Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Filipino: Nagsasariling Rehiyon ng Muslim sa

Mindanaw) (abbreviated ARMM) is the region, located in the Mindanao island group of
the Philippines, that is composed of predominantly five Muslim provinces,
namely:Basilan (except sabela !ity), "anao del #ur, Maguindanao, #ulu and Ta$i%Ta$i& t is the
only region that has its o$n government& The regional capital is at !otabato !ity, although this city is
outside of its 'urisdiction&
The ()MM previously included the province of #hariff *abunsuan until +, -uly .//0, $hen #hariff
*abunsuan ceased to exist as aprovince after the Filipino #upreme !ourt declared the 1Muslim
Mindanao (utonomy (ct ./+1, $hich created it, unconstitutional inSema v. Comelec&
2.3
4n 5 4ctober ./+., President Benigno (6uino said that the government aimed to have peace in
the autonomous region and that it $ill become 7no$n as 1Bangsamoro1&
283
Geography[edit]
The ()MM spans t$o geographical areas: "anao del #ur and Maguindanao (except !otabato !ity)
in south $estern Mindanao, and the island provinces of Basilan (except sabela !ity), #ulu and Ta$i%
Ta$i in the #ulu (rchipelago& The region covers a total of +.,.00 7m9&
2:3
History[edit]
For the most part of Philippines; history, the region and most of Mindanao has been a separate
territory, $hich enabled it to develop its o$n culture and identity& The region has been the traditional
homeland of Muslim Filipinos since the +<th century, even before the arrival of the #panish $ho
began to coloni=e most of the Philippines in +<,<& Muslim missionaries arrived in Ta$i%Ta$i in +80/
and started the conversion of the native population to slam& n +:<5, the #ultanate of #ulu $as
founded, and not long after that the sultanates of Maguindanao and Buayan $ere also established&
(t the time $hen most of the Philippines $as under #panish rule, these sultanates maintained their
independence and regularly challenged #panish domination of the Philippines by conducting raids
on #panish coastal to$ns in the north and repulsing repeated #panish incursions in their territory& t
$as not until the last 6uarter of the +>th century that the #ultanate of #ulu formally recogni=ed
#panish sovereignty, but these areas remained loosely controlled by the #panish as their
sovereignty $as limited to military stations and garrisons and poc7ets of civilian settlements in
?amboanga and !otabato,
2<3
until they had to abandon the region as a conse6uence of their defeat
in the#panish%(merican @ar&
n +>:., during the early stages of Pacific @ar (a theater of the #econd @orld @ar), troops of the
-apanese mperial Forces invaded and overran Mindanao& Three years later, in +>:<,
combined Anited #tates and Philippine !ommon$ealth (rmy troops liberated Mindanao, and $ith
the help of local guerrilla units ultimately defeated the -apanese forces occupying the region&
ARMM's precursors[edit]
n the +>5/s, escalating hostilities bet$een government forces and the Moro Bational "iberation
Front prompted Ferdinand Marcos to issue a proclamation forming an (utonomous )egion in the
#outhern Philippines& This $as ho$ever, turned do$n by a plebiscite& n +>5>, Batas Pambansa Bo&
./ created a )egional (utonomous Covernment in the @estern and !entral Mindanao regions&
2,3
Establishment of the ARMM[edit]
The (utonomous )egion of Muslim Mindanao region $as first created on (ugust +, +>0> through
)epublic (ct Bo& ,58: (other$ise 7no$n as the 4rganic (ct) in pursuance $ith a constitutional
mandate to provide for an autonomous area in Muslim Mindanao& ( plebiscite $as held in the
provinces of Basilan, !otabato, Davao del Borte, Davao 4riental, Davao del #ur,"anao del
Borte, "anao del #ur, Maguindanao, Pala$an, #outh !otabato, #ultan *udarat, #ulu, Ta$i%
Ta$i, ?amboanga del Borte and ?amboanga del #urE and in
the cities of !otabato,Davao, Dapitan, Dipolog, Ceneral
#antos, *oronadal, ligan, Mara$i, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa and ?amboanga to determine if their
residents $ished to be part of the ()MM& 4f these areas, only four provinces % "anao del
#ur, Maguindanao, #ulu and Ta$i%Ta$i % voted in favor of inclusion in the ne$ autonomous region&
The ()MM $as officially inaugurated on Bovember ,, +>>/
253
in !otabato !ity, $hich $as
designated as its provisional capital&
Expansion of ARMM[edit]
Prelude to Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain[edit]
n .//+ a ne$ la$, )epublic ( >/<:, $as passed for the expansion of the ()MM& n a
plebiscite, Mara$i !ity (situated $ithin "anao del #ur) and the province of Basilan (excluding sabela
!ity) opted to be integrated into the region&
203
)( >/<: lapsed into la$, $ithout the signature of
President Cloria Macapagal%(rroyo
2clarification needed3
&
n .//,, a ne$ province $as carved out of Maguindanao: #hariff *abunsuan, the ,th province of
()MM, 'oining Maguindanao, "anao del #ur, #ulu, Ta$i%Ta$i and Basilan& Massive protests,
ho$ever, have greeted the move
2not verified in body3
of the C)P and M"F panels in signing a Memorandum
of (greement on (ncestral Domain as a ma'ority of the "ocal Covernment Anits $here these
Barangays are connected have already opted not to 'oin the ()MM in t$o instances, +>0> and
.//+&
The deal[edit]
4n -uly +0, .//0, Fermogenes Gsperon, 1peace advisor1 to Philippine President Cloria Macapagal%
(rroyo, in his tal7s $ith Moro slamic "iberation Front rebels in Malaysia, revealed the planned
extension of the region&
2>3
The deal, negotiated in secret tal7s $ith the M"F and sub'ect to approval,
$ould give the ()MM control of an additional 5+. villages on the south $est portion of Mindanao, as
$ell as broad political and economic po$ers&
2>3
Challenge on MOA-AD[edit]
Main article: Sema v. COMELEC
4n -uly +,, .//0 #ema v& !4MG"G! voided the creation of #hariff *abunsuan, declaring
unconstitutional a section in )( >/<: $hich granted the ()MM )egional (ssembly the po$er to
create provinces and cities& Then, on (ugust :, .//0, after local officials from Borth !otabato as7ed
the !ourt to bloc7 the signing of the agreement bet$een C)P and M"F, the !ourt issued a
Temporary )estraining 4rder against the signing of the Memorandum of (greement on (ncestral
Domain (M4(%(D) bet$een the Philippine government and the M"F rebels in Malaysia&
2+/3
#everal
la$ma7ers had filed petitions $ith the #upreme !ourt to stop the Philippine government from
concluding the M4(%(D due to lac7 of transparency and for M"F;s failure to cut ties $ith the al%
Haeda%lin7ed terrorist net$or7 -emaah slamiyah, $hich aims to establish a pan%slamic state in
#outheast (sia using M"F camps in south $estern Mindanao as training grounds and staging points
for attac7s&
2++3
4n 4ctober +:, .//0, the #upreme !ourt of the Philippines, by a vote of 0I5, declared Jcontrary to
la$ and the !onstitutionK the (ncestral Domain (spect (M4(%(D) of the Tripoli (greement on Peace
of .//+ bet$een the Covernment of the )epublic of the Philippines (C)P) and the Moro slamic
"iberation Front (M"F)&
2+.32+83
The 0>%page decision, $ritten by (ssociate -ustice !onchita !arpio%
Morales ruled: Jn sum, the Presidential (dviser on the Peace Process committed grave abuse of
discretion $hen he failed to carry out the pertinent consultation process, as mandated by G4 Bo& 8,
)( 5+,/, and )( 085+& The furtive process by $hich the M4(%(D $as designed and crafted runs
contrary to and in excess of the legal authority, and amounts to a $himsical, capricious, oppressive,
arbitrary and despotic exercise thereof& t illustrates a gross evasion of positive duty and a virtual
refusal to perform the duty en'oined&K
2+:32+<32+,3
Aftermath[edit]
Main article: Sema v. COMELEC Aftermath
Demographics[edit]
Population census of ARMM
Year Pop.
!""# .,+/0,/,+ L
$### .,0/8,/:< M88&/N
$#!# 8,.<,,+:/ M+,&.N
#ource: Bational #tatistics 4ffice
2+3
Political Divisions[edit]
%eal Pro&ince 'apital
Area
()m*+
Population
($#!#+
2+3
Population
densit,
(per )m*+
Basilan
a
sabela !ity
b
+,>>:&+ .>8,... +:5&/
"anao del #ur Mara$i 8,058&/ >88,.,/ .:/&/
Maguindanao
c
#hariff (gua7 5,+:.&/ >::,5+0 +8.&.
