Two farmers lose their lives during underwater breath-holding contest to settle land dispute

Two farmers have lost their lives after participating in a traditional underwater ritual to settle a land dispute in Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani, Philippines.

The men, identified as Tony, 69, and Gaspar, 49, reportedly agreed to undergo the ritual, known as “Sulif,” after attempts to resolve their disagreement over a piece of land failed.

According to reports, they entered the Glamang River on Friday, October 16, and lay face-down underwater as a crowd watched.

After approximately 12 minutes without either man resurfacing, bystanders pulled them out and rushed them to Sarangani Provincial Hospital.

Tony was declared dead on arrival, while Gaspar passed away hours later while receiving treatment.

The traditional practice, observed in some Indigenous communities in Southern Mindanao, involves underwater endurance challenges used to settle unresolved disputes.

Videos of the incident have since circulated online, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.