History of Maguindanaon People

Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan's Arrival

Sharif Muhammad Kabungsuan, an Arab-Malay preacher from Malacca, arrived in the early 15th century and played a pivotal role in spreading Islam in the region. He established the Sultanate of Maguindanao, with its capital in Kutawato (now Cotabato City), after marrying a local princess named Putri Tunina. Kabungsuan's efforts were part of a broader missionary movement by his brothers, Sharif Maraja and Sharif Awliyah, who had earlier introduced Islam in the region. Kabungsuan's arrival marked the beginning of Islamic influence in Mindanao, laying the foundation for the Maguindanaon Sultanate.

Sultan Kudarat's Leadership (17th Century)

Sultan Kudarat, also known as Cachel Corralat, was a prominent leader of Maguindanao in the early 17th century, uniting various Muslim groups such as the Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Tausug into a powerful alliance. His domain extended from Davao Gulf to Zamboanga, and he successfully resisted Spanish efforts to colonize Mindanao. Kudarat's forces defeated several Spanish expeditions, and his admiral, Datu Tagal, conducted raids in the Visayas. Despite setbacks in 1637, Kudarat continued to consolidate his power until Spanish forces reasserted control in the late 1600s. His reign symbolized the height of Muslim resistance against foreign colonization.

Decline of the Sultanate

By the 1730s, the Maguindanao Sultanate began to weaken due to internal strife and civil war. The sultanate's prestige declined further as it increasingly relied on Spanish support, leading to a loss of autonomy. Sultan Kudarat II eventually ceded Cotabato to Spain in exchange for an annual pension, and by the 1860s, Buayan, under Datu Uto, became the new center of power. Despite continued resistance, Spanish control expanded in the region, culminating in the destruction of Maguindanao's forts in the late 19th century, signaling the sultanate's collapse.

American Colonization (1899-1913)

Following the Philippine-American War, the U.S. established direct rule over Mindanao, creating the Moro Province. The Americans introduced significant political, social, and economic changes, such as the establishment of provincial institutions, public schools, and the abolition of slavery. They also encouraged the migration of Christian Filipinos to Muslim lands. Despite these reforms, Muslim resistance continued, and in 1905, Datu Ali of Cotabato led a revolt against American rule, but was killed in battle. The U.S. sought to integrate Muslims into Philippine society through policies like the "policy of attraction," but tensions remained.

Muslim Resistance (1905-1930s)

Muslim resistance to American rule persisted throughout the early 20th century, particularly after the establishment of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu in 1913. The imposition of new laws, such as the Public Land Act, which invalidated Muslim inheritance laws, led to further discontent. Resistance movements like the one led by Datu Ambang of Kidapawan sought to reclaim Muslim lands, but were quickly suppressed. Armed uprisings occurred in Lanao in the 1930s, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction with the government's treatment of Muslims, and their efforts to maintain autonomy were increasingly stifled.

Rise of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF, 1969)

In 1969, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was founded by young Muslim leaders, including Nur Misuari, with the goal of establishing an independent Bangsamoro Republic. The MNLF sought to address the political and economic marginalization of Muslims in the Philippines. Over time, the MNLF adopted a Marxist framework to analyze the socio-political situation, focusing on both Islamic and nationalist ideologies. The group grew in strength, leading to violent confrontations with the Philippine government, as they demanded greater autonomy for Muslims in Mindanao.

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM, 1989)

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was established in 1989 after a plebiscite where four provinces—Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—opted for inclusion. The creation of the ARMM was a result of ongoing peace talks and the desire to provide Muslims with greater political and administrative autonomy. Despite initial resistance from groups like the MILF, the ARMM sought to foster peace and development in the region, though challenges remained as the MILF continued to fight for a more expansive autonomous region, leading to ongoing negotiations and conflicts.

• Agricultural Dominance- Central Mindanao heavily relies on agriculture, producing rice, corn, mungo beans and other crops, contributing significantly to Mindanao's overall production.

• Challenges in Cooperatives- Despite efforts to promote cooperatives in the 1990s, many failed, with only those with strong family leadership enduring. This family centered leadership echoes the value systems from the time of the Maguindanaon sultanate