By Fr. Ferdie Samar, SOLT

Solt is a group of Filipino missionaries in Papua New Guinea, and Ferdie Samar is one of their priests. Ferdie tells us here about the terrible problem of tribal warfare and how it bedevils life in some parishes in PNG.

First SOLT Team

When our first SOLT missionary team left the Philippines a couple of years ago our port of entry was Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. But our real destination was Mt. Hagen, at the heart of the PNG highlands, approximately an hour by plane from the capital city. Arriving in Mt. Hagen, we were only given a month to familiarize ourselves with people, places and culture. After a month of orientation, we were given our definite assignments. The bishop gave us two adjacent parishes in the Nebilyer District of Western Highlights Province.

Strange Processions

Relatively ignorant about many things and with a very limited knowledge of Melanesian Pidgin (the national language), I was assigned as parish priest of Koibuga (the other parish being Ulga where Frs. Gene and Tom were initially stationed) with Sem. Alvin (now Deacon). There are 5 big tribes, namely, Melikas, Nogobas, Palingas, Kokas and the Mamungas.

Woken by Gunshots

When the parish priest of Ulga, who is also our superior, left for the states to make a mission appeal, I was transferred to Ulga, which is one of the first parishes established by the early missionaries. Catholic missions came into the highlands less than half a century ago. Ulga parish church is one of the biggest in the entire Mt. Hagen Archdiocese and is probably the most beautiful. The Catholic population too, is one of the biggest.

Ulgas vs. Kulgas

Ulga Parish is composed of 3 big tribes who are allied to each other (Ugubugas, Kundulges, and Pingas) with an umbrella name Ulga. When I first came to Ulga, there was in fact an on-going tribal fight. One morning I was awakened by gun shots. The fight was between the Ulgas and the Kulgas (the main tribe of our neighboring Tabaga parish). Four from the Ulgas, the people of my parish, were killed.

This feud has been going on for many years now. There are many cases of tribal fights, such as land dispute, marital problems, car accidents and petty quarrels.
As I mentioned above, compensation is a way to avert the tribal fights. But sometimes a tribe is unwilling to pay anything, this was the case between the Ulgas and the Kulgas, it all started with a land-grabbing case, the case blew up and became a fulfilled tribes. Sometimes, there is a nonverbal agreement for a cease-fire, but there being no formal compensation ceremony, even minor friction between any members of the tribe can spark off a tribal war.

Life comes to a Half

What usually happens during fights? People usually burn houses of their enemies. As a result, seldom can we see concrete permanent houses in case they might be destroyed during fights. When the enemies attack they also cut trees, mostly in coffee gardens, and destroy whatever property they find, they also kill animals and livestock. So, when there is an ongoing fight, tribesmen remain in their tribal territory, ready to fight and defend their tribes. Result: People do not work, Students and workers in other places go home. They too are afraid that enemies (birua) may attacks them anytime

Guns Take Over From Bows

Tribal fights are more destructive and dangerous nowadays. Before, people used only bows and arrow, spears and other traditional weapons. People now use guns, both home-made and high powered, Tribesmen are only too willing to contribute money to buy guns, no matter how expensive they are, During tribal fights, the situation is tense, this was he general feeling here in Ulga when I first came. We were even informed that the ‘enemy’ lines were threatening to burn down our schools, the church, the pastoral center, and even our parish rectory. In fact, in our neighboring province, a whole mission center was burned to ashes during a tribal fight.

Diocesan Takes Initiative

To respond to the situation the Archdiocese put u a Justice and Peace office. The main job of the office is to negotiate with the police, and possibly arrange for compensation, when their is an impending tribal fight, this office must move quickly to prevent it, this is the office that I am in close contact with since I came to Ulga.

Stay with the People

The priest in charge of the office visits me regularly and I coordinate closely with him. In one of his visits, he himself was attached and his car hit my missile that caused some considerable damage, I also had an experience I can’t forget. One day when I was going to town, the road was blocked by a drunk man, and he threatened to kill me. Thank God I was spared. During a tribal battle, it is hard to control people. They can do all sorts of “rascal” activities. But a veteran missionary told me that I must stay with the people no matter what happens, even if it means being at risk. So despite some traumatic experiences and tension, I’m still here.

(To be continued in the nest issue)