#ulu -olo .,+8<&8 5+>,.>/ 88,&:
Ta$i%Ta$i Bongao 8,:.,&, 8,,,<</ +/5&/
-./E%0
1a Figures exclude sabela !ity&
1b )e'ected inclusion into the ()MM, still part of the ?amboanga Peninsula region&
1c Figures exclude the independent component city of !otabato&
"and area figures ta7en from the Department of Budget and Management;s .//0 )(
computation documents&
Population figures ta7en from the Bational #tatistics 4ffice;s .//5 !ensus of Population results&
Government[edit]
ARMM 23%/.RY
The history of the ()MM has al$ays been intert$ined $ith the struggle of the Muslim peoples of
Mindanao to$ards self%rule and self%determination& These peoples, $ho, no$ collectively call
themselves JBangasamoroK $anted to shape their o$n destiny under slamic la$ and culture& They
had repelled the influence of foreign domination particularly the #paniards, -apanese, and
(mericans& Their land $as nevertheless annexed into the Philippine government after the (mericans
gave independence to the Philippines&
Mindanao $as opened to !hristian settlers, mostly from the Oisayas, by the late President )amon
Magsaysay under his populist platform of economic reforms& These relieved population pressure
from the north and made the president $idely popular among the Filipinos but it heightened religious
hostilities in Mindanao& MindanaoPs rich natural resources $ere shared $ith the rest of the
Philippines&
The situation $orsened $hen unscrupulous persons, politicians and businessmen, too7 advantage
of the peoplePs lo$ economic state& "and grabbing and social in'ustices $ere committed against the
regionPs peace%loving people& This forced the people of Mindanao to rise in protest against the
Philippine government&
4n March +0, +>,0, at least .8 Muslim Trainees $ere shot to death on !orregidor sland, $hich is to
be 7no$n later as the -abidah Massacre& The event spar7ed anger among the Muslims and gave
rise to Bangsamoro movements both civil and armed& The Moro Bational "iberation Front $as born
under the leadership of Prof&Bur Misuari&
The MB"F and the Philippine (rmed Forces had an armed conflict on February +>58 $hich led to
the death and displacement of thousands of innocents and further escalated the so%called Mindanao
problem& Fostilities continued despite the signing on -uly 5, +>5< by President Ferdinand G& Marcos
of Presidential Decree Bo& 5:. and "etter of nstruction .>/ creating the @estern and !entral
Mindanao regions and establishing the 4ffice of the )egional !ommissioner (4)!) in both regions&
Thus, the 4rgani=ation of slamic !onference (4!) intervened leading to the signing of the Tripoli
(greement bet$een the Philippine Covernment and the MB"F in Tripoli, "ibya on December .8,
+>5,& n compliance there$ith, President Marcos signed Presidential Proclamation Bo& +,.0 on
March .< +>55 creating an (utonomous )egion in #outhern Philippines&
( referendum%plebiscite $as held on (pril +5, +>55, ho$ever, the people opted to retain the original
geo%political subdivisions of @estern and !entral Mindanao& Thus, on -uly .<, +>5>, Batas
Pambansa Bo& ./ $as enacted creating the )egional (utonomous Covernment in @estern and
!entral Mindanao& Anfortunately, still the mu'ahideens $ere not appeased and continued $ith their
revolutionary ideals&
n +>0,, President !ora=on !& (6uino pursued a more vigorous approach to solve the Mindanao
problem through peace negotiations& The -eddah (ccord signed on February 8, +>05 by the
Philippine Covemment and the MB"F, $as a commitment to continue the tal7s on the full
implementation of a more meaningful regional autonomy&
The (6uino govemment, despite failure of negotiations, sought the creation of the (utonomous
)egion in Muslim Mindanao (()MM) by enshrining it in the +>05 Philippine !onstitution& President
(6uino convened the )egional !onsultative !ouncil tas7ed to draft the 4rganic (ct for Muslim
Mindanao& n +>00, the 4rganic (ct $as finally completed and submitted to the Philippine !ongress
for deliberation and approval&
4n (ugust +, +>0>, )epublic (ct Bo& ,58:, other$ise 7no$n as the 4rganic (ct of the (utonomous
)egion in Muslim Mindanao, $as signed into la$ by then President !ora=on !& (6uino& 4n
Bovember +5, +>0>, a plebiscite $as conducted in the proposed areas of ()MM $herein only four
provinces opted to 'oin the area of autonomy& These are the provinces of Maguindanao, "anao del
#ur, Ta$i%Ta$i and #ulu&
The first election in ()MM $as held on February +5, +>>/& The first )egional Covernor elect $as
(tty& ?acaria !andao $ho too7 his oath of office on -uly , +>>/ and significantly started the formal
operation of the ()MM& #ucceeding set of officials too7 their terms of office on (pril ., +>>8 $here
"ininding P& Pangandaman $as elected as the second )egional Covernor, follo$ing the
administration of (tty& !andao&
4n #eptember ., +>>,, the MB"F and the Philippine Covernment signed the final Peace (greement
$hich led to the election of MB"F chairman BurMisuari as )egional Covernor of ()MM&
The Peace (greement also paved $ay for the creation of the #pecial ?one of Peace and
Development (#?4P(D) and #outhern Philippines !ouncil for Peace and Development (#P!PD)
$hich $ere established by virtue of Gxecutive 4rder Bo& 85+ on 4ctober .+, +>>, by then President
Fidel O& )amos and named Covernor Misuari as the #P!PD !hairman&
Mean$hile, the Moro slamic "iberation Front (M"F), another Moro armed group, continued $ith
their struggle due to unsettled differences and ideologies $ith the MB"F& (rmed clashes bet$een the
military and the M"F escalated to a full $ar by the year ./// displacing some ://,/// persons&
@hen Pres& Cloria Macapagal (rroyo assumed the Presidency on -anuary .//+ after the ouster of
President -oseph G& Gstrada, she reversed the all%out $ar policy of the Gstrada (dministration and
initiated peace tal7s $hich led to the signing of a ceasefire agreement on -une .., .//+&
To sustain the peace and development efforts in Mindanao and as part of the commitment to the
+>>, Peace (greement, President Cloria Macapagal%(rroyo supported the #eptember .//+
plebiscite for the ratification of )epublic (ct >/<:, expanding the area of autonomy& The ()MM is
no$ comprised of the provinces of Maguindanao, "anao del #ur, #ulu, Ta$i%Ta$i, Basilan and the
slamic !ity of Mara$i&
Dr& Farou7 Fussien $as installed as the )egional Covernor for the expanded ()MM area on
-anuary .//. as a result of the election conducted on Bovember .//+&
For the succeeding years starting from .//< and during the .//0 ()MM election, Datu ?aldy
(mpatuan consistently $on and too7 the role as the )egional Covernor& Anfortunately, the
controversial JMaguindanao massacreK in .//>, involving (ndal (mpatuan -r&, the brother of Datu
?aldy, became the vital reason to expel Datu ?aldy (mpatuan from his public office& By succession,
the next%in%ran7 )egional Oice Covernor (nsaruddin (lonto then assumed the )egional Covernor on
an acting capacity&
4n -une 8/, ./++, President Benigno #imeon !& (6uino , the son of late former President !ory
(6uino, signed into la$ )&(& +/+<8& The la$ provides for synchroni=ation of the ()MM elections
$ith the national elections& The schedule of the ()MM elections $as thereby moved from 4ctober
./++ to May ./+8& #o as not to create a po$er vacuum on the regionPs autonomous government,
the la$ also authori=ed the President of the )epublic to appoint 4fficers%in%!harge& The President
then sa$ this as an oppurtunity to instill his QTu$id na daanP advocacy and reforms in the region,
hence, appointed Muslim (ctivist and former (MB partylist representative Mu'iv #& Fataman&
4! )egional Covernor Mu'iv #& Fataman proved to be catalyst of the President (6uinoPs reform
agenda in the region and earned the trust of the people of ()MM even $ith 'ust a +<%month term as
4fficer%in%!harge&
( Frame$or7 (greement on the Bangasamoro bet$een the Moro slamic "iberation Front $as
signed 4ctober +<, ./+.& The Frame$or7 (greement, $hich paved the $ay for tal7s bet$een the
government and M"F to$ards coming up $ith a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the
Bangsamoro plight by ./+,, including a transitional government ta7eover of ()MM by ./+<&
President (6uino, confident that Fataman $ould allo$ for that smooth transition by stepping do$n
$hen that time comes, as7ed Fataman himself to continue the reforms in the region in preparation
for the Bangsamoro government by running for a fresh mandate&
The May +8, ./+8 synchroni=ed national and ()MM elections concluded an over$helming support
for Mu'iv Fataman in tandem $ith his )egional Oice Covernor Moy "ucman, garnering about
<//,/// votes& This $as considered a landslide victory for him& Thus, he assumed office on -uly +,
./+8 as a full%fledged )egional Covernor&
http://armm.gov.ph/history/
Basilan
From @i7ipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Philiine rovince. !or other uses" see #asilan $disambi%uation&.
Province of Basilan
Provincia de Basilan
Lalawigan ng Basilan
Taguima
Flag
Seal
Motto: Pesong Kaam Kemon!
Location of Basilan in the Philippines
Country Philippines
Region Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ARMM!
and "am#oanga Peninsula$sa#ela %ity only!
Class &th %lass Province
District Lone 'istrict of Basilan
Barangays 255
Ofcial
languages
(ilipino and )nglish
Other
languages / di
alects in
Basilan
*a+an, "am#oangue-o
%havacano, .ausug,Bisaya, /ama, 0iligaynon,/pani
sh, %hinese
Chartered City
(R!2""#
1uly 2, 23&4
Province
(PD$5%#
'ecem#er 56, 2367
&overn'ent
( )y*e Province of the Philippines
( &overnor 1um 1ainudin A+#ar Li#eral Party!
( +ice,
governor
Keehmar 1ay /a++alahul Li#eral Party!
!rea
( )otal 2,784.3 +m
5
85&.6 s9 mi!
( -and 2,5&4.3 +m
5
&45.5 s9 mi!
( .ater 22: +m
5
&: s9 mi!
/levation
;2<
8 m 2= ft!
Po*ulation 5:2:!
( )otal 732,263
( Density 727.55/+m
5
422.5/s9 mi!
( De'ony' Basile-o, Basile-a, Basilanin, .au Basilan
)i'e 0one P/. >.%?4!
