BODONG / POCHON SYSTEM
What is the Bodong / Pochon System?
The Bodong (or Pochon) is a traditional justice and governance system that originated in the
Cordillera region, particularly among the Kalinga people.
In simple terms, Bodong is a peace pact or treaty between tribes.
Meaning
It is an agreement between two tribes or communities that ensures:
life
liberty
property
safety
security
for all members of the tribes involved.
Why is Bodong important?
Before the existence of the modern government court system, tribes in the Cordillera needed a way
to prevent war and resolve conflicts.
So they created the Bodong, which serves as:
a peace agreement
a system of justice
a form of governance
It also regulates the relationship between villages so they can peacefully coexist.
Another important concept
The Bodong system practices restorative justice.
This means:
The goal is not only to punish the offender
But to repair the damage and restore relationships between tribes or families.
Example:
If a member of one tribe harms someone from another tribe, the goal is to restore peace through
compensation and reconciliation, not simply revenge.
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE BODONG
The Bodong system has three major objectives.
1. Promoting Social Security
This means ensuring peace and safety between tribes.
Without Bodong:
tribes might engage in continuous conflict or revenge killings.
With Bodong:
conflicts are settled through dialogue and agreements.
Example:
If someone from Tribe A harms someone from Tribe B, the issue will be handled through the Bodong
process instead of war.
2. Enhancing Economic Stability
Peace between tribes allows:
trade
exchange of goods
safe travel between villages.
When there is conflict, economic activities stop. Therefore, Bodong encourages economic cooperation
and stability.
3. Preserving Cultural Heritage
The Bodong system reflects the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the Cordillera people.
It helps preserve:
traditional laws
rituals
social values
tribal identity.
Thus, Bodong is not only about justice but also about protecting indigenous culture.
Basic Principles of the Bodong
According to Borton (1949), the Bodong system follows several important principles.
1. The Bodong system follows the rule of law
- It does not contradict state law, but it complements it.
Meaning:
Indigenous justice can coexist with formal legal systems.
Example:
Local tribal rules help settle disputes before they escalate to state courts.
2. It is based on customs and traditions
- The Bodong system relies on:
traditions
beliefs
social norms
cultural practices.
Unlike modern law that is written in legal codes, Bodong laws are based on community customs.
3. It practices restorative justice
- Instead of focusing only on punishment, the goal is:
repairing harm
restoring relationships
reconciliation between parties.
Example:
Compensation may be given to the victim’s family to restore peace.
4. Decision-making involves the community
- Conflict resolution is usually done by:
community elders
respected leaders.
These elders act as mediators and decision makers. This reflects the idea that community wisdom is
important in resolving conflicts.
5. Crime affects the whole community
In Bodong belief:
- A crime is not only against one person, but against the entire community, This is why the whole
community participates in resolving conflicts.
6. Responsibility involves family and community
If a person commits a crime, the family and tribe may also share responsibility. This encourages
families to:
guide their members
prevent conflicts.
It promotes collective accountability.
ELEMENTS OF THE BODONG SYSTEM
1. FUKIS / BUGIS / PIGLIS
- This refers to the territorial jurisdiction.
Meaning:
It defines the territorial boundaries of a village. The territory of an “Ili” (village) is usually determined
by:
mountains
rivers
natural landmarks.
This helps identify which tribe has authority over a particular area.
2. PAGTA
- The Pagta is the heart of the Bodong system. It contains:
rules
agreements
penalties for violations.
In simple terms:
The Pagta functions like a constitution or law of the Bodong agreement.
It clearly defines:
what is allowed
what is prohibited.
3. BINODNGAN / PINODNGAN
- These are the members of the village covered by the Bodong agreement. They receive the
protection of the peace pact.
Membership may be through:
Affinity
Relationship through marriage.
Consanguinity
Relationship through blood or family lineage.
4. Political Structure
- The Bodong justice system is administered by:
Bodong holder
Community elders
Their role is to:
facilitate negotiations
resolve disputes
make decisions.
They function similarly to judges and mediators in modern systems.
PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING THE BODONG
1. ALLASIW
- This is the initial stage of friendship between tribes.
Elders exchange friendship tokens such as:
bolo
spear.
This symbolizes peace and unity.
If the agreement is violated, it results in GOPAS (breaking of the pact).
2. SIPAT
- If the friendship is broken. The tribe must undergo sipat which involves searching for another
qualified elder who will be hold the new Bodong peace pact.
An elder from one tribe will approach the other tribe to start negotiations.
3. FULLITI / AYAG
- Selected elders visit the house of the MAFA-UN (the person who went). They convince the person
to go and invite the KASUPANG TRIBE in terms of any occasions that involve bodong.
4. SUNGLIP / SURDIP / SINGLIP
- This stage includes a formal gathering and ritual.
Activities include:
opening of wine
prayers
discussion of unresolved issues.
Elders may also recite chants or ballads such as:
Ullalim
Sogsogna
These are traditional narratives expressing wisdom and history.
5. PAGPAGTA
- This is the presentation and approval of the final agreement. Both tribes must approve the
Pagta (laws of the pact).
After approval:
wine is shared
a carabao is butchered
a grand celebration is held.
At this point, the Bodong is officially established.
6. KAMIKAM / LINAY
- The last process of bodong, The host village gathers gifts and tokens from the umili.
These gifts may include:
farm products
traditional items.
They are given to the guests as a sign of respect and gratitude.
PRACTICES THAT SUSTAIN THE BODONG
To maintain the peace pact, several practices are followed.
1. DORNAT / CHERNAT / JORNAT
- This means “warming up the Bodong.” It is done to maintain good relationships between tribes.
2. BOGGA / FOGKA
- If a Bodong holder dies, the community must notify the other tribe. This ensures continuity of
the agreement.
3. KALIKAD / GALIGAD
- The Bodong responsibility is transferred to heirs or another community member. This
ensures the agreement continues across generations.
4. UMILA
- This refers to visiting the other tribe if the Bodong holder is sick. It strengthens friendship
and solidarity.
Summary
The Bodong System is an important example of indigenous governance and justice in the Cordillera.
It demonstrates that long before modern courts existed, indigenous communities already had systems
that ensured:
peace
justice
social order
cultural preservation
The Bodong system highlights the value of restorative justice, community participation, and respect
for tradition.