Cryptid Vault
Sigbin

Sigbin

Also known as: Sigben

A blood-drinking creature from the Philippines that walks backward and hides in the shadows of its owner.

First Reported

Pre-colonial Filipino oral tradition

Origin Area

Visayan islands, Philippines

Size

Medium dog-sized

Temperament

Predatory, stealthy

Status

Active in folklore, occasional modern claims

Folklore onlyMedium DangerAsiaForestUrban

The Lore

The sigbin is a creature from Philippine folklore described as a hornless goat or large rodent-like animal that walks backward with its head lowered between its hind legs. It is said to come out during Holy Week to suck the blood of victims through their shadows. In the Visayan tradition, certain families called sigbinan are believed to keep sigbin as pets that bring wealth and power. The creature emits a nauseating smell and is said to be invisible to most people.

Body Type

Canine

Folklore Origin

Indigenous traditionRegional folklore

Media Appearances

  • Trese (Netflix animated series)

Similar Real Animals

Philippine mouse-deer (Tragulus nigricans)