!rea code(s# ?=7=5
1SO $2%% code P0@BA/
Patron Saint /anta $sa#el de Portugal
.e3site AAA.#asilan.gov.ph
The Pro&ince of 4asilan (?amboangueRo: Provincia de #asilan Tagalog: Lala'i%an n% #asilan) is
an island province of the Philippines$ithin the (utonomous )egion in Muslim Mindanao (()MM)&
Basilan is the largest and northernmost of the ma'or islands of the #ulu (rchipelago and is located
'ust off the southern coast of ?amboanga Peninsula& ts biggest population center, sabela !ity, is
administered as part of the ?amboanga Peninsula )egion&
'ontents
2hide3
+ ntroduction
. "and
o .&+ Ceography
o .&. !limate
8 Fistory
: Gtymology
o :&+ Taguima
o :&. Treasure slands of the #outhern #eas
< People
o <&+ !ulture
o <&. Demographics
<&.&+ Population gro$th .///%.//5
<&.&. Basilan !ensus ./+/
o <&8 )eligion
o <&: "anguage
o <&< Gducation
o <&, !lubs and organi=ations
, Gconomy
o ,&+ Garly history
o ,&. Multinational plantations
o ,&8 The Moro uprising
o ,&: !omprehensive (grarian )eform Program and the rise of (bu #ayyaf
o ,&< nclusion in the (utonomous )egion of Muslim Mindanao
o ,&, )eturn of rubber
o ,&5 !oconut
o ,&0 4ther products
o ,&> Ban7ing and finance
o ,&+/ Atilities, infrastructure and health
o ,&++ Tourism
,&++&+ !hurches and religious shrines
,&++&. Fistorical sites
,&++&8 Fiestas and festivals
5 Politics
o 5&+ !urrent officeholders
o 5&. )ecent local elections
o 5&8 Bell$ether Province
o 5&: "ocal government units
0 Flora and fauna
> Boted Basilan people
o >&+ Fistory and politics
>&+&+ (ncient Taguima
>&+&. #panish colonial period
>&+&8 (merican era
>&+&: Post%$ar republic
>&+&< Post%GD#( (after +>0,)
>&+&, Bational and international figures
o >&. Gntertainment
+/ #ee also
++ Gxternal lin7s
+. Botes
Introduction[edit]
Basilan is home to three main ethnic groups, the indigenous Sa7ans, and the later%
arriving Tausugs and !havacanos& The Sa7ans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, $hile
the !havacano are mainly !hristian& There are also a number of smaller groups& (lthough the official
languages are Filipino and Gnglish, the ma'or language is Sa7an, but other languages are $ell
represented, including Tausug, #amal, and ?amboangueRo !havacano&
Basilan, although classified as a :th%!lass Province in terms of gross provincial income, has one of
the lo$est incidence of poverty in the Philippines (.,&+>N of the general population), ran7ed ./
among the Philippines; 0/ provinces (in comparison, Maguindanao $hich is ran7ed last at
number 0/ has a poverty incidence of ::&.:N)& More importantly, the gap bet$een Basilan;s rich
and poor residents are among the narro$est in the country (ran7ed 8rd nation$ide), pointing to one
of the most e6uitable distributions of $ealth any$here in the country (CB !oefficient /&.0.,, $hich
is slightly better than the Provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Bueva Gci'a, Tarlac, !avite, Batanes and
Batangas)&
Land[edit]
Basilan in Mindanao, Philippines ()egions T, T, T and ()MM)
The province of Basilan has an aggregate historical 'urisdiction of +8<,0>. hectares (88<,0// acres),
$ith mainland Basilan encompassing an area of +.:,0>. hectares (8/0,,+/ acres)& The province
encompasses all of Basilan island (including sabela !ity, $hich forms part of the province, although
it is excluded from the (utonomous )egion) and offshore islands, together $ith the Pilas island
group (no$Fad'i Muhtamad Municipality) $est of the island, and the Bubuan and Tapiantana island
group (no$Tabuan%"asa Municipality) in the south& These are listed among the Philippine islands
$ith a moderate ris7 of getting hit by tsunamis&
5eograph,[edit]
Basilan is located bet$een latitudes ,U+<; and 5U//;, and longitudes +.+U+<; and +..U8/;& The island
is bordered by the Basilan #trait to the north, the #ulu #ea to the north$est and $est, the Moro
Culf to the northeast, and the !elebes #ea to the south, southeast and east& t is one of the 5,+/5
islands that ma7e up the Philippine archipelago&
Topographical map of Basilan and outlying islands
Basilan is the largest and northernmost island of the#ulu (rchipelago bet$een the Philippine islands
ofMindanao and Borneo $hich includes about :// islands& Basilan #trait, about +5 nautical miles
(8+ 7m) at its narro$est point, separates Basilan sland from the mainland of Mindanao and the port
city of ?amboanga& The terrain of the island is simple, $ith several undulating slopes concentrated
around sabela !ity along the coastal areas and hilly to$ards the interior& Arban areas are usually
.&< metres (0 ft . in) above sea level and gently sloping to 8// metres (>0/ ft) to$ard the
hinterlands& The stand of timber and forest vegetation is more or less evenly distributed throughout&
Basilan Bational Par7 is located at the eastern portion of the remaining public forest bet$een the city
of sabela and the municipalities of "amitan, Tipo%Tipo and #umisip& The par7 has an elevation of
>5+ metres (8,+0, ft) above sea level, and the tallest pea7, Puno Maha'i or Basilan Pea7, dominates
the par7;s landscape&
'limate[edit]
;hide<Cli'ate data for Basilan4 Phili**ines
5onth 6an Fe3 5ar !*r 5ay 6un 6ul !ug Se* Oct 7ov
Record high 8C (8F#
73
2:5!
&5
2:4!
76
33!
&2
2:=!
76
33!
&5
2:4!
&:
2:&!
74
2::!
&2
2:=!
76
33!
76
33!
!verage high 8C (8F#
54
45!
56
42!
56
42!
54
45!
54
45!
54
45!
54
45!
56
42!
54
45!
56
42!
56
42!
!verage lo9 8C (8F#
5&
68!
57
67!
57
67!
5&
68!
5&
68!
58
66!
5&
68!
5&
68!
5&
68!
5&
68!
5&
68!
Record lo9 8C (8F#
26
=7!
26
=7!
5:
=4!
27
88!
52
6:!
5:
=4!
26
=7!
52
6:!
28
83!
27
88!
52
6:!
Preci*itation c' (inches#
&
2.=!
8
5!
&
2.=!
8
5!
3
7.8!
25
&.6!
27
8.2!
25
&.6!
27
8.2!
2=
=.7!
22
&.7!
Source: Weatherbase
;5<
The climate is similar to other areas in the ?amboanga Peninsula& The annual average rainfall is
+,+// millimetres (:8 in) and the mean annual temperature is .,&, U! (5>&> UF)& The source of the
rainfall is the south$est monsoon and the island;s location in the ntertropical !onvergence ?one&
The climate is classified as a tropical $et and dry climate or ($ using the *Vppen climate
classification system&
Basilan is outside the typhoon belt& Prevailing $inds are from the south$est $ith a speed of : 7nots
(5&: 7mWh)&
March to May is hot and dry, $ith temperature averaging .. U! (5. UF)& -une to 4ctober is rainy&
Bovember to February is cool, $ith temperatures ranging from .. U! (5. UF) to .0 U! (0. UF)&
(verage humidity year%round is 55N&
History[edit]
4ld Pla=a )i=al and Pla=a Misericordia, opposite #ta& sabel !athedral, old !ity Fall (Provincial !apitol) atop the hill
at the bac7ground&
Main article: (istory of #asilan
#everal $aves of Begrito and ancient !hinese migration populated the Philippines& The Sa7an
people arrived in the area of the #ulu (rchipelago, of $hich Basilan is a part, around 8// B!G to .//
B!G& "ittle is 7no$n of them before the era of #panish coloni=ation, but they still ma7e up the largest
ethnic group on the main island of Basilan&
(s the Tausug #ultanate of #ulu gre$ in po$er, the Sa7ans $ithdre$ inland, until most of the coastal
communities along the island;s southern, $estern and north$estern shores $ere primarily inhabited
by Tausugs and their vassal tribes, the #amals and Ba'aus (Tau%"aut)& The only exception $as the
relatively prosperous Sa7an communities of "amitan&
Basilan first came to Guropean attention $hen it $as documented by the remnants of the Ferdinand
Magellan expedition in +<.+& t $as eventually coloni=ed by the #panish as early as +,8, and $as
formally ceded by the #ulu #ultanate to #pain in +5.,& The $ithdra$al of the Sa7ans inland $as
hastened by #panish establishment of advance bases on the island;s north$estern coast, bringing in
!hristiani=ed ;indios; from ?amboanga, the Oisayas and "u=on& By then, even the Sa7an
communities of "amitan $ere completely overrun& -esuit missionaries brought !atholicism to the
region& Fighting $ith the #ultanate, the Dutch Gast ndia !ompany, Moro Pirates, and the French
figured in Basilan;s history over the years&
@ith its victory in the +0>0 #panishI(merican @ar, the Anited #tates gained possession of the
Philippines& (mericans proceeded to ;pacify; Basilan, cleared large expanses of land and established
plantations, mainly to produce rubber and copra&
Follo$ing the -apanese occupation of the country during @orld @ar , in +>:,, the Philippines
gained its independence& Beginning around +>5/, heavy fighting bro7e out bet$een the Philippine
government and the Moro Bational "iberation Front, $hich $as determined to secede and form a
ne$ country&
Then President Marcos made Basilan a province in +>58& t 'oined the (utonomous )egion in
Muslim Mindanao in .//+, the last province to do so& ts former capital, sabela !ity, ho$ever, opted
out and remains a part of the ?amboanga Peninsula )egion (formerly @estern Mindanao, )egion >)&
Etymology[edit]
Gxamples of finely crafted Moro blades made from Basilan 1basih1 (iron)&
4ral traditions of the local Sa7an people include several names for pre%historic Basilan: 1Aleyan1,
$hich is derived from the present%named Basilan Pea7 (Puno Maha'i), and later changed to
1Matangal1 after a mountain farther to the east of the island& These names $ere presumably used by
the Maguindanao traders from mainland Mindanao, utili=ing these mountains as navigational
landmar7s $hen sailing the !elebes #ea& 4ther names romantically given $ere 1Puh Culangan1 or
1island of forests1, 1Amus Tambun1 or 1fertile land1, 1*umalarang1 after the $est$ard flo$ing river on
the island;s $estern half $hich is also other$ise called Baunuh Peggesan&
/aguima[edit]
Pre%Fispanic texts from the royal archives of the #ulu #ultanate referred to the northernmost island
of the #ulu (rchipelago as Taguima, from the Sa7an $ho $ere called 1Tagihamas1 (people of the
interior or hinterlands) by the Tausug and #amal peoples $ho came and settled in numerous but
scattered communities along Basilan;s $estern and south$estern shores and outlying islets and
island groups&
"ater references mentioned 1Bantilan1, probably referring to Maluso, $hich $as established as a
ma'or Tausug base by #ulu #ultan Mui== ud%Din ($hose princely name $as Datu Bantilan)&
mperial !hinese texts mention a 1*ingdom of *umalarang1 (from the Sa7an 1)umalan%1 or 1to sing1,
o$ing to the location being a place for celebrations and gatherings) during the Ming Dynasty,
believed to be the island $hich no$ has a baran%ay of the same name on its north$estern shores&
The first #panish map of Mindanao officially naming 1Basilan1 island (instead of TaguimaWTagyma) by Bicolas Borton
Bicols, published in +5<5&
The earliest map of the Philippines $hich made reference to an island labeled 1Taguima1 $as
produced by Ciacomo Castaldi,
283
through $oodbloc7 prints in +<:0 and subse6uently included in the
influential travel boo7 of Ciovanni Battista )amusio, the *ella +avi%atione e ,ia%%i, $hich $as
published bet$een +<<, and +<08 in three volumes& This $as follo$ed by (braham 4rtelius;s
$or7 -ndiae Orientalis -nsularum.ue Adiacientium Tyus, published in +<58 in a Cerman text edition
of the atlas Theatrum Orbis Terrarum by !hristophe Plantin in (nt$erp& (s late as +5+>,
2:3
a map
titled 1Die philippinische nseln % sle Brneo1 by (llain Manesson Mallet of Fran7furt, Cermany
featured an island still labeled 1Tagyma &1
The process by $hich all these names became 1Basilan1 is almost certainly due to
