The Fugitive of Talaingod

This interview with Datu Guibang, conducted in Lumad and Visayan, was held in 2006, months before the Salugpungan withdrew its ancestral claim.

DAVAO TODAY: Why did the government put you on its wanted list?

DATU GUIBANG-: Because we stood up for the land we live on.

Is it a crime to stand up for our land? We did not encroach on other people’s land. They are the ones who have no respect for our rights. They try to take away the land from us and call us communists, fugitives, terrorists. We did not trespass or steal other people’s land. It is the government who besieged us and dispossessed us of our lands.

DT: What kind of life have you lived since you were declared a fugitive?

DG: I lived in constant hiding. We experienced walking many nights under the rain. We slept without a roof above our heads and only have banana leaves for a bed. We had to endure mosquitoes. We had to endure not being able to eat in a day or two. We even eat bananas even if they are still young and bitter.

DT: Did you ever fall ill?

DG: I did, so did the others in our league. I experienced urinating and vomiting blood. But the most difficult thing was my inability to sleep at night.

DT: Where is your family?

DG: They are in the sitios (subvillages). But there are times we had to take them with us, especially when their lives are in danger.

DT: For instance?

DG: Like when the members of Talakayan went searching for us. They threatened to hostage the wives of the datus that are on the wanted list. They forced the youths to act as their guides. We had to go and get our wives out of the sitios.

DT: But why can’t they ever capture you?

DG: Because we are always on the move and the entire tribe is helping us. They are our eyes and ears.