The etymology of the word "Witch" is quite well known. It is Saxon in origin and originally referred to practitioners of The Celtic, Saxon, and Norse religions. These were the solitary Village healers and spiritual leaders apart from the organised religious structure such as the Druids.
The words used in the Old testament and incorrectly translated as "Witch" refer to the practice of some Hebrew Mystics of the time who used "magic" to curse and harm others. The Hebrews had no contact with the Celts or Saxons and so it is ridiculous to think that your God would have warned the Hebrews to kill people they would never have met. The new testament greek refers to poisoners, not Witches. Witches historically were healers, not killers, and were well respected and sought after.
The use of the word "Witch" to mean any mystical practice that is not Christian is a result of the Witch PAnic of the late middel ages, from which King James made much profit and derived no small amount of personal pleasure. Christian missionaries continued the practice of labelling anything as Witchcraft even if it had no correspondence with actual Celtic or Saxon Witches.
I can imagine a scene a couple of hundred years ago when the first Christian Missionaries were invading Africa.
"Kimibi, tell those poeple in that village that we have come to enlighten them."
"Yes Bwana, but they won't like it, they already consider themselves enlightened."
"Well they don't have much choice, we'll save their souls if it kills them. What is that man doing there?"
"Bwana, that man is the Village spiritual leader. He is performing the rituals of the faith of these people. It is called. in their language, ixpltl."
" Oh, you mean witchcraft."
"What is 'witchcraft' Bwana?"
"That what they are doing."
"Strange Bwana, I don't think it has anything to do with the ancient rituals and traditions of Northern European peoples, but hey, your the missionary"
Unless your Phillipino Witches are practicing a recreation of Northern European religious Practices then thaey are not practicing Witchcraft. If they are a mix of Indigenous beliefs and Catholicism then likewise they are not practicing Witchcraft.