miscommunication bet$een the natives and the #panish, as $ell as the penchant to engage in
editorial license by Guropean map%ma7ers of the era&
2citation needed3
Basilan;s name may also derive from its iron ore deposits& Tausug $arriors and slave%traders from
#ulu came to Taguima to purchase high%6uality magnetic iron ores, $hich they used for s$ords,
7nives and other blades& This profitable trade, helped in large measure by the establishment of
Maluso as a ma'or military%naval base of the #ulu #ultanate, eventually gave the island the
distinction of being the source of basih/balan, the Tausug $ord for magnetic iron& )oughly translated
and abbreviated, ho$ever, basih/lan means 1the iron (magnet) trail1 or 1the iron $ay1&
@hen several Tausug $arriors $ere caught by the #panish in one of their numerous raids on the
?amboanga settlement, #panish officials supposedly admired the artistry and s7ill that $ent into
ma7ing the $arriors; elaborately decorated s$ords, 7nives and blades, and as7ed $here these
$eapons could be bought& From atop the ramparts of the #panish commandery at the Fuer=a del
Buestra #enora del Pilar de ?arago=a (Fort Pilar), the $arriors supposedly pointed to the island
visible across today;s Basilan #trait, and said, simply, 1ha basih%lan1&
)eports from the -esuit reducciones in ?amboanga and Pasangen (sabela) $ere relayed to Manila,
$here #panish cartographer Pedro Murillo de Oelarde published (istoria de la Provincia de
Philiinas de la Coma0ia de 1esvs. Se%vnda arte using the -esuit printing press at Manila in +5:>&
t featured a map of the Philippines $ith the as yet unofficial 1& Basilan1& The map $as re%published
by "eip=ig map%ma7er Bicolaus Bellinn for general Guropean circulation in +5<.&
Finally, to represent a clear brea7 from the Fabsburg Dynasty ($hich had ruled #pain for +0: years
from +<+, to +5//), the first officially sanctioned #panish maps of its colonies, including 1"as slas
de Mindanao1, $ere commissioned by the Bourbons (+5//Ipresent)& This particular map of
Mindanao, apparently copied from the Bicolaus Bellinn map of +5<., $as published by Bicolas
Borton Bicols in +5<5, featuring 1Basilan1 and bearing the royal stamp of #panish Bourbon
*ing Ferdinand O& t has been called 1sla de Basilan1 (Basilan sland) ever since&
/reasure 3slands of the %outhern %eas[edit]
Basilan sland;s reputation as a staging%ground for Moro raids on ?amboanga, the Oisayas and even
"u=on, and as a temporary repository of the plunder from these raids& gave the island a notoriety not
unli7e the 1Treasure slands1 of the @est ndies or the buccaneers; havens and pirate coves of the
!aribbean&
#panish and Tausug fleets engaged each other in sea battles and s7irmishes not far from the
$estern shores of the islands& Many of their ships $ere scuttled or sun7, sometimes $ith precious
cargoes of traded goods and Mexican silver pieces meant for the fort in ?amboanga and the naval
s6uadron at sabela, as $ell as goods en route to -olo from the Mindanao mainland&
The #panish Pigafetta expedition landed on a group of islets $est of the main island of Basilan,
$here they found precious pearlsE subse6uent #panish cartographers aptly named these the 1sletas
de Perlas1 (Pearl slets)& Bative #amal and Ba'ao fol7 called this group of islets and reefs 1Pilas1
(Perlas), a name still used to this day& More recently, there have been local rumors about gold bars
and other trin7ets hidden among the many islets by retreating -apanese troops at the end of @orld
@ar & To date, treasure hunters of various nationalities, among them -apanese and Guropeans,
have scoured the area&
(ll these tales of treasures hidden in Basilan;s many remote, unpopulated islets gave it the nic7name
1Treasure slands of the #outhern #eas1, immortali=ed in the official anthem of the Province of
Basilan, 1Fair Basilan1, composed by Basilan lyricist and composer Tran6uilino Cregorio&
People[edit]
Sa7an, Tausug, #amal, #ama Baguigui, !havacano
'ulture[edit]
Main article: Culture of #asilan
#ta& sabel !athedral, in the heart of sabela !ity;s poblacion, is the center of Basilan;s thriving !atholic community&
The biggest cultural influences on the island derive from Basilan;s tri%ethnic community: the
native Sa7an, Tausug and !havacano peoples& The Sa7ans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim,
$hile the !havacano are primarily !atholic& (mong the Tausugs and #amals, the phrase 1ma%/
tausu% na )a'1 means 1become a Muslim1, instead of the more literal translation, 1become a
Tausug1, as the Tausug tribe is regarded as the 1original Muslims1 of the area& (lthough the ma'ority
of the Sa7ans are Muslims, a significant number still conform to traditional local beliefs, traditions
and rituals, $hile a fe$ have li7e$ise opted to be bapti=ed !atholics& (long $ith a ma'ority of
the !havacano, the !ebuano and the longgoWFiligaynon Bisaya are also !atholics& BasileRo
!havacanos do not consider themselves ?amboangueRos, albeit both groups share the same
linguistic identity&
Sa7an interiorWeast: Sa7ans gathered at Materling, (l Bar7a (Tipo%Tipo), Basilan, visited by *apamilya broadcaster
Bernadette #embrano&
!ulturally, the Sa7an and the Tausug are distinct groupsE the Sa7an represent the 1"umad1 (albeit
lately most Sa7ans have since converted to slam)or indigenous peoples of Basilan, $hile the
Tausugs, the #amal and the Ba'ao are regarded as the 1original Muslims1, and
the !havacano, !ebuano and longgo are the 1!ristianos1& The rest, a mixture of Tagalogs, locanos,
@aray, Bicolanos, Maranaos, ranuns and Maguindanaos, are more recent migrants permanently
residing in the region, itinerant merchants or government $or7ers&
This mix of ethnicities, forged together first by the #panish practice of establishing resettlements
orreducciones, as $ell as the multinational plantations; importation of s7illed !hristian farm $or7ers
and laborers from the Oisayas and "u=on, gives Basilan a distinct culture in the Philippines& t is the
only predominantly Muslim province that is governed primarily by its indigenous population, and
$hose most commonly spo7en language is ?amboangueRo !havacano&
!atholic northWnorth$est: -& #& (lano #treet, one of the main thoroughfares of sabela !ity, connecting #ta& sabel
!athedral $ith the sabela !ity Pla=aWPla=a )i=al and the Provincial !apitol&
The Tausugs and #amals, for the most part having been denied o$nership of land, and o$ing also
to their primary livelihood of fishing, live along the coastlines, constructing their houses on stilts at
the $ater;s edge near population centers& Their houses are, for the most part, outside of the
municipal $ater and se$erage systems of the urban centers& This group controls nearly +//N of the
bountiful a6uatic resources that surround the island& The Sa7ans, on the other hand, having been
driven far inland, are scattered throughout the island;s interior, in similar raised houses usually made
of light materials, but separated from each other& Sa7ans control nearly all "ocal Covernment Anits,
and since the late 0/s have found employment in Covernment 'obs& The !hristians are mostly found
in the plains, the cities and in the plantations, s6uee=ed bet$een the Tausug%dominated coasts and
the Sa7an%dominated hinterlands& They ma7e up the bul7 of the island;s professionals,
entrepreneurs, and lo$land farmers& The !hristians, ho$ever, o$n most of the arable land, as $ell
as nearly all of the businesses and occupy most of the professions&
TausugW#amal festivals are usually connected to the sea, celebrating the bounty of the seas, even
staging da==ling fluvial $edding parades on colorfully bedec7ed vintas and para$s, a nod to the
Tausugs; former naval pro$ess& !atholic fiestas are almost al$ays related to good harvests on the
farms, as $ell as saintly miracles against natural calamities and victories against Moro attac7s in the
past& Sa7an festivals, mean$hile, are rooted in older, pre%slamic rituals such as $arrior dances,
colorful $edding pageants, and harvest rituals&
Tausug southWsoutheast: Main road at Port Folland, Maluso, Basilan, flan7ed by Tausug traders and mar7et stall
o$ners&
!ulturally, therefore, the !havacanos, Bisaya and Tausug have had a close relationship, both
professionally as $ell as in trade and commerce, being regarded as the island;s 1lo$landers1 by the
Sa7an, $ho are regarded as 1de arriba1 by the !havacanos or 1ta%ihamas1 by the Tausugs, $hich
roughly translates as 1uplanders1& !onversely, the Sa7an have reason to be suspicious of the intents
and motives of their lo$land neighbors, having been at the receiving end of slave raids, invasions
and punitive attac7s from both groups for over <// years&
@ith the island;s strategic location right at the crossroads of the $arring camps of Tausugs and the
#panish, Basilan $as divided into three primary spheres of cultural dominance by one of the three
groups& Basilan;s northern and north$estern coasts, facing the heavily Fispani=ed ?amboanga !ity
across the narro$ Basilan #trait, is culturally !hristian, or more precisely !atholic& Basilan;s
southern and south$estern coastal areas have a distinctly Tausug%oriented culture& The eastern and
interior portions of Basilan, on the other hand, isolated for the most part from the #panish in
?amboanga, and the Tausug from -olo, are enclaves of the indigenous Sa7an&
6emographics[edit]
Basilan ethnicity profile
By the eve of the !ommon$ealth era in the Philippines, local census estimates sho$ed that a
ma'ority of the people of Basilan $ere !hristian migrants, mostly plantation $or7ers recruited from
over Mindanao and the Oisayas, and Tausug traders, as $ell as #amal and Ba'au fisherfol7& 4nly
around <,/// Sa7ans $ere counted in the census& Antil then, most Sa7ans preferred not to interact
directly $ith their lo$land neighbors&
#tatistics from the ./+/ !ensus report (
2<3
) the follo$ing brea7do$n (out of a total 8>+,+5>
population):
ndigenous Sa7an: +,+,5>+ (:+&8,N)
!hristians, i&e& ?amboangueRo W Oisayan ($hich
includes !ebuano and longgo) W Tagalog W locano, etc&: +.0,,>0 (8.&>N)
4ther Muslim Tribes, i&e& Tausug W #amal W Ba'ao W Maranao: +//,,>/ (.<&5:N)
Basilan Province population distribution (B#4 figures ./+/)
The follo$ing figures in this subsection are from the Bational #tatistical !oordination Board % B#!B
Philippine Database, !ensus of ./+/,
2,3
unless other$ise noted&
Basilan; median age $as +> years, lo$er than the +>>< figure of .< years&
The sex ratio is almost even& There $ere +,,,:+8 males and +,,,:+< females in the ./// !PF&
2clarification needed3
Fo$ever, there $ere more females in the +<%to%8> age group and more males in all
other age groups&
The economically active population, aged +< to ,:, comprises <<&.N of the population& (bout :.&8N
are young dependents (/ to +: years old) $hile less than 8N are old dependents (,: years old and
older)& The overall dependency ratio is 0+&.: for every +// persons aged +< to ,:, there $ere about
55 young dependents and : old dependents&
Married persons accounted for :5&5,N of the total persons +/ years old and over, lo$er than the
+>>< figure (:>&++N)& #ingle persons comprised :8&0/N in .///, a decrease from :<&5+N in +>><&
The $ido$ed (:&:>N) increased less than one percentage point from the figure registered in +>><
(8&0>N)& Those $ith other arrangements increased from 8&05N in +>>< to :&:>N in .///&
