Netflix Trese: Every Supernatural Creature Explained
3. Duwende Or Nuno
Most often equated with goblins or dwarves or gnomes in other cultures, Duwende are small, often bearded men who reside in small places such as anthills or mounds. This, and their most common appearance as a small old man, gained them the name "Nuno Sa Punso" or "Old Man In The Mound".
Like many of the European stories of dwarves and elves and other fair folk, Duwende aren't inherently malevolent. They can be extremely benevolent if respected and treated well, guarding and blessing their favoured humans throughout life, but harmful when offended.
A common practice in Filipino culture is to say "Tabi tabi po" or "Excuse me" (Literally "Please move aside") when passing a mound or a Balete tree, or other places invisible supernatural creatures are believed to reside. This is done to show respect and deference.
Insults towards the duwende, including peeing or stepping on their mounds, result in the duwende cursing the offender, often with various horrific illnesses or bad luck.
The prominent duwende of the Trese series include Nuno the snitch, a "Nuno Sa Manhole", as well as Amang Paso, who is shown to have a human familiar that he blesses with good fortune.