batibat

A tree-dwelling spirit. If its tree is cut down to make the post of a house, it will hide in the posthole and emerge at night to sit on the chest of the person sleeping near the pole, slowly suffocating him. It prefers victims sleeping alone in the room. The batibat appears as a fat old woman.

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The batibat explains sudden unexpected death syndrome, which occurs among adolescents and adults during sleep and is known as bangungot in the Philippines.

References

Source

  • Ramos, Maximo D. (1990). Creatures of Philippine lower mythology. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, p. 30.