The Poisoner in Dapitan Society: Fact or Fiction?

Abstract

This paper was undertaken to shed light on the long held beliefs by the folks of
Dapitan about the presence of poisoners. Understanding folk beliefs and understanding about poison and poisoners, identifying the rituals and practices associated with poisoning, the effects of the poison on the victim, and the method of countering an attack of poisoning has come to be seen as essential in understanding the continuing belief in the existence of poisoners. Dapitan- as a fast moving tourist destination on the northwest coast of Mindanao is a city known by its populace as the “Shrine City of the Philippines” and has developed an extensive tourism zone along the entire coastline of its northern barangays. However, in spite of the modernization some barangays are rumored to harbor poisoners. Accordingly, this paper presents the methods and findings of a pilot study into facts held about poison and poisoners in Dapitan. Though it can not b said that this report provides a categorical answer on whether or not the poisoner in Dapitan society is a fact or fiction but it does suggest a hypothesis –that there is a possibility of poison use from an empirically known plant poison or snake venom. Such continued use of tangible poison leads to the belief in the use of supernatural powers, the existence of which cannot be confirmed but further research may be able to verify the use by a source of empirical poisons. Another, is due to the inability of peasant to obtain justice for the wrongs done him resort to the complex belief in sorcery like poison. Thus, to test this, the effectiveness of the “barangay justice system” could be investigated.