Rajah Sulayman - Tarik Sulayman and The Battle of Bangkusay

Tarik Sulayman and The Battle of Bangkusay

Some controversy exists about the identity of the leader of the Macabebe people that initiated the Battle of Bangkusay in 1571. That chieftain, is referred to by Philippine historians as Tarik Sulayman. In some versions of the Battle of Bangkusay, Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe and Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila are the same person. Other versions contend that they are different people with the same name. Some have even suggested that the two men were related.

Spanish documents do not identify the leader of the Macabebe people by name, but record that he died during the Battle of Bangkusay, resulting in a Macabebe retreat and a Spanish victory, in 1571. Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila is clearly recorded as participating in the battle in 1574.