1Dean, College of Criminal Justice Administration, Cagayan State University, Piat Campus, Cagayan, Philippines
2JR, Faculty Member, College of Criminology, Isabela State University, Cabagan Campus, Isabela, Philippine
The study documented the awareness of the natives of Kalinga on the processes of Bodong in settling conflicts and disputes, their perception on its effectiveness and the alternative measures they adopt when it becomes ineffective using descriptive research design requesting the tribal leaders and members to answer unstructured questionnaires and informal interviews as well as conducting observations and documentation of activities related to Bodong practices. Findings show that most members of the Bodong are 51–66 years old, majority are male, married, literate and Roman Catholics. Findings further show that there are three procedures in the conduct of Bodong in Lower Kalinga: the Lumnok, Pagta and Sipat; that the respondents are very much aware of the procedures in the conduct of Bodong; that they perceive Bodong as effective justice system; and that they elevate their disputes to the courts as alternative to Bodong. Generally, respondents consider Bodong as a ‘fair’ justice system where no innocent soul is unjustly punished even at the cost of bloodshed.
Awareness, Bodong, effectiveness, justice system
