Bagani

Bagani or magani refers to the class of warrior-leaders of various Lumad ethnic groups of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Bagani were most notably integral to the traditional society and government of the Mandaya, Mansaka, Manobo, and Bagobo people.

They usually acquired their status through bravery in battle, fortitude, physical strength, and most importantly, natural charisma and leadership skills.

But their actions are still subject to the opinions of the public as well as to the advisory council (itself composed of elder former bagani), which limits abuse of authority.

But the bagani system and the constant inter-village warfare were actively suppressed during the American colonial period of the Philippines (1898–1946), finally disappearing completely by the 1930s.