design element of the hilt is the pommel. The design of the pommel varies between ethnic groups of the Philippines. In the ethnic groups of Visayas and Luzon, the pommel usually depicts a bakunawa (or naga), a horned dragon-like mythological creature. Among the Muslim Moro people, the pommel usually depicts either a kalaw (hornbill) or a kakatua (cockatoo). Other animals depicted in kampilan pommels include monitor lizards and crocodiles. Among the Lumad people of the interiors of Mindanao, kampilan pommels do not typically depict animals, but is instead a simple curving shape that flares out at the end. Kampilan hilts are typically made from hardwood, but expensive examples that belonged to datu are covered in silver sheet or are entirely manufactured out of expensive materials such as horn or bone. Like the blade, they may possess small holes at the tips and edges which can have attachments like bells, metal chains, or animal or human hair tassels. Some kampilan hilts, especially among the Lumad, can also be made entirely of brass. Similar swords Similar weapons to the kampilan in the Philippines include the bangkung, laring, itak, pirah, and the banyal. Other similar weapons to the kampilan outside of the Philippines include the Dayak mandau of Borneo; the Minahasan santi of northern Sulawesi; and the Sangir pedang bara of the Sangihe Islands. In Brunei, the officers who bear the royal regalia of the Sultan of Brunei such as the Panglima Asgar who carry the royal weapons of kalasak (shield) and kampilan, whereas the Panglima Diraja carry the pemuras (blunderbuss) and karga (bullet case) . Historical Accounts Modern Day Ceremonial Uses The No. 1 graduating cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy will receive the Presidential Kampilan as a recognition of his achievement for excelling in all aspects of the 4-year cadetship training, the No. 2 graduate will also receive the Vice Presidential Kampilan as recognition for the 2nd best performing cadet of the graduating batch. See also Filipino Martial Arts Kalasag Kalis Klewang Kris Falchion Kampilan Division Publications References Arnis Visayan culture Visayan history Southeast Asian swords Filipino swords Weapons of Indonesia Malayan swords Moro people Blade weapons Culture of Maguindanao del Norte Culture of Maguindanao del Sur Culture of Lanao del Sur Weapons of the Philippine Army Weapons of the Philippines