Summary
Highlights
In 1599, the Moros shifted to a defensive war, staging counter-attacks into enemy territory, which hostile writers labeled as 'Moro piracy'. These reprisal schemes aimed to collect tribute and exploit Spain's vulnerabilities, such as the threat from the Dutch. Notable raids included the capture of a Jesuit priest in 1603 and a large-scale attack on a Spanish shipyard in 1627 led by Sol Fan Bong-soo.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1619 with the ascension of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat to the throne of the Maguindanao Sultanate. A direct descendant of Sharif Kabungsuwan, Kudarat was born in 1580 and possessed exceptional leadership qualities, making him intelligent, religious, decisive, kind, and just. He expanded his influence, controlling territories like Cagayan de Oro and Caraga, and made Misamis and Bukidnon his tributaries.
Kudarat is highlighted as a significant persona representing the long-standing struggle against colonialism, comparable to other Filipino heroes like Rizal and Bonifacio. He successfully held Spain at bay for half a century, outlasting at least eight governor-generals. He was seen as a divine instrument to punish the Spanish and shrewdly negotiated with both the Dutch and Spanish, securing recognition of his sovereignty. The Spanish repeatedly failed to conquer him, often suffering defeats and being forced to ransom their soldiers.
A significant event was the signing of the treaty with Sultan Kudarat on June 24, 1645. This agreement, represented by a Jesuit missionary, allowed Spanish missionaries to minister to Christians in Mindanao, permitted the construction of a church, and opened trade in the Sultan's territories. This treaty, known as the Kudarat-Iligan treaty or peace agreement, was a strategic move by Kudarat.
Sultan Kudarat’s treaty with the Spanish was a masterful tactical decision. While the Spaniards were intriguing with Kudarat's rivals in Lanao, the treaty provided Kudarat with the necessary time and space to consolidate his realm. This period of peace allowed him to subdue internal conflicts and unite the Muslims, enhancing their collective resistance against the Spaniards. After consolidating his hold in Maguindanao and Wayan, Kudarat then turned his attention to Lanao, where chiefs eventually accepted his sovereignty.
Seven years after the treaty, in 1652, Kudarat addressed the Lumad and Magindanao datos and sultans of Lake Lanao. When the chiefs initially rejected his offer to fight the Spaniards with the famous speech, he exhorted them to undertake Jihad (holy war) against the Spanish. This powerful speech marked the beginning of organized resistance among the people of Lanao and solidified Kudarat's role as a unifying force against foreign aggression.
Sultan Kudarat's era is remembered as the Golden Age of Islamic Jihad against foreign aggression. He became a symbol of the unconquered Bangsamoro, a status that largely persists to this day. Kudarat died at the age of 90 in 1671. His influence led the Spanish to implement a policy of isolation against the Maranao people due to their steadfast resistance following his compelling speech. His story showcases how both Muslims and non-Muslims can achieve peace and harmony through tolerance and mutual respect.