INDIGENOUS CONFLICT RESOLUTION MECHANISM: THE BLAAN FULONG AND THE KASFALA SYSTEM IN BARANGAY BUNAO, TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO

The primary goal of this research was to discover the role of the Blaan Fulong and the processes of the Kasfala System in conflict resolution in Barangay Bunao Tupi, South Cotabato. The researchers presented the profile of the Fulong council or IPS council in the tribal community; the Kasfaia system's nature and objectives, as well as the most prevalent types of cases, filed and settled under the Kasfala system; the Kasfala system's processes and its efficiency in resolving disagreements in promoting peace, order, and social solidarity. The application of social capital theory and the strengths and weaknesses of the Blaan Fulong/s and Kasfala system in resolving disputes were also presented in the research.

The findings showed that fourteen (14) Fulong/s compose the IPS Council, and they have several qualities that legitimize their status as members of the Council and Kasfala mediators. It also disclosed that the Kasfala system has a particular nature and several objectives and that a total of 30 cases filed from 2013 to 2021 were successfully settled. The Kasfala is fully and successfully implemented following a systematic mediation procedure. Furthermore, the data indicated that the study is consistent with the notion of social capital in dispute resolution. The results also showed that the Fulong and the Kasfala effectively promote and maintain peace, order, and social solidarity in the IP community of Brgy. Bunao, Tupi, South Cotabato.