Talaandig Chieftain Datu Migketay Saway Passes Away at 72

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Datu Victorino ‘Migketay’ Saway, the supreme chieftain of the Talaandig tribe in Bukidnon and a towering figure in Mindanao’s indigenous rights movement, has died. He was 72. Saway, widely regarded as a cultural vanguard and peacemaker, dedicated his life to defending the ancestral domains of Mount Kitanglad and championing indigenous self-determination. His passing marks a significant loss for the indigenous rights advocacy in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, where communities often grapple with issues of land rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. Saway’s leadership was instrumental in advocating for the rights of the Talaandig people, who have long strived to protect their ancestral lands and traditional way of life against development pressures and land dispossession. The Philippines continues to face challenges in balancing national development with the protection of indigenous peoples' rights and cultural heritage. Leaders like Datu Saway have played a crucial role in bringing these issues to the forefront and demanding recognition and respect for indigenous communities. His legacy is expected to inspire future generations of indigenous leaders to continue the fight for self-determination and the preservation of their unique cultural identities.