The Battle of Pogunon and the Hunt for the Crocodile of Tarikan

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The Battle of Pogunon and the Hunt for the Crocodile of Tarikan

Written by H. Joplin Mosiun 

March 30, 2023

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Part 10 of the history and origins of the Penampang Kadazan.

Since the death of Datu Botulung, the Bangkaakon's control over their territory dwindled, and several clans switched sides to join the Tangara. Due to its weakened state, the territory was susceptible to attacks by the tribes on Crocker Range. 

The Tuhawon and the Tagahas both showed interest in acquiring land in Putatan. A confrontation between the Tuhawon and the Sugud people took place in Timpangoh which escalated into a skirmish. The Tuhawon being on the losing side, accepted their defeat and returned to Mongkusilad on the Crocker Range. After some time, the Tuhawon returned with a bigger war party, consisting of men from the villages of Mongkusilad, Tudan and Sosopon, assembled at Pogunon in Moyog. In the second confrontation, a fierce battle broke out, resulting in the defeat of the Sugud people who had to come to terms with their loss.1 

After this incident, the Tuhawon and kin groups from the Crocker Range began establishing villages in Putatan. There may have been a pact in place that guaranteed their safety when they settled in Putatan.

In another account, the Bangkaakon and Tangara may have reconciled through a joint effort to hunt and kill a crocodile in the Tarikan (Totoikan) river in Putatan. Several villages joined in the hunt for the crocodile. The crocodile's head was divided between the two groups, with one keeping the skull and the other the jaw.2 The skull was initially kept in a house in Ramayah before it was handed over to the St. Michael Church upon the owners' conversion to Christianity.3 

To be continued.

Notes
1 Interview with Kipan Ruminsang at Kg. Terian on March 4, 2019.↩
2 The account was narrated by my grandmother, Clara Motuyang.↩
3 Interview with Michael Staun at Kg. Babah in 2006.↩

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