Farouk Sharif - The American Regime and The Common Wealth

The American Regime and The Common Wealth

In 1899, the sultans themselves led their people in fighting both the Spanish and later, American with all ending as martyrs together with their families and warriors. What non Muslim may not realize that the sultans are not only temporal but also spiritual leaders. They are the symbols not only of their communities but also considered vicegerent of Allah in this world. It was the responsibility of the sultans not only to defend their people and communities but also their religion Islam. In 1889, the American in Malabang and occupied the Spanish camp without much fanfare and named it camp Corcuera. Two years later, the American proceeded to the lake area. But this time, in upper Bayang, Sultan Pandapatan with his men clashed with the Americans in a fierce, the sultan and his men were crushed and the sultan died, Capt. Vicar died and their camp in upper Bayang was named after him. In Tugaya Datu Saruang and many others died in fighting against the American forces coming to their place.

Amai Manabilang of Marawi challenged the authority of Justice Caytano Arellano in enforcing the government of laws to the Maranaos, he led a campaign that Mindanao should he separated from the Philippines. The policy of attraction of the Americans in Lanao under General Pershing offered empty promises to the Maranaos like the continued exercise of their traditional and cultural powers, and strict non-interference to their religion, customs and traditions.

On March 18, 1935, one hundred twenty datus of Lanao, with 30 sultans signed a strongly worded letter, popularly known as”Dansalan Declaration” to the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and the U.S. congress that should the Filipinos be granted an Independence, the Moro province should be given their own independence or be left under American rule until such time they were prepared for their independence to be known as Bangsamoro.