Bagani Derived from Manobo word Bahani

By Melchor Bayawan Jr.

Bagani are tribal defenders of their territory or ancestral land. They are not selected by anybody to become a Bagani, but they are anointed by a spirit called “Mondaangan.”
A group of Bagani is composed of seven (7) men; always ready for a fight to defend their community. They devote themselves to Mondaangan who watches-over them, but they submit to the authority of their chief Datu as the head of the community.
Most of the time they fought against individuals with bad intentions and group of people that creates trouble to the community - the "Mongayow."
Each Bagani brings with him a weapon, iether a sword (polihuma), bow and arrow (pana), spear (pongassu) coupled with a wooden shield (kaasag).
Before they go to face an enemy, it is their practise to do a ritual to pay respect to Mondaangan and request to bless their weapons. It is said that Baganis with the blessing from the Mondaangan posseses fierce looking face with blood-red eyes.

It is a blatant disrespect committed by this writer; taking advantage of our culture and traditions for thier selfish interest.

May a devine retribution befalls on you!