Mindanao monkey species protecting tribe from illness

MANILA, Philippines - While the deadly Ebola virus linked to monkeys is sweeping across the world, in the hinterlands of Mindanao the member of a tribe believe that a mysterious monkey species has protected them by warding off epidemics and warning them of impending calamities.

Elders of the Higaonon tribe said the Uma-ay, a red-faced monkey seen in the deep jungle of Pangasasan in Mount Saldab in Bukidnon, warns tribal folk of impending calamities by mimicking sounds, including that of the human voice.

“The laughter of an Uma-ay is an ominous sign. It means misfortune or even death,” a Higaonon elder said.

The Higaonon tribe also said the Uma-ay mimics the human voice to drive away the Kalumbata or monkey-eating eagles, which regularly hover in the area in search for food. It is believed that Uma-ays will simultaneously laugh to confuse the eagle.

According to local legend, the laugh of the Uma-ay also wards off epidemics, which they believe are brought by evil spirits.

But according to local folklore, whoever sees the mysterious monkey will lose one’s way in the jungle or may encounter misfortune, accident or even death along the way.

A tribal trapper interviewed by The STAR several years ago said the Uma-ay looks human because it does not have hair on the face. The creature grows up to the size of the native monkeys in the area.

Higaonon elders have kept the exact location of the Uma-ay a secret as the site is considered a sacred ground among the natives. The site is where tribal elders offer sacrifices and perform yearly rituals to appease their gods.