4ut of ,/,5+/ housing units in Basilan, ,/,,>> (>>&>0N) $ere occupied by ,+,<:, households& This
rate of occupancy $as higher than that of +>>/ (><&,N)& There $as a ratio of +&/+ households for
every occupied housing unit or <&:0 persons per occupied housing unit&
( large proportion (>:&8N) of the occupied housing units in Basilan in ./// $ere single houses&
5<&>N of the occupied housing units did not need repair or $ith minor repair,
2clarification needed3
$hile
+5&0N needed ma'or repair& 4ne out of nine occupied housing units $as built bet$een +>>, to .///&
The proportion of occupied housing units $ith roofs made of galvani=ed ironWaluminum rose from
.8&+N in +>>/ to :.&<N in .///& 4n the other hand, roofs made of cogonWnipaWanaha$declined from
,>&,N in +>>/ to </&8N in .///& (s for the construction material of the outer $alls, the use of $ood
rose from :.&.N in +>>/ to <.&:N in .///&
4ut of Basilan;s estimated ,/,<0. families, +>,5:/ lived in urban areas and :/,0:. $ere rural&
(verage poverty thresholds province%$ide $ere pegged at Php>,.5+&// monthly family income, of
$hich Php+/,>>5&// $as considered the urban threshold and Php0,/0/&// the threshold for rural
families& .,&./N of the total population $as belo$ the poverty threshold: 8,&</N of the urban
population and .+&./N of the rural&
Poverty incidence is defined as the proportion of families $hose income cannot provide for the basic
food and non%food re6uirements called the poverty threshold to the total number of families&
(ccording to the ()MM government $ebsite, in .//,, Basilan ran7ed :,th among all provinces, $ith
a poverty incidence of 8+&5&
253
Poulation growth !"""-!""#[edit]
Basilan experienced a rapid increase in populationE bet$een ./// and .//5, the population
increased by +,8,,5<, from 88.,0.0 to :>,,</8, $hereas it only rose by 85,.,8 bet$een +>>< and
.///& ( corresponding increase in the number of households $as also registered, from <<,+85 in
+>>< to ,+,<:, in .///& This resulted to an average household si=e of <&: persons, higher than the
national average of five&
4f the seven original municipalities in Basilan as of May +, .///, sabela, the capital of the province,
$as the largest in terms of population $ith 58,/8. persons or .+&>:N of the provincial total& t $as
follo$ed by "amitan (+5&,:N), #umisip (+<&.8N), Tipo%Tipo (+:&</N), and Tuburan (+.&50N)&
"anta$an and Maluso, on the other hand, had less than +/N each&
A# (mbassador *ristie *enney $ith the Datu Bantilan Dance Troupe in traditional Sa7an costume&
By .//5, the three biggest local government units ("CAs) sa$ their shares of the population fall
relative to neighboring communitiesE sabela !ity fell to +5&5.N of Basilan;s total population despite
remaining the most densely populated area on the island& "amitan is no$ only at +,&<8N (%+&++N)&
4ld #umisip (t$o municipalities $ith a population of 5+,0/5), $ith the biggest aggregate land area,
fell to +:&:,N (%/&55N)& Mean$hile, 4ld Tipo%Tipo (three municipalities: 08,.:> pop&) rose to +,&5<N
(M.&.<N) and is no$ bigger than "amitan, $hile 4ld Tuburan (three municipalities: 58,>:. pop&) is
+:&0>N (M.&++N) and is no$ bigger than 4ld #umisip& 4ld "anta$an (t$o municipalities: :>,.5/
pop&) is at >&>.N, $hile Maluso (:0,+5< pop&) comprises >&5N of the total&
The seven%year increases are $idely disparate, $hich explains the .///I.//5 percentage figures
stated above& n sabela !ity, the population gro$th $as ./&:5N (M.&>.N per annumE 58,/8. in
.///, to 05,>0< in .//5), slo$er $hen compared to the ne$ly created (7bar Municipality, scene of
many of the latest gun%battles bet$een government troops and Moro separatist groups& The
municipality;s seven%year population gro$th $as +/+&:.N (M+:&:0N per annumE +/,<0+ in ./// to
.+,8+. in .//5)& The average aggregate annual population increase in the seven%year period for the
ten municipalities and one city that comprise Basilan $as >&+.N& By comparison, that of the rest of
the Philippines $as only .&8N&
These figures are derived from the Bational #tatistics and !oordination Board and Bational #tatistics
4ffice of the Philippines&
2032>3
These rapid gro$th rates have been attributed mainly to the practice of local governments of
padding their real population numbers in order to: (+) obtain a bigger slice of the nternal )evenue
(llotment fund given to Philippine "CAs, (.) to fulfill minimum re6uirements set by the Philippine
"ocal Covernment !ode (for the ne$ly created municipalities and "amitan city), (8) as $ell as a
reserve of votes for local political clans from constituencies that 1usually1 record +//N turn%outs
during election periods&
2citation needed3
$asilan Census !"%"[edit]
The rapid gro$th bet$een ./// and .//5 is replaced by a drastic reduction in the .//5I./+/
figures after the previous figures $ere sub'ected to stricter statistical analyses, reflecting a more
statistically plausible gro$th tra'ectory from ./// to ./+/&
(s a result, Basilan;s ./+/ population declined from :>,,</8 to 8>+,+5>, a contraction of +/<,8.: or
%.+&.+N&
4ut of Basilan;s . !ities and ++ Municipalities, only t$o "CAs registered increases in population&
sabela !ity gre$ from 05,>0< to >5,0<5, an increase of >,05. or M++&..NE and
Tabuan "asa gre$ from +8,80: to +0,,8<, an increase of <,.<+ or M8>&.8N&
The rest recorded drastic declines in population, i&e&
"amitan !ity, from 0.,/5: to ,0,>>,, a decline of +8,/50 or %+:&0,NE
#umisip, from <0,:.8 to 85,/8+, a decline of .+,8>. or %8,&,+NE
Maluso, from :0,+5< to 88,0/8, a decline of +:,85. or %.>&08NE
Ang7aya Pu7an, from 8/,:5. to +5,5/+, a decline of +.,55+ or %:+&>+NE
"anta$an, from .0,>50 to ./,/05, a decline of 0,0>+ or %8/&,0NE
Tipo%Tipo, from .,,<:0 to +,,>50, a decline of >,<5/ or %8,&/<NE
Tuburan, from .,,:>0 to +0,>00, a decline of 5,<+> or %.0&8:NE
(l Bar7a, from .,,..> to +>,<.8, a decline of ,,5/, or %.<&<5NE
F'i& Mohammad ('ul, from .,,+8. to +<,>,., a decline of +/,+5/ or %80&>.NE
(7bar, from .+,8+. to +8,8,>, a decline of 5,>:8 or %85&.5NE and
F'i& Muhtamad, from ./,.>. to +.,.:>, a decline of 0,/:8 or %8>&,:N&
Religion[edit]
*aum Purnah Mos6ue, the oldestmas2id on the island of Basilan
Basilan Faith Profile
Religion in Basilan
religion
percen
t
$slam /unni! &2C
$slam (ol+! 5&C
Roman %atholic 53.3C
Protestant 7C
Dthers 5C
Basilan;s population is 88N !hristian (>/N or ++5,/// of them being )oman !atholic), and
,<N Muslim&
( ma'ority of Basilan;s Muslim population (:+N) practice #unni slam of the #hafi;i tradition, as
taught by (rab, Persian, ndian Muslim, and Malaccan missionaries from the +:th century on$ards&
( substantial remainder follo$ a syncretist mix of slam and Sa7an fol7 customs and traditions
exclusively among the native Sa7an populations farther inland, and a different version of the same
fol7 slamic tradition $hich is practiced by the Ba'ao in Basilan;s outlying islands and surrounding
seas&
( ma'ority of Basilan;s Muslims are concentrated on the island;s southern slopes& !hristians reside
mostly in the urban centers of sabela and "amitan on the island;s northern coast, $here they
constitute a ma'ority& #i=able !hristian settlements are also found in the former multi%national
plantations, for example Tairan, "anta$anE Tumahubong, #umisipE Maluso To$nsite, Maluso& The
rest have a mixture of both traditional and autochthonal beliefs&
)elatively ne$er slamic sects, mostly brought by returning veterans of the (fghan $ars and
missionaries from Pa7istan;s stricter #ufi traditions, referred to as the Tableegh, have been active in
propagating $hat they believe to be a 1purer1 slamic $ay of life and $orship& ( very small number
$ho have since married into ranian or ra6i families have converted to #hiite slam&
Bon%!atholic !hristians include Gvangelicals, -esus Miracle !rusade, Gpiscopalian, and glesia ni
!risto (B!), Mormons, #eventh%day (dventists, -ehovah;s @itnesses, and a number of other
Protestant denominations& 4nly the most recent !hinese immigrants adhere toBuddhism or Taoism,
$hile most of the older !hinese families have acculturated and have either converted to !hristianity
or slam $hile retaining most of their !hinese beliefs&
The -esuit mission established in +,85 $as replaced by a parish $hen Basilan $as reassigned to
the 4rder of (ugustinian )ecollects in +0</& The -esuits regained sabela Parish from +0,/ to +00/,
and then lost it again to the )ecollects, $ho administered the parish until +>./, at $hich time sabela
de Basilan $as turned over to diocesan priests until +>8/& From +>8/ through +></, the -esuits
returned to sabela, finally relin6uishing their long%held outpost to the !laretian Fathers, $ho too7
over from +><+ to +>5:&
The sabela Parish burned to the ground in +>,.,
2clarification needed3
and $as rebuilt in +>,: under the
aegis of Basilan;s first bishop, the Most )ev& -ose Ma& Huerexeta, a #paniard& The cathedral $as
consecrated to #ta& sabel in +>5/, and diocesan priests have since administered the same from
+>5: to the present& The cathedral figured prominently in recent ne$s, suffering one destructive
explosion in a triple bomb blast on (pril +8, ./+/&
The Prelature of sabela de Basilan $as created on 4ctober +., +>,8, and comprises all territories
constituting the civil 'urisdiction of Basilan Province, including sabela !ity& ts titular patron is #ta&
sabel de Portugal&
2+/3
Bishop Huerexeta $as succeeded by Bishop )omulo T& Dela !ru=, Basilan;s first Filipino bishop, on
February +,, +>0>, $ho served until -anuary +/, .//., $hen the present bishop, the Most )ev&
Martin #& -umoad too7 over&
7anguage[edit]
Bative ?amboangueRo !havacano spea7ers in Mindanao&
?amboangueRo !havacano is the lingua franca of Basilan, understood and spo7en by nearly 0/N of
the residents, both !hristian and Muslim& Basilan has the biggest concentration of ?amboangueRo
spea7ers in the Philippines outside of ?amboanga !ity& ( number of Muslim spea7ers of
?amboangueRo !havacano are #panish mesti=os& Tausug is also $idely spo7en, especially among
the Muslim tribes, and is spo7en and understood by approximately 5/N of Basilan;s
population& !ebuanoWBisaya is a preferred third tongue among the !hristian tribes and is spo7en
and understood by approximately ,/N of residents& Sa7an, the ac7no$ledged native dialect of
Basilan, is used primarily by Sa7ans, although it is also spo7en and understood by about +<N%./N
of the non%Sa7an residents& ( lesser percentage can spea7 or
understand #amalWBanguingui, Maranao, locano andlonggo, $hich are mostly confined to members
of their respective tribes&
The educated classes use Gnglish for most official business or government transactions& ( d$indling
group of native%#panish spea7ers live in sabela !ity and "amitan& !hineseWFoo7ien is used by the
immigrantWnaturali=ed !hinese community& (rabic is also spo7en, mostly in Muslim prayers and
songs& Basilan residents of ranian and ra6i parentage may spea7 Persian and ra6i (rabic&
Education[edit]
Basilan Bational Figh #chool, sabela !ity, Basilan;s premier secondary institution
Basilan;s literacy rate has risen over the past t$o decades, although it remains one of the
Philippines; lo$estE 5.&.8N are considered literate, as opposed to the national figure of >.&,N&
The province has one state college and five private colleges& Basilan #tate !ollege is located in
sabela !ity and has an extension college in "amitan !ity and Maluso&
Furigay !olleges, "amitan !ity, Basilan
