Aetas Negritos of Panay Island
Historical accounts by Spanish chroniclers describe the presence of “blacks” or “little blacks” (negros or negrillos) in Panay, Negros, and various provinces in Luzon. These individuals, often referred to as Negritos, were generally of smaller stature than other Filipinos. Some were described as robust, while others were noted for their delicate build and relatively lighter complexion. They predominantly inhabited the interior mountains and maintained contact with lowland communities. Negritos were known to possess iron tools and weapons and often served as suppliers of forest products and medicinal plants to the lowlanders (Scott, 1995).
The Negritos were semi-nomadic and did not establish permanent settlements. They moved from place to place according to the seasons, setting up temporary huts and campsites in mountainous and rugged areas. Their livelihood consisted of small-scale farming, hunting, and foraging. They were skilled marksmen, adept at hunting game with bows and arrows, and also relied on mountain honey, roots, and other natural resources for sustenance (Morga, 1609).
In addition to the Negritos, another indigenous group known as the Panay-Bukidnon, or Sulodnon, resides in the mountainous hinterlands of Panay Island. These communities have been extensively studied by Ilonggo anthropologists F. Landa Jocano and Alicia Magos.
The Sulodnon, whose name derives from “Sulod” (meaning “interior”), live along the banks of the Panay River, particularly in the area between Mt. Saya and Mt. Baloy. Lowland natives have given them various names based on the location of their communities. In Iloilo and Antique, they are referred to as “buki,” short for “Bukidnon” (mountain folk), while in Aklan and Capiz, they are called “mundos.” Collectively, they are also known as “monteses,” meaning “mountain dwellers.”
This rich cultural diversity highlights the complex interplay between the island’s indigenous groups and their unique adaptations to the mountainous landscapes of Panay.