When Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived in the Visayan islands in 1565, he made a friendship treaty with Datu Sikatuna. Datu Sikatuna was the chieftain of Bohol at that time. The tribal ritual was called Sandugo or blood compact. The ceremony happened on 16 March 1565. Nearly 44 years after Ferdinand Magellan visited the islands. It is said to be the first international treaty entered by a Filipino and a Spaniard.

A monument commemorating the Sandugo blood compact event between Datu Sikatuna and Spain's Miguel Lopez de Legazpi stands at the Bool District of Tagbilaran City, Bohol. During most Bohol countryside tours, tourists visit this place. I have visited this place several times already.

Sandugo blood compact monument

Boholano national artist Napoleon Abueva is credited for the work done on the Sandugo monument. The monument features larger than life bronze figures: Miguel Lopez de Legazpi seated at one end of the table with Datu Sikatuna standing to his left. Both men holding a cup. Three witnesses watch from the other end of the table.

In the Visayan language, Sandugo literally means one blood. Sandugo is a blood compact. It is a tribal tradition indicating friendship. According to various sources, the ceremony is done by having both men draw 2-3 drops of blood from a self-inflicted cut made on their arms or breasts. They mix the blood with a cup of wine or water. Then they divide it equally into 2 cups. Both men drink until the cups are emptied.

Up until today, there is controversy as to where the real blood compact took place. The Philippine Historical Society has declared that it happened on Hinawanan Beach in Loay instead of Tagbilaran City's Bool District. Yet there has been no conclusion to this controversy. It did happen. That's a fact. But the question of where it happened still lingers.