Basilan is served by three school divisions of the Department of Gducation, one each for Basilan,
sabela !ity and "amitan !ity, the first t$o are both head6uartered in sabela !ity, and the latter is
located in "amitan !ity& ( number of public and private high schools dot the province& The premier
secondary educational institution on the island is Basilan Bational Figh #chool located in sabela
!ity, follo$ed by "amitan Bational Figh #chool in "amitan !ity& The !laret Figh #chools of sabela,
"amitan, Maluso and Tumahubong, and a number of Madaris provide private elementary and
secondary instruction& !laret !ollege of sabela is the only !laretian institution $hich offers tertiary
level education in the entire Philippines&
More than :.N of the population five years old and older attended or completed elementary
education, +5&8N attended or completed high school, $hile +&<N attended or finished post
secondary education& "ess than 8N possessed academic degrees, $hile ,&. percent $ere college
undergraduates& ( very small number pursued post%baccalaureate studies& There $ere more males
than females among those $ho attended or finished elementary (<+&+N), high school (</&8N),
among college undergraduates (<.&/N) and those $ho too7 post baccalaureate courses (<0&:N)&
4n the other hand, there $ere more females $ho attended or completed post%secondary courses
(<.&>N) and $ere academic degree holders (<.&8:N)&
'lubs and organi8ations[edit]
There are a number of clubs and social organi=ations in Basilan, ranging from the -unior !hamber
nternational Basilan nc& (Basilan -aycees) to the Basilan Motor !lub&
Economy[edit]
Basilan Gconomic Profile
(griculture is the main source of economic livelihood& Basilan;s ma'or products include coconut
(primarily copra), rubber, coffee, blac7 pepper, and (frican palm oil& 4ther crops
are palay, corn, cacao and cassava&
The #ulu and !elebes #eas provide fish such as tuna, mac7erel, and sardines& Most of these are
processed in canning factories in nearby?amboanga !ity, Ceneral #antos !ity (the Philippines; tuna
capital), and Bavotas&
2citation needed3
The island;s $aters also produce grouper, s6uid,octopus,
and marlin, $hile fishponds supply mil7fish, pra$n and shrimp& n addition, sea$eed is cultivated
along some coastal areas&
The island of 4mosmarata in Tuburan (no$ Mohammad ('ul) is listed among only +< sites in the
Philippines $ith commercially viable ocean thermal energy potential& The Philippines; ocean thermal
resource area is +/// s6uare 7ilometers, based on the archipelagic nature of the country& Based on
a study conducted by the Philippines Department of Gnergy, the potential capacity for this resource
is estimated to be .,< million mega$atts&
2++3
"i7e$ise, the Basilan #trait is listed among only eight sites in the Philippines $ith commercially
viable ocean tidal energy potential (along $ith BoholWTalibon #trait, Basiao !hannel, #urigao #trait,
Caboc !hannel, Finatuan Passage, #an Bernardino #trait and #an -uanico #trait)&
2+.3
4nly the provinces of Basilan, #amar and #urigao have both high ocean thermal and ocean tidal
energy potential& Basilan li7e$ise has significant as yet underdeveloped mineral deposits,
specifically, iron ore, gold, manganese, copper, and coal&
(lienable and disposable lands cover 0,.&.:> s6uare 7ilometres (88.&>+, s6 mi), forest lands
occupy :/,&<., s6uare 7ilometres (+<,&>,+ s6 mi), .>:&+>: s6uare 7ilometres (++8&<0> s6 mi) are
underused, <5:&0< s6uare 7ilometres (..+&>< s6 mi) are under forest cultivation, $hile ,0>&:5>
s6uare 7ilometres (.,,&./> s6 mi) are under agricultural cultivation&
"ocal products also include $oven cloth and trin7ets made by the Sa7an tribe& Sa7ans use fibers
from plants such as pineapple for their crafts& The $eavers traditionally used extracts from leaves,
roots and bar7s to dye their fibers& Fo$ever, contact $ith A&#& Peace !orps $or7ers and !hristian
Filipinos has influenced Sa7an textile art& 4ne influence is the introduction of chemical dyes&
2+83
The
museum of "amitan displays the colorful and intricate traditional Sa7an textiles and highlights of the
traditional Sa7an festival, "ami%lamihan&
Earl, histor,[edit]
Basilan;s economy has seen $ild ups$ings and do$nturns over the course of several centuries& Pre%
Fispanic Taguima had an economy based on basic subsistence agriculture, mostly root crops&
(ncient !hinese texts point to the existence of a 1*ingdom of *umalarang1, $hich presumably $as
located on the island;s north$estern shore, and $hich traded occasionally $ith !hinese merchants
plying the route to the #pice slands of the Moluccas and Borneo farther south&
@hen the #panish arrived, other crops such as rice and corn $ere introduced and cultivated,
primarily for consumption by the gro$ing !hristian settlements of sabela and "amitan& Trade $ith
?amboanga gre$ tremendously, as most of the settlers; needs $ere supplied by regular shipments
from the busy ?amboanga port&
Multinational plantations[edit]
President Manuel Hue=on tapping the sap of one of the trees in the pioneering Basilan rubber plantations developed
by (merican Dr& -ames @& #trong&
@hen the Anited #tates assumed control of the Philippines after its victory in the #panishI(merican
@ar, it brought about the single biggest change in the local economy& By around +>+:, Dr& -ames @&
#trong, a pioneering (merican plantation o$ner, cleared vast tracts of land on the island;s northern
plains (sabelaW"amitan), and established $hat became the Philippines; first commercial rubber
plantationLthe (merican )ubber !o& Apon consulting $ith Fr& ?amora, a noted botanist of
the Aniversity of #anto Tomas in Manila, he decided to start experimenting $ith rubber plants and in
+>+/, forming the Basilan )ubber Plantation in partnership $ith -&M& Men=i !orporation as principal
stoc7 holders& #even years later, he sold out his interest to -&M& Men=i !orporation and started
(merican )ubber !o& bac7ed by #an Francisco capital& Fe started building roads in Basilan $ith the
help of his children& Those roads are no$ part of the Bational Figh$ay system in Basilan&
The family and plantation prospered and $as visited by such notables as Manuel "& Hue=on,
President of the !ommon$ealth of the Philippines, his vice%president #ergio 4smeRa, Ceneral
Douglas Mac(rthur and assorted Covernor Cenerals and Figh !ommissioners for the Philippines&
The >+8%hectare plantation $as eventually sold to (merican multi%national B&F&Coodrich through its
local subsidiary (merican )ubber Plantation !orp& This $as follo$ed by investments from British%
Malayan firm #ime Darby !orp&, $hich opened their +,,<+ hectares (:,/0/ acres) rubber plantation
on the island;s southern slopes (#umisipWTipo%Tipo)&
The success of these large%scale cash crop plantations $as emulated by a number of enterprising
Filipinos and #panish%mesti=o families from ?amboanga, Begros and "u=on& (mong these $ere Don
-uan #& (lano, a Fispano%!hinese mesti=o and native of Malolos, Bulacan, $ho opened the
Philippine Bational #ugar !o& on Malama$i sland in +>.+& This eventually became the Basilan
Gstates, nc&, the only +//N Filipino%o$ned plantation competing $ith (merican and British multi%
nationals& t operated the Malama$i sland plantation, $hich $as converted to coconutWcopra
production, and opened a +,:8:%hectare copra plantation on the island;s $estern plains (Tairan,
"anta$an), Basilan;s third%largest plantation in land area& (merican logging
firms @eyerhaeuser Timber !o& and the (merican "umber !o& opened large%scale logging
concessions $hich operated in Basilan;s extensive upland virgin forests& Men=i (gricultural !orp&,
o$ned by Fispano%Cerman -& M& Men=i, also opened a >>+%hectare rubber plantation in the
southern part of sabela $hich eventually expanded to blac7 pepper and palm oil&
The Aniversity of the Philippines $as a$arded a huge :,/+0%hectare land grant by the Philippine
government, located in #ta& !lara, "amitan& This $as eventually ta7en over by the Marcos%era
Bational Development !orp&
@hen -& M& Men=i died, he $as succeeded at the helm of his substantial business interests by his
son and Marcos crony, Fans Men=i& @hen the younger Men=i replaced the plantation;s #$iss%
expatriate managers $ith locals, these managers in turn opened up their o$n plantations else$here
on the island& (rnold @inniger, Men=i;s #$iss manager, together $ith the !uevas%Pamaran%(ntonio%
Flores clan of "amitan, cleared the Tumahubong, #umisip area $ith their 8+,%hectare #ilto$n )ealty
!orp& @alter Boelsterli, another one of Men=i;s #$iss recruits, established the >,>%hectare Gurasia
Match nc& plantation around Mangal, #umisip& (n (merican corporation opened the +,+.5%hectare
Sa7an Plantation in "amitan& This $as eventually sold to -(*( Foldings of Marcos%era Defense
Minister and current #enator -uan Ponce Gnrile& Finally, Dutch%(merican Donald @iesels7i opened
another <,>%hectare coconut plantation in the !anas, Maluso area& This too $as sold off to
Gusta6uio D& Tan X #ons, nc& The @ihara Plantation, a -apanese company, opened in the (tong%
(tong, "anta$an region& This became the source of many of the coconut varieties planted
throughout the island&
A## Oic7sburg coaling at the sabela @harf, Basilan& Photo ta7en from the vantage point of the 1floating1 Baval
Fospital, +>/+&
By the +></s and throughout the +>,/s, the !hartered !ity of Basilan, fourth%biggest in the
Philippines in terms of land area (after Davao, Puerto Princesa and ?amboanga), $as classified as a
first%class city& t exported copra, coconut oil, rubber and lumber to !alifornia by $ay of Cuam and
Fa$aii&
( substantial number of expatriate plantation managers, mostly (mericans but also #$iss, Cermans,
Dutch, )ussian and even -apanese, rish, and #$edes lived among and intermarried into the native
populace&
The @eyerhaeuser !ompound (no$ Tabu7 Barangay) $as an exclusive gated community for
(merican expatriates living in Basilan& t had its o$n airstrip and $harf, and t$o%storey plantation%
style villas set apart by expansive yards& The same sort of exclusive gated communities $ere put up
at the Men=i !ompound (Men=i Barangay) for #$iss and Cerman managers, and at the (lano
!ompound (Dna& )amona T& (lano Barangay) as $ell, precursors of modern%day subdivisions and
exclusive gated communities in the Philippines&
/he Moro uprising[edit]
MB"F Fighters surrender their firearms to President Ferdinand Marcos&
The Moro uprising of +>5+ affected Basilan;s economy& t $as led by Moro Bational "iberation Front
(MB"F) originating from #ulu, headed by Aniversity of the Philippines lecturer Bur Misuari& This $as
compounded by the declaration of martial la$ by PresidentFerdinand Marcos in +>5., and the
decree that created Basilan Province, $ith its initial complement of ten municipalities (eventually
reduced to seven)&
Politics too7 center stage, and the resurgent Sa7an uplanders found themselves battling the Tausug
lo$landers and their allies& The incessant Sa7an%Tausug poc7et battles throughout the +>0/s
culminated in the burning of sabela !ity;s do$nto$n mar7et in +>05& (fter several revenge 7illings,
Basilan gained notoriety as the Philippines; 1@ild, @ild @est1& By then, Basilan;s economy, along
$ith that of the rest of the nation, $as limping along, barely surviving the aftermath of these
struggles&
'omprehensi&e Agrarian Reform Program and the rise of Abu %a,,af[edit]
