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DATU IN FILIPINO MUSLIM SOCIETY

Muslims in the Philippines are called ' Moro s', a term inherited from the Spaniard s. In the traditional structure of Filipino Muslim societies, Sultans were the highest authority followed by the datus and their rule was sanctioned by the Qur'an . Datus were measured by the number of followers. In return for tribute and labor, the datu provided aid in emergencies and advocacy in disputes with other communities, through the Agamat . A Datu is basic to the smooth function of the Filipino muslim society. He was a powerful authority figure who may have as many as four wives but in modern times usually has only one. In the old days, they led raids on other villages. They may demand revenge Maratabat for the death of a follower or upon injury to his honor. Datus continued to act as the community leaders in Muslim societies in Mindanao and administered the Sharia (Islamic law) through the agama. The support of the datu was essential for government programs in Muslim communities. Polygamy under Islam was permitted but rarely practiced. Muslim communities tend to be hierarchical in rural areas.


DATU IN FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS

The title "Datu" has been bestowed upon 6 practitioners of the martial art known as Modern Arnis . Remy Presas , the founder of the system, decided to use the title as a "leadership" signifier, separate from rank. It has been the source of some controversy in the Filipino based systems.


RECORDED LIST OF DATUS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

  • Lapu-lapu - Defiant chieftain who led forces that slew Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

  • Datu Dinagandan -First ruler of Aklan , circa 1200

  • Kalantiaw - Ruler of Aklan in 1399.

  • Kalantiaw III /Rajah Bendahara Kalantiaw- Formulated the Code Of Kalantiaw in 1433 (mythical, see related article).

  • Datu Paiburong - Pre-hispanic ruler of Ilo-ilo

  • Datu Sikatuna - Ruler of Bohol in 1565 . Made a pact with Miguel López De Legaspi

  • Datu Pax S. Mangudadato - Current (Not prehispanic but a Datu) Governor of Sultan Kudarat (2001-2004)

  • Datu Puti- One of the 10 Bornean Datus to arrive in Ilo-ilo before the Spanish colonial period. (mythical, see related article)

  • Rajah Calambu, chief in 1521 of Limasawa, brother of Rajah Siagu of Butuan . He met Ferdinand Magellan and guided him to Cebu on April 7, 1521.

  • Rajah Siagu was chief of Manobo in 1521 .

  • Raja Humabon was ruler of Cebu and became an ally of Ferdinand Magellan and an enemy of Lapu-lapu.

  • Rajah Suliman

  • Rajah Lakandula

  • Irong-irong

  • Rajah Tupas

  • Datu Makabulos( Macabulos ) ruled with elders the town of Lubao, Pampanga around 1571.



SEE ALSO