Faith, Identity, and Struggle The Evolution of the Tadtad Organization in the Filipino Religious Landscape

Abstract

The Tadtad (meaning “Chop-Chop”) organization emerged in the 1980s in Mindanao, Philippines. This study aims to offer a nuanced analysis of Tadtad, focusing on its history, growth, and practices. Using C. Wright Mills’s sociological imagination, the research examines how larger historical events and social structures influenced the movement. This study employed ethnography and qualitative methods, gathering data through observations of rituals, organizational activities, and spiritual journeys, complemented by document analysis of related literature and media. Snowball sampling facilitated participant recruitment, and thematic analysis was employed on the collected data. Findings suggest that Tadtad’s development was significantly shaped by regional sociopolitical factors, including martial law, insurgencies, and conflicts, with many members seeking protection and empowerment. It is vital to acknowledge internal factions and differences within Tadtad, as oversimplification risks reinforcing stereotypes. Despite external pressures, the organization has demonstrated resilience, maintaining core beliefs while adapting to modern contexts—reflecting broader Filipino religious dynamics.