement at the barangay level.

However, when the issue was not resolved, the two farmers attempted a “sulif” or a trial by ordeal.

The ritual was a contest of who can stay under the water the longest. The two were under the water for around 12 minutes.

In a contributed video from Reyden Dabon, other residents could be seen around the river, with a few bystanders yelling as the farmers were dragged out of the water.

Both were taken to the hospital. One was declared dead on arrival while the other eventually lost his life. —Jean Mangaluz/ VAL, GMA News