Romblon’s “Witch Trials” – The Untold Stories
Long before Romblon became known for its marble, turquoise waters, and serene beaches, it was once a place of fear, whispers, and accusations. During the late Spanish colonial period, stories spread of Romblon’s own “witch trials”, where villagers — mostly women — were accused of witchcraft and subjected to cruel tests of faith. These events, buried deep in local memory, reflect the dark side of an island shaped by superstition and religious zeal.
The Rise of Fear and Faith
In the 1800s, Romblon’s small communities were heavily influenced by both Catholicism and indigenous beliefs. Illnesses, crop failures, and mysterious deaths were often blamed on “mangkukulam” — supposed witches who could curse neighbors or summon storms.
When Spanish priests and colonial officials arrived, they sought to “cleanse” the islands of pagan practices. This mix of religious authority and native fear gave birth to the Romblon witch trials, where accusation was enough to condemn someone.
Accusation and Punishment
Historical accounts and oral stories tell of women — healers, midwives, and herbalists — accused of dark magic. Once suspected, they were brought to the town plaza or the church steps, where priests would question them under oath.
One infamous test involved the “water ordeal”: the accused was bound and thrown into the sea. If she floated, she was deemed guilty — believed to have rejected the water’s purity. If she sank, she was innocent, though often too late to be saved.
These tragic tests reflected a time when faith and fear blurred, and the pursuit of purity led to injustice.
Echoes of the Past
Today, older residents in towns like Cajidiocan, Odiongan, and Looc still whisper of caves and forests once believed to hide “cursed souls.” Some families carry stories of ancestors accused but never proven guilty. Others claim that remnants of these trials still lie beneath ancient churches and colonial ruins.
For travelers exploring modern Romblon, it’s hard to imagine such darkness beneath the island’s beauty. Yet even in its most peaceful corners, history leaves traces of human frailty and superstition. Bonbon Beach island-hopping details here (https://romblonparadise.com/bonbon-beach/) — a serene escape just a few miles from where fear once reigned.
Lessons from the Trials
Unlike Europe’s grand witch hunts, Romblon’s witch trials were smaller, more personal — fueled by gossip, jealousy, and ignorance. They reveal how colonial religion reshaped local belief systems, often twisting faith into punishment.
But they also tell a story of survival. The descendants of those once accused are now among the island’s respected elders — living proof that the spirit of Romblon’s people endures beyond its haunted past.
The Legacy of Fear and Faith
Today, the term “mangkukulam” still exists in local language, though its meaning has softened. It serves as a reminder that what people once called witchcraft was often knowledge misunderstood — herbal medicine, healing, or spiritual practice.
The witch trials of Romblon stand as one of the island’s most mysterious and tragic episodes — a time when superstition ruled over reason. In remembering it, we honor those who suffered and remind ourselves how easily fear can silence truth.