Loay marks 452nd Blood Compact

LOAY, BOHOL, Philippines — The 452nd anniversary of the Blood Compact (Sandugo)—between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi on March 25—was celebrated in Loay town of Bohol, which the National Historical Institute had declared as the actual place of the historical event.

The controversy over which site was the blood compact was held had been hounding Boholanos for years and has finally been resolved.

It can be recalled that the NHI, the agency authorized under Presidential Decree 260 to take care of the historical, scientific or archaeological sites in the country, approved a resolution resolving the controversial issue on where the Blood Compact actually took place—at Barangay Bool in Tagbilaran City or in Loay town.

In Resolution No. 04 of 2005 (A Resolution Adopting The Recommendation of the Panel Resolving the Site of the Blood Compact between Sikatuna and Legaspi), the NHI declared Loay town is the place where the Blood Compact took place on March 25, 1565.

The NHI—after thorough investigations and interviews of divers, fisher folks and residents of both Tagbilaran and Loay, including documents presented by both sides—“concluded that the blood compact between Sikatuna and Legaspi took place in flagship San Pedro that was anchored off Hinawanan Bay or off the waters of Loay on March 25, 1565.”

The Resolution states that, “ocular inspection and interviews … were conducted on February 9 to 11, 2005 with the help of experts of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), and the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines.”

It was signed by NHI Chairman Ambeth Ocampo, and its members: Jose M. Cruz, Benito L. Legarda Jr.; Corazon S. Alvina; Heidi K. Gloria; Serafin D. Quiason; and Prudenciana C. Cruz; as well as its director Ludovico D. Badoy.

The NHI panel, who probed into and studied the documents, was composed of Office of the Solicitor-General Judge Nestor Ballasillo, as chairman; members, SolGen lawyer Edgardo Sison; and Manila Times editor Fred dela Rosa; and adviser, UP historian Dr. Ricardo T. Jose.

Loay town Mayor Rochelle Brigette Lim Imboy, in her speech during the ceremony, told the crowd of guests, students, parents, and residents of Barangay Hinawanan of this town that “appreciation of the historical significance of the event that took place here has the impact on the way people live today.”

Imboy said this year’s celebration of the Blood Compact—in Higalaay (friendship) re-enactment as performed by the students of Hinawanan National High School—showed that the people in this town and Bohol itself are friendly.

Earlier in event, a Holy Mass was celebrated at the shores near the “well” or spot where Blood Compact marker and life-size marker of Sikatuna and Legaspi are located.

Town Councilor Paulino Tejano, who gave the welcome remarks, urged municipal and provincial officials to help promote the place, as he conveyed the message to Governor Edgar Chatto’s representative, Executive Assistant Billy Tongco, who in turn delivered a Visayan poem, fitting to the celebration.

Doris Obena, head of the special project unit of Vice Governor Dionisio Balite, for her part said that as a tour guide she always introduced Loay as the original site of the Sandugo or Blood Compact, as her way of help promote the place.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Provincial Board Members Victor Balite, and Elpidio Jala, Councilors Boyet Ayuban and Bong Bullecer, and Gina Kapirig, representing the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office, among others. (FREEMAN)