Outrage erupts after social media influencer calls ancestral remains in Sagada as ‘Skulls of Pagans’

Sagada, Mt. Province – A social media influencer with 1.2 million followers is facing criticism after allegedly disrespecting a sacred burial site in Sagada on February 23, 2026.

According to a social media video reported by Mountain Beacon, Crist Briand was seen holding a skull believed to be from a burial site and referring to it as the “skulls of pagans.”

“Yo brothers and sisters, nandito tayo ngayon sa Sagada at hawak ko ngayon isa sa mga skulls ng mga pagans dito sa Hanging Coffins,” Briand said in the video.

In the same clip, another voice can be heard attempting to correct him, saying that the location was a Burial Cave, not the Hanging Coffins. Although the original video has since been taken down, screen recordings have circulated online, and his story remained accessible as of press time.

Local residents expressed outrage over the incident, emphasizing that touching human remains is strictly prohibited.

Alma Louise B. Bagano, a Sagada resident, called on the local government to take action, noting that clearly posted signs in the area state “No Touching.”

Michael Gambican Umaming, a former officer of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Sagada, said the issue goes beyond the behavior of a single visitor. He explained that Sagada’s ancestors were deeply spiritual long before Christianization and that referring to the people of old Sagada as “pagans” in a dismissive manner is inappropriate.

Earlier this year, Briand was also involved in controversy after being declared persona non grata in Bauang, La Union, for allegedly mocking the town in a social media post.

As of press time, Crist Briand has not released a public statement, and the Local Government Unit of Sagada has yet to comment on the matter.