Leigh Jhan Ochoa

BSAIS – 2B

Philippine Indigenous Communities

Reaction Paper

‘Walang Rape sa Bontoc’

Professor Jean Brett, an anthropologist at the University of the Philippines Baguio, wrote four decades ago in her
book that Bontoks had no concept of rape in their community, and this revelation for a rapeless haven here on the
country was facilitated by two women, a younger and an older one, both of whom had been victims of rape in the past.
These two ladies cannot believe that there is such a location that can be regarded a safe haven for women's glory, a
place where no male will aim to rob the dignity that women have long maintained. Prof. Jean Brett wrote a compelling
declaration in a book stating that Bontoc has no rape laws or punishments. Six facts and explanations were stated in the
documentary as to why Bontoc people were not into 'rape' forty years ago. These features of their culture and way of
life make perfect sense in answering our major question. When men and women reach adolescence or puberty, they
naturally separate from one another. Men live in 'ato,' while women dwell in 'olog.' It demonstrates how much males
respected women in their culture. They have these types of dwellings to prevent ladies from becoming pregnant without
understanding what transpired between a man and a woman. Their homes have no idea of privacy, and there are no
locks on their doors, so if something horrible happens, they can simply find out. There were no reports of robbery, theft,
or stealing. People are not capable of such things.

Women are widely respected by the people that live there. They feel that rape or sexual harassment is inherently
evil. Someone who has committed a crime or a negative conduct in their tribe is considered an outcast. They do not
appear to forgive someone who has sinned or been harmed, which is why people were scared to offend their beliefs.
When I look at it in a positive light, I believe this notion of theirs is a fantastic concept. Because our culture is now
engaged in many horrible crimes, and if we can instill this sort of mindset among Filipinos, our nation would most likely
be a zero-crime society. Somehow, I thought it was beyond my imagination, that it could never happen. There are
horrible things happening all around the world, it's a sad thing, but it's also the reality. All we have to do is figure out
how to move and stay alive in this jungle-like planet. As a woman, it is very important to me that every guy respects us
as individuals because I think God created us to be generally good.

I was extremely impressed by the scenes in which the males were also able to perform house chores. Despite the
fact that they were guys, they did not hesitate. I admire them because they were equal in many respects. I wish more
men were like them. Because many guys in today's generation are blind to the fact that women must perform
housework and men must work. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a certain gender to call or specify in such duties.
We are all equal, and everyone of us has the potential to perform a variety of things. That is why we must understand
that women are not weak and have the potential to perform such things in their own unique ways. Rape cases are
continuing to grow massively at the moment. In terms of a I'm more than bothered, woman. I had compassion for the
ladies who were being assaulted and harassed. This should never happen. I only hope that one day we will be able to
restore our culture and gradually transform it into a rape-free civilization. I understood it was a massive undertaking a
difficult task but we could achieve it if we truly wanted to. To attain this level of civilisation, we must work extra hard.
Even if it's a long shot, I wish we could.