Barung; weapon, tool or tourist piece?

[wilked aka Khun Deng]

Migel,
No I haven't run across them, at least not named as a group. But in Central Mindanao I only got out into Maguindanao and and up around Marawi. But now that you mention it even the MILF I saw standing guard didn't have a blade visible. strange for a regular soldier, but even amongst a know group like the MILF most are not regular soldiers just young men with no opportunity and a family or clan allegiance that requires them to take a side.

What I have found is that the groupings there (family and clan) are still very insular so while some may not carry blades other groups only a short distance away may (the Lumad tribes still do). Having said that, the status of carrying a blade has long since been replaced by the weapon you carry, in an arguable priority order M-1, M2 carbine, BAR, AK-47 (rare and ammo difficult) M-16, M-16A2, M-60 MG, .45 cal and if you're REALLY somebody a M-4 (M-16 carbine) - note the guy in the bleached out camouflage top either a leader or related).

I'd assume from the history and pictures I've read that the Kampilan was the top of the heap for status when swords were the primary weapon as they usually incorporated a bearerbut if anyone has insight on that I'd be interested.

Dan

[Spunjer]

miguel,
hehe, now we're talking ilonggo here. some of the Ilagas (literally meaning Rat) still carry blades, in the form of Binangon, but it's more of a utilitarian than primary weapon. but you can bet on this: lots of them has some form of anting-anting. used to be a lot of Ilagas in the outskirt of gensan.

[migueldiaz]

Spunjer/ Dan, below is the last pic I got of the reactivation of the Ilagas in 2008.

To all -- the Ilagas are supposedly the only group that the Moros are wary about.

In fact last year when the Moro rebels went on a rampage in Mindanao, the reactivation of the Ilagas by the government as one of the countermeasures made the Moro rebels complain something to the effect that "It's not fair!".

Originally Posted by Spunjer

miguel, hehe, now we're talking ilonggo here. some of the Ilagas (literally meaning Rat) still carry blades, in the form of Binangon, but it's more of a utilitarian than primary weapon. but you can bet on this: lots of them has some form of anting-anting. used to be a lot of Ilagas in the outskirt of gensan.

Spunjer, am really glad you can make it

At last, we have an Ilonggo who can shed more light on what his Ilaga uncles are made of Hey, I didn't know that the name means rats.

By the way, are the notches on the rifle (left photo) supposed to mean number of kills? The right photo on the other hand shows the big boss of this Ilaga group. Does that barrel look like it's an M-16-A4?

Last but not the least, thanks for the comment on the binangon! And yes, I do know that the Ilagas are deep into anting-antings (talismans).

As a last point, unlike the Moros, it is apparent that the Ilagas (and Ilonggos, in general?) don't have any sentimentality and symbolism for the tenegres and ginuntings of their forefathers ...

[kino]

I wonder where the Tommy Gun will be in the hierarchy?

I wonder where that Thompson came from, Danao?
Are those BAR's I see.

Miguel, I'm always enjoying your photos, good work Bro.

[Spunjer]

Ilagas were notorious back in the 70's. lots of bloody clashes then. use to hear stories were they would lop off the ear of their kills and made a necklace out of it.
didn't know they were deactivated...

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by kino

I wonder where that Thompson came from, Danao? Are those BAR's I see. Miguel, I'm always enjoying your photos, good work Bro.

Kino, thanks! The Thompson could have been Danao [Cebu], or it could have also been a WW2 piece, just like the BARs.

Suddenly, that reminds me of Vic Morrow, Rick Jason, & "Kirby" ... and hey, where's that music coming from?

Originally Posted by Spunjer

Ilagas were notorious back in the 70's. lots of bloody clashes then. use to hear stories were they would lop off the ear of their kills and made a necklace out of it. didn't know they were deactivated...

Spunjer, actually they weren't deactivated. I should have not used "reactivated" Yes, they are still pretty much around in Mindanao I heard ...

[wilked aka Khun Deng]

Well the Thompson would have rated pretty well up there - remember the caliber, .45, was designed originally cause the .38 wouldn't stop the Jura mentados (sp?). You got a caliber specifically designed to kill your ancestors cause they're as tough as nails - that's got to carry some prestige.

Yes that's a M-4 carbine sticking into the picture - in sore need of some maintenance I might add.

And Yes to most of them being WW2 pieces, ammo and spare parts are definite limiting factors in todays "skirmishes".

[migueldiaz]

Thanks again Dan for those front seat observations!

Originally Posted by wilked aka Khun Deng

... Having said that, the status of carrying a blade has long since been replaced by the weapon you carry, in an arguable priority order M-1, M2 carbine, BAR, AK-47 (rare and ammo difficult) M-16, M-16A2, M-60 MG, .45 cal and if you're REALLY somebody a M-4 (M-16 carbine) - note the guy in the bleached out camouflage top either a leader or related).

I wonder where the Tommy Gun will be in the hierarchy?