Again: Conclusion and Implication

It is better to use a primary source than a secondary source because

it brings the historian or researcher to the world of the eyewitness or
participant to the event being scrutinized. A primary source is
believed to be more accurate and credible, hence historians prefer to
use them. An account that uses a primary source becomes more
accurate and credible likewise. The use of a primary source makes the
historian or researcher more competent and informed.
 Raiders of the Sulu Sea
Documentary
 Focuses on Zamboanga City depicting how the Spaniards defended
the city with the Fort Pilar as Spain’s last stronghold and bastion of
defense and economic expansion in the South of the Philippines

 They were not directly colonized by the Spanish Regime

 The film also focuses on the slave raiding as retaliation on

colonizers- the sophisticated ancient maritime vessels.

Who are the ‘Raiders of the Sulu Sea? - Illanun

To the Western Colonizers: NOTHING BUT BARBARIC

The Three Groups

The Three Groups of Muslims that Reigned During the 17th Century:

 Balangingi - Originated from Basilan and Sulu

 Illanun - Originated from Samal
 Tausug - Lineage of Rajahs

Background
Icelle Gloria Durano Borja
 Icelle Borja is one of Zamboanga City’s premiere artist, a true
Filipina painter and sculptor
 Elementary: Zamboanga Normal School Grades 1- 3/ Tetuan
Central School Grades 4-6.

THE CONTRIBUTORS / CONSULTANTS

Background
Icelle Gloria Durano Borja
 Secondary: Pilar College (1974)
 College: Ateneo De Zamboanga (BS Nursing) & Western Mindanao
State University (BS Home Economics)
 She is currently working as an executive assistant in the Office of
The City Mayor. She also writes a weekly arts column and does
extensive research in the arts & culture of Zamboanga.
 She also wrote several articles including “Raiders of the Sulu Sea.”

Dr. Samuel K. Tan

 A native of Siasi, Sulu, born of Tausug-Sama-Chinese parentage. He
is a holder of several degrees and a recipient of honors and awards.
 He finished two years of business administration at Silliman
University as a consistent University Scholar; a Bachelor of Theology
at Ebenezer Bible College where he taught and served as Dean of
Men;
 M.A. in History at the University of the Philippines; and a Ph.D. in
Social Science Interdisciplinary at Maxwell School, Syracuse
University, New York.

Other
 Dr. Margarita “Ting-Ting” Cojuangco
 Dr. Julius Bautista (from the National University of Singapore)
 Dr. Barbara Watson Andaya (from the National University of
Singapore)
 Halman Abubakar, a Tausug

CONTENT OF THE ‘RAIDERS OF THE SULU

SEA’
 Fort Pilar
 Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Royal Fort of
Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza
 Formerly: Real Fuerza de San José (Royal Fort of Saint Joseph)
 Located in Zamboanga City

• 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial

government
• 40 metres high, 2 acres wide
• Requested by Jesuit Priests and the Bishop Fray Pedro de Arce of
Cebu upon the approval of the Spanish governor of the Philippines
Juan Cerezo de Salamanca • Architects: Father Melchor de Vera
(1635) Juan Sicarra (1718)

The Illanun
• Moro ethnic group native to Mindanao, Philippines
• Also known as “pirates” originated from a Malay word
• Established the legalization of “slave trading” during the 18th
century
• Closely related culturally and linguistically to the Maranao and
Maguindanaon.
 Majority of Illanun live along the coastline in the of the towns of
Nulingi, Parang, Matanog, and Barira in Maguindanao Province,
Mindanao
 Fierce, fearless, possessed the technically superior forces (for
attacking the enemies and defenses)
Rajah Dalasi
• King and Ruler of Bulig or Butig
• Also known as Rajah Janatun of Butig
• Raided the Fort Pilar along with the Sulu Sultanates
• On December 8, 1720 -an armada of one hundred vessels or
“paraws” manned by Sultan sa Kanluran, Miyangaludan and several
thousand of Moros, attacked Fort Pilar in Zamboanga.
• He captured a local Jesuit priest and forced the Spanish government
in Manila to give ransom payment in exchange for his freedom.

The Spaniards’ Objective

According to Dr. Julius Bautista:
 Prevent Islam in spreading up to the Northern part of the country
 Propagate Christianity

Should They Be Called “PIRATES?”

According to Dr. Samuel Tan, the term “pirates”
 Misleading - Due to the attacks they have done to the converted
local Christians located at the Northern part of the country
 These people (the Illanun) retaliated against the Spaniards
- To abolish and put a stop in the continual spread of Christianity
throughout the country.

Spaniards and Muslims

 Are both exerting their own agenda causing a massive brawl and
attacks
 Eventually led to the attack at Fort Pilar in Zamboanga
• Fought for oppression –These pirates do not want to lose their
identity as Muslims to the Spaniards

Proofs
• In the year 1977 in Butuan City anthropologists discovered several
artifacts:
• Sea vessels
–Portrayed the great knowledge that early southern people acquire in
the field of sailing.

Maritime Vessels of the

Raiders
1. JUNGAS (Warships)
• Canons
• Compass, Telescopes
– For navigation
• 34 Rowers on each side
• “Modern Cruiser”
2. SALISIPAN
• Small maritime vessel
• It used to hide the Garay
• Disguised as hungry, homeless
fishermen

3. Garay
• Composed of bamboo, nipa, and
wood.
• Less than 100 sailors can fit
• 30-40 rowers per side
• Fastest vessel (at that time)

Weaponry
KALIF (3)
• 300-year-old sword
• Curving - for easy slashing the
opponent's head

TAMPILAN (4)
• Longer side - for cutting through
the opponent’s head
• Pointed - for picking the
decapitated head up.
Slave Trading
• Illanuns bore a hole through the palm and put a string through the
palm of each person they have captured
• Selling rate: PHP 10-100
• Tao Pang
– Tribal leader
– Close ally to Rajah Dalasi
– Provider of slaves for Southern Sultanates

Planning the Attack 1844-1845

• Governor-General Narciso Claveria planned an attack on Basilan
Island.

*Difficult to get close to the Basilan Island to put a stop on Tao Pang's
reign*

• Ordered "steamships" from England (1848)

• 3 steamships
– Reyna de Castilla
– Magallanes
– Mercado
• Claveria's "secret weapon"

Aftermath of the Attack in Basilan

• The Raiders of Sulu Sea were greatly outnumbered by the Spaniards
• More than 350 Muslim Men and Women were captured
• Tao Pang made a clemency that he would surrender
– Spaniards captured his pregnant wife-- named Noila.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DOCUMENTARY

PRESENTATION TODAY
• This part of history has not been taught in early Philippine history
subjects
• Some historical studies have failed to put Sulu’s raiding activity in
the proper context.
• Slave trading is business. It is a part of the people’s culture and a big
factor in their economy.
• These raids presented a source of power.
• The three tribes were known as great seafarers and expert sailors
that the Spanish galleons could not even chase.
• The Balangingi Samal, Tausugs and Illanuns are freedom fighters
according to Tausug descendant; Halman Abubakar.
• It is the matter of viewing history in different perspectives

Conclusion
Moro piracy during the Spanish period was a Moro reaction against
the Spaniards, who had displaced them from the political and
economic dominance they once enjoyed in the region. Furthermore,
slavery was not the consequence of piratical raids. As noted, it was
part of pre-Hispanic activities in the region.