See also: Land reform in the Philiines
(t the onset of the post%Marcos administration of !ora=on (6uino, another blo$ $as dealt to
Basilan;s economy& n +>00, !ongress passed a la$ establishing the !omprehensive (grarian
)eform Program (!()P), $hich inaugurated a land distribution program, effectively dissolving nearly
all of the corporate plantations on the island& !()P applied to Basilan;s large multi%national
plantations despite the plantation $or7ers; misgivings and the lando$ners; ob'ections& (lmost
immediately, the large multi%national corporations $ithdre$ their investments from Basilan, leaving
their plantations to ill%e6uipped farmer beneficiaries, $ho managed operations in a farmers
cooperative format&
(grarian )eform !ooperatives of Basilan, Philippines
The -& #& (lano coconut plantation $as converted into the Tairan (grarian )eform Beneficiaries
(ssociation and Multi%Purpose !ooperative (T()B(M!), the Aniversity of the Philippines Basilan
"and Crant into the #ta& !lara (grarian )eform Beneficiaries ntegrated Development !ooperative
(#!()BD!), and the (merican )ubber (B&F& Coodrich) rubber plantation $as converted into the
"atuan (grarian )eform Beneficiaries (ssociation nc& ("()B()& The vast tracts of the Gnrile%o$ned
!ocoland Plantation, $as redistributed as the "amitan (grarian )eform Beneficiaries !ooperative
("()BG!4)& ( number of other (grarian )eform Beneficiaries !ooperatives have li7e$ise ta7en
over most of the small to mid%si=ed plantations on the island&
The Philippine government;s initial rapprochement $ith the Bur Misuari%led Moro Bational "iberation
Front throughout the +>0/s established the 5,.0+%hectare Basilan )esettlement (rea $hich $as set
aside for MB"F rebel%returnees and their communities located on the $estern slopes of Basilan
Pea7, mostly in northern #umisip, but also in southern sabela, and north%eastern Maluso& This vast
area $as eventually subdivided into four (grarian )eform !ooperatives, all of $hich $ere
established in +>>+&
Political map of ?amboanga Peninsula
By the early +>>/s, disgruntled youth, influenced by returning mu'ahideen $arriors from the th$arted
#oviet invasion of (fghanistan and schooled in more radical schools of thought in #yria, Ggypt and
Pa7istan, banded together to form the (l%Fara7atul (l%slamiyah, better 7no$n $orld$ide as (bu
#ayyaf, an extremist group advocating strict slamic governance similar to
(fghanistan;s Taliban regime& This group initiated test raids, 7idnappings, ambushes and
assassinations in some of the more vulnerable communities inland, causing the dispersal of these
communities and total brea7do$n of the inland economy&
(s more and more of the group;s pioneering leaders $ere captured or gunned do$n, the group
gradually transformed from being radical ideologues to becoming plain la$less elements or bandits,
prone to committing heinous crimes, usually 7idnapping for ransom and bombings throughout
Mindanao, Pala$an (Dos Palmas) and even Malaysia (#ipadan s&)&
The group;s founding leader, the radical firebrand (bdura'a7 -an'alani of sabela !ity, is a typical
product of Basilan;s closely mixed ethnicities and inter%marriages: he is part%Tausug, part%Sa7an and
part%longgo&
3nclusion in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao[edit]
The 4rganic (ct for the creation of the (utonomous )egion of Muslim Mindanao (()MM) $as
passed into la$ in +>0>& ( plebiscite held in +: Mindanao provinces $as held in the same year&
Basilan initially opted out of the autonomous region& 4nly Maguindanao ($ithout !otabato !ity),
"anao del #ur ($ithout Mara$i !ity), #ulu and Ta$i%Ta$i 'oined the ()MM&
More than a decade later, in .//+, a ne$ la$ expanding the ()MM $as passed, and a plebiscite
$as subse6uently held& @hile Basilan;s five Muslim municipalities (Maluso, #umisip, "anta$an,
Tipo%Tipo, Tuburan) opted to 'oin the expanded ()MM, residents of the !hristian areas of sabela
!ity and "amitan Municipality, chose not to& Gven then, only sabela $as not included in the
expanded ()MM, having been granted cityhood earlier in the same year& "amitan 'oined the five
other municipalities, as Basilan $as officially incorporated into the expanded ()MM&
Basilan security profile
@idespread corruption in the ()MM, compounded by corruption at the municipal and provincial
levels, further eroded business confidence in the island& This, plus the surge of terrorist activities
carried out by (bu #ayyaf and their -emaah slamiyah cohorts in the international terrorist net$or7
of(l%Haeda, $ea7ened Basilan;s economy further&
The hostage crisis of .//+ further raised 6uestions about Basilan;s economic future& 4perations by
(bu #ayyaf damaged prospects for investment and tourism& Fo$ever, an increased presence by the
Philippine and A&#& militaries through the Bali7atan /.%+ -oint Military Gxercises and the subse6uent
death of (bu #ayyaf leaders *hadafi (buba7ar -an'alani and (ldam Tilao (a7a (bu #abaya), $ere
follo$ed by investments by the Anited #tates through A#(D& Pro'ects include the Basilan Tuburan
)oad mprovement Pro'ect and improvements to "amitan and Maluso Ports&
#mallerbarangay infrastructure pro'ects, intended to help boost economic gro$th, are also under
development& For instance, authorities are building farm%to%mar7et roads, community and trade
centers, $ater pro'ects, and pedestrian bridges, according to A#(D information&
( number of other 4D(%funded Bon%Covernment 4rgani=ations (BC4s) and People;s 4rgani=ations
(P4s) flooded Basilan starting in .//.& These BC4s and P4s provided much%needed capital
infusion for local entrepreneurs to restart defunct or dying business enterprises& "i7e$ise, improved
training and government%funded support $ere extended to decade%old (grarian )eform Beneficiaries
!ooperatives, effectively improving productivity levels and crop yields& Gxtensive farm management
training in these 1!oop1 areas have li7e$ise improved business efficiency in the cooperatives&
!urrently, Basilan;s minimum $age is A#Y8&./Wday for non%agriculture related 'obs, and
A#Y.&0/Wday for agriculture related 'obs& There are only +,./8 registered 4verseas !ontract
@or7ers from Basilan&
Return of rubber[edit]
@or7er in a rubber producing plantation&
2+83
By .//8, Basilan embar7ed on large%scale replanting programs covering some </,/// hectares
(+./,/// acres) of privately o$ned andWor cooperative%controlled lands, mainly for rubber and
cassava& (s of .//,, the province had +<,</8 hectares (80,8+/ acres) planted, of $hich 5,+:0
hectares (+5,,,/ acres) $ere o$ned by individual farmers and the rest by cooperatives& The exact
land area devoted to rubber could reach over ./,/// hectares (:>,/// acres), as there are hundreds
of unrecorded small rubber gro$ers and farmers& The provincial government reports that almost half
or 5,/.>&:5 hectares (+5,85/&. acres) are immature, about a fifth or 8,+:8&8, hectares (5,5,5&:
acres) is classed as 1less%productive1, and a little under a third or :,00/&.+ hectares (+.,/<>&8 acres)
is described as 1productive&1
( consortium of agrarian reform beneficiaries has been formed to improve 6uality and increase
production& The sla !orridor !onsortium (grarian )eform !ommunities not only sees itself as
reviving the rubber industry, it also $ants to help in the transformation of the battle%scarred province&
The consortium, composed of the Anited @or7ers (grarian )eform Beneficiaries Multipurpose
!ooperative, "amitan (grarian )eform Beneficiaries !ooperative, #ta& !lara, and the "atuan
(grarian )eform Beneficiaries (ssociation, nc&, accounts for a total area of about ,,/// hectares
(+<,/// acres), some 0/N of $hich is planted $ith rubber trees&
2+:3
'oconut[edit]
!opra processing plant in sabela !ity, Basilan
(lthough it is still the biggest single crop produced in the province, coconutWcopra production
annually $as only +>8,0:0 metric tons in .//8, do$n from its pea7 production of +0>,.>5,>85 metric
tons 'ust t$o years before& !oconut plantations and small coconut farms cover more than +.,///
hectares (8/,/// acres), all of $hich are classified as 1productive1 to 1mature1 areas& Fo$ever,
province%$ide coconut production, $hich still accounts for </N%,/N of the province;s total economic
activity, has dropped precipitously to only +5:,>8> metric tons in .//. due to the lingering effects of
!()P, combined $ith a severe onset of the Gl BiRo $eather pattern, the $orsening threat to peace
and order resulting from the resurgent (bu #ayyaf terrorist group and their M"F allies, and the
policy of the (7bar administration to replace coconut $ith rubber trees&
!oconut plantations began to revive in .//,, o$ing to the steep rise in copra prices& (
comprehensive replanting and rehabilitation program is currently being implemented by the
Philippine !oconut (uthority (P!() and the Department of (griculture for the resuscitation of the
island;s copra production industry, once the Philippine;s second%largest copra exporter after Hue=on
Province in "u=on& To date, ho$ever, coconut production in the province, rapidly being replaced by
rubber plantations, has remained in the doldrums despite the government;s best efforts to revive the
ailing sector, such as P!( incentives to coconut farmers&
2+<3
.ther products[edit]
#amal fishers engaged in lobster culture, a pro'ect of A#(D CGM on Malama$i sland, sabela !ity&
Basilan;s extensive coastline hosts seafarers and fishers, almost all of them Tausugs, #amals and
Ba'aus, $ho have been engaged in fishing for several centuries& (nnual Basilan fish production is
limited to .0,/58 metric tons due to resistance to the moderni=ing of their fishing fleets&
2'hen33
4nly .,>:< metric tons of palay (rice) are produced in Basilan;s mostly rolling terrain& !orn
production is +,888 metric tons, bananas ./,:<0 metric tons, and mangos .++ metric tons&
2'hen33
There are +<<,<:+ chic7ens, <,/0< duc7s, 5,0/8 carabaos ($ater buffalo), .,5.: cattle, +:,:5/
goats, and +:,5// hogs&
2'hen33
4an)ing and finance[edit]
Ban7s based in Basilan have a total deposit base of more than Php5,:,<//,///& The city hosts at
least .5 pa$nshop operations, each of $hom has an average of three branches, mostly located in
sabela !ity, "amitan, and Maluso To$nsite&
The province is also serviced by satellite offices of government financing institutions such as
the #ocial #ecurity #ystem and the Covernment #ervice nsurance #ystem&
The Basilan business sector is represented by the Philippine !hamber of !ommerce X ndustry,
nc&%Basilan !hamber (P!!%Basilan), organi=ed in +>5<, the only business support organi=ation
duly affiliated $ith the Philippine !hamber of !ommerce X ndustry, nc& (P!!), $ith ><N of its
members being composed of small and medium enterprises, and offices mostly in sabela !ity and
"amitan, but $ith business assets and operations throughout the island& ( number of smaller
business groups have since been established catering to the needs of businessmen from specific
ethnic or religious affiliations&
9tilities: infrastructure and health[edit]
Basilan;s electricity needs are served by the Basilan Glectric !ooperative, po$ered by three diesel%
po$ered electricity generating plants located at Brgy& Binuangan, sabela !ity, one Bational Po$er
!orporation diesel%po$ered barge located at Brgy& Tabu7, sabela !ity, and t$o mini%hydroelectric
plants located in *umalarang, sabela !ity and Balagtasan, "amitan !ity& ( total of ,. sitios, in :.
