SABUNGAN

In 1922, the Hukbong Sangkalupaan was conceived as the main fighting force of the Sanglaksano. In 1924, the Lakan's armies—despite having the early initiative—were brought to a halt by an intricate network of bunkers, trenches, and artillery coveting their opponent's destruction. Endeavoring to break the gridlock that stretched sea to sea, the Lakanan sought to reform its way of war, from doctrine to discipline. In 1926, farmlands began to host military camps to train Sanglaksa's Armies of the Holy. Different camps would be stylized based on their host barangay's culture. In Sabungan, recruits are notably pitted against each other in "blood sport"—colloquially known as sabong—as part of their spiritual graduation from servant to soldier. A test of true warriorship.