“Tadtad”

CEBU, Philippines - They are called “tadtad” because they had to be “chopped” first as part of the ini- tiation rites.

Cipriano “Boy” Seguerra, the group’s overall leader in Central Visayas, explained that those who want to join the organization have to undergo an initiation first. By initiation, Seguerra, 62, said a sharp sword is struck on an applicant’s inner arm at least 12 times. If the person does not get a single cut, then he is fit to join group. Those whose skin gets punctured are rejected. Seguerra explained that if the sword cuts through the skin, then the person may have a dark side, making him unfit to join them.

“Makasasa ‘tang tanan pero kung aduna gyud kay dakong gibuhat nga dautan, dili kanamo dawaton kay dili sab mi ganahan nga maguba among grupo kung masagulan og dautan,” he said, adding that during his initiation, he received 13 chops from a sharp sword and suffered not a scratch.

The group’s official name is Sagrado Corazon Señor (SCS). It was established in 1972 in Initao, Misamis Oriental by Sagrado Sade Jr., whom the members call “Papa Sagrado.” In 1985 the SCS formed a branch in “Garden”, Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City, where Seguerra is head, and Sade’s eldest son, Gabriel, is called a “prince,” his next-in-line.

In Garden, a huge agricultural property owned by Seguerra’s family, the group built their own chapel, which features a black-and-white picture of Sade in the middle of the altar flanked by the images of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Seguerra admitted they pray for help to their Papa Sagrado, but denied they are a cult. He said they pray to him like they seek for the intercession of the saints. Most of the SCS members are also Catholics who go to church and observe its holy days.

The SCS, however, have customs and practices that set them apart from other Catholics.Seguerra said they pray every three hours on their own and on Fridays, they gather inside their chapel to pray together. He reasoned that their organization was established for the purpose of enhancing one’s Christian faith, to prepare their physical and spiritual beings. Plus, they don’t smoke, drink, gamble and deeds they consider sinful.

“Ang among kapunungan natukod ni para lang pagpalig-on sa atong pagtuo. Kung ordinaryo ra gud ka nga Katoliko, maglisud uy. Sama gud kung naay katalagman, ang kuwang sa pagtuo maratol man. Kami kay kanunay nga nangandam, relax nalang,” he said.

Their god

The priest who baptized the SCS founder gave him the name “Sagrado” after allegedly sensing “something holy” about the infant. Seguerra said their leader was supposed to be named Ramonito, but because of what the priest had reportedly witnessed, his parents changed the baby’s name to Sagrado.

During his early years, Sagrado who was born in 1945, was a popular healer in that part of Mindanao where he grew up, and had reportedly cured many, earning him a godly status. Later on, he built the SCS and appointed himself its head.

Sagrado had reportedly performed several miracles in the past years, gaining him popularity not only in his area but also all over Mindanao and even in the Visayas and some parts of Luzon. Today, Seguerra said they have at least one million members scattered all over the country and abroad, proof of which are the countless number of people who flock to their leader’s house in Misamis Oriental during his birthday, June 22. Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani district Rep. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinky were reportedly among the guests who visited the religious leader a few years ago. Rhea Sade, wife of Sagrado’s eldest son Gabriel, said Jinky’s sister and niece are SCS members.

 Their “superpowers”

In the 80s, the number of Tadtads grew exponentially especially in the Mindanao area, because, Seguerra said, there was an armed conflict in the area and everyone wanted to protect themselves. The Tadtads, after all, were said to have powers that made them invincible against bullets or whatever harm that may come their way.

It is easy to spot a member of the SCS because of an SCS tattoo in the hand, arm and sometimes in the forehead (others have a cross or the face of the rising Jesus in the back or in the abdomen). They also keep a “habak” or a girdle with small packets where bottles of oils are placed. Among the other amulets they keep and use is a necklace with Sagrado’s laminated photo as a pendant and a red kerchief used as a bandana during war. Seguerra said these serve as their protection from tragedies.

But Seguerra said their amulets work hand in hand with prayers and faith to protect them. “Mag-ampo gihapon ka ug motuo sa way pagduha-duha nga maluwaska,” he said. The bottom-line of all these is faith, he added.

Years ago,Seguerra reportedly experienced a close encounter with death when alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were hunting him down for reportedly grooming members of “ilaga-ilaga” in his compound in Talisay. (Wikipedia: “Ilaga” is a Christian militia in the Philippines that operated during the 1970s in Southern Mindanao that fought against the Moro Islamist militia).

He admitted that he taught the members of the said group that they may keep guns but not because they wanted to fight but only to protect themselves from bad elements.

At that time, he said he was number 2 in the NPA list of most wanted individuals but because of his faith and amulets, Seguerra said he was able to come home to his family in one piece.

Seguerra shared that there are several stories from his fellow SCS members who had been ambushed but were unscathed.

The Tadtads in Talisay

The Tadtads in Talisay City live in the vast compound of the Seguerras, most of them renting the lot upon which their small shanties are built. In the 80s their small chapel, constructed in a 100-square-meter property, was filled with believers. But today, only a few are seen inside the chapel during Fridays, where they sing praises to their god. Seguerra admitted some of their members have quit because there is no more war, while some chose to go back to their old vices. He said that as a leader, it is his responsibility to drag members back to the organization, but he does not want to, as every one of them have their own choice.

“Kung ganahan sila dihang dapita, dili man namo sila pugson. Apan hinumduman lang unta nilang na dili tanang higayon magmalinawon ta. Hilabi na karon nga daghan nang mga katalagman maong kanunay gyud untang magmaampuon ta,” he said.

He recalled that last year, when an earthquake struck Cebu, the normally empty chapel in their compound burst with people who sought its refuge. “Mao na’y problema nato, anha na manguros kung naa  nanang katalagman,” he said. — /QSB (FREEMAN)