Two farmers both d+e while attempting to settle a land dispute through underwater endurance contest where they need to hold their breath
Two farmers have d+ed after participating in a traditional underwater ritual called “Sulif” to settle a land dispute in Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani, in the Philippines.
The victims, identified by police as “Tony,” 69, and “Gaspar,” 49, reportedly agreed to undergo the ritual after attempts to resolve their disagreement over a parcel of land at the barangay level failed.
According to initial reports, the two men went to Glamang River at about 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16, to voluntarily participate in the ritual.
The traditional practice, observed in some Indigenous communities in Southern Mindanao, involves high-risk underwater challenges used to resolve disputes that remain unsettled through dialogue or customary mediation.
Reports said the farmers lay face-down underwater in front of a large crowd of onlookers and remained submerged for about 12 minutes without resurfacing, prompting bystanders to pull them out.
They were rushed to Sarangani Provincial Hospital, where Tony was declared d+ed on arrival, while Gaspar d+ed hours later while receiving treatment.
Videos of the ritual have since circulated on social media, showing the men underwater before relatives were reportedly heard screaming in anguish after the outcome became apparent.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