barangays spread out in , municipalities still do not have access to electricity& 4nly about 80N of
Barangays are sufficiently po$ered for modern needs, and most of these are located in the cities of
sabela and "amitan, and Maluso Municipality& )ates are currently pegged at A#Y/&0.:W7$F
(Php++&:.W7$F), one of the highest in the country& Basilan has a total electricity demand of 0&0M@
(pea7 hours), and has a total reliable electricity supply of only 5&:M@, thus resulting in one of the
country;s longest intermittent blac7out spells, running for several years no$&
Basilan is served by three local $ater utilities: sabela !ity @ater District, "amitan !ity @ater District,
and Maluso @ater District& 4nly +5,,>8 households, ho$ever, have full access to safe and potable
$ater& !urrent rates are pegged at an average A#Y8&./Wmonth (MA#Y/&/0.,W+/ cu&m&)
The island is served by the Provincial Telephone #ystem, $hich has ,// land%line connections and
connected $ith Bational Direct Dial via the Philippine "ong Distance Telephone !ompany& t is also
served by ma'or mobile telecommunications carriers Clobe Telecommunications and #mart
!ommunications& t has t$o @i%Fi internet service providers, and numerous internet cafes&
-uan #& (lano Memorial Fospital, nc& (former Basilan Fospital), the first private hospital in Basilan, opened in +><8&
Bational roads (concrete, asphalt, gravel) total +8+&>. 7ilometres (0+&>5 mi), $hile there are 5><&0
7ilometres (:>:&< mi) of local roads& There are +8 municipal and local ports, three of $hich have roll%
onWroll%off capability, and at least ten private airstrips servicing small aircraft& (mong the ma'or
bridges are the Marcos Bridge of sabela !ity and the recently inaugurated Matarling Bridge (built
through A#(D funding) bet$een sabela !ity and "anta$an&
There are 8>: Barangay Fealth @or7ers and four private hospitals: the -uan #& (lano Memorial
Fospital (formerly Basilan Fospital), nfante Fospital,Basilan !ommunity Fospital, all in sabela !ity,
and the Dr& -ose Ma& Torres Fospital in "amitan !ity& There are also four government%run
hospitals:Basilan Ceneral Fospital and sabela !ity nfirmary, both located in sabela !ity,
the "amitan District Fospital in "amitan !ity, and the #umisip District Fospital in "uu7%Bait, #umisip
Municipality&
/ourism[edit]
There are various attractions& (rchitectural landmar7s include the #anta sabel !athedral, the
!alvario Pea7, on $hich the !hapel of Peace stands, and the *aum Purnah Mos6ue& Batural
attractions include the la7e in the Panigayan fishing village, #umagdang Beach and the $aterfalls of
the *umalarang )iver& Oarious cultures can be visited, such as the Bad'ao, the Sa7an, and the
Muslim communities&
2+,3
(lano @hite Beach )esort, Malama$i sland, sabela !ity, Basilan
Churches and religious shrines[edit]
!hapel of Peace, !alvario Pea7, sabela !ity, perched :// metres (+,8// ft) above sea level
and +< minutes from the to$n proper&
#anta sabel !athedral, sabela !ity, an art deco cathedral $ith a mosaic altar reminiscent of
)oman%By=antine cathedrals, named in honor of the patron saint of sabela&
Monte #anto #hrine, atop Mt& Abit in "amitan !ity, is a pilgrimage site for devout !atholics
$ho visit the shrine for the traditional 1+8 #tations1 during Foly @ee7&
*aum Purnah Mos6ue, sabela !ity, an old and imposing mos6ue, the sight of $hich greets
visitors on ferries as they sail the channel into sabela&
&istorical sites[edit]
Datu *alun #hrine, "amitan& Built as a tribute to a famous Sa7an leader, it is a triangular par7
located in the heart of "amitan !ity;s bustling do$nto$n& Fis descendants include the prominent
!uevas%Pamaran%(ntonio clan&
Museo ng "amitan, $hich sho$cases the "ami%lamihan festival& t also serves as the
information center for "amitan !ity&
Basilan Provincial !apitol, former site of Fort sabella #egunda
Basilan Provincial !apitol, site of Fort sabela & The original fort $as bombed and destroyed
to$ards the end of @orld @ar , having been used by the occupying -apanese forces as a
munitions dump& ( ne$er !apitol Building $as built on the spot $here the old Basilan !ity Fall
stood after it $as burned in the early +>>/s& The ne$ building is a celebration of Muslim and
!hristian influences $hich shaped modern%day Basilan, and still occupies the highest point of
the city proper&
sabela !ity Pla=a (formerly Pla=a Misericordia) WPla=a )i=al& The t$in pla=as of the city have
remained at the very center of Basilan;s socio%political scene to this very day&
'iestas and festi(als[edit]
Pa7arad'aan Basilan, celebrated annually from March + to March 5 to commemorate the
founding anniversary of the Province of Basilan&
"ami%"amihan Festival, the island;s premier festival, is celebrated during the Feast of #t&
Peter (Fiesta #an Pedro) on -une .> in "amitan !ity& The festival is highlighted by the Sa7ans,
$ho attend the festivities in full regalia, selling $ares and produce brought in from their farms in
the interior&
"ami%"amihan Festival, "amitan, Basilan
Pasanyangan (formerly ;!oco$ayan;) Festival, sabela !ity;s annual commemoration of its
cityhood, is a $ee7%long series of activities culminating in the annual #treet Dancing parade on
(pril .<&
Fiesta #anta sabel, celebrated every -uly 0 by the residents of sabela !ity, in honor of its
Patroness #aint, Gli=abeth of Portugal (#pan& #ta& sabel de Portugal)& The focal point of the
celebrations is the #ta& sabel !athedral, located at the center of sabela !ity& This is highlighted
by a procession and novena masses, the traditional Bella sabela Beauty Pageant, a marathon,
a regatta and other activities organi=ed primarily by the Diocese of Basilan and the Prelature of
sabela and its lay organi=ations, the !atholic @omen;s "eague and the *nights of !olumbus&
#emana #anta (Foly @ee7), celebrated in MarchW(pril (movable)& ( city procession 7no$n
as the #anto Gntierro (Foly Funeral) on Cood Friday highlights the observance of "ent&
!elebrated in most parish churches in the city and in the #ta& sabel !athedral, the #anto
Gntierro is a procession of !hrist;s images, many of the #tations of the !ross along the city;s
main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the !rucifixion&
Flores de Mayo (May +I8+)& ( religious feast celebrated in all !atholic churches in honor of
the Oirgin Mary& "ittle children in $hite gala dresses $al7 up the altar to offer flo$ers to the
image of the Oirgin Mary&
Farmland )esort, "anote, sabela !ity, Basilan
Fonda de Barangay or Fiestas del Barangay, a $ee7%long celebration in the
barangaysWbarrios honoring their patron saints& The celebration usually starts $ith novena
masses held every day for nine straight days prior to the feast day of the patron saint& Gvery
night, the barrio is lit up for celebration and merry%ma7ing that includes pageants, trade fair,
parade, coc7%fighting, carnival, musical competition and 1baile&1
Budbud Festival, a barangay fiesta in honor of Buestra #enora dela )egla of Begang
Barangay, other$ise 7no$n as sabela !ity;s 1"ittle !ebu1, a ma'ority of $hose residents
originated from !armen, !ebu Province& The festival consists of several days of beauty
pageants, street dancing, 1budbud1 (rice ca7e) eating and much merryma7ing&
Pascua (!hristmas), the December .< celebration of -esus !hrist;s birth& !ity hall, churches,
schools, streetlight post, houses, streets, commercial places, par7s and most of the other places
in the city are covered $ith lights, filled $ith 'oyous sounds and other !hristmas decorations&
sra @al Mira' (May >), an slamic event celebrating the nocturnal 'ourney and ascension of
Muhammad&
Gid al%FitrWFari )aya Puasa (movable), an slamic event commemorating the end of the
Muslim fasting season&
Maulidin%Babi (December .5), an slamic celebration honoring the birthday of Muhammad&
!hinese Be$ Sear, celebrated every February (movable) mostly for the raucous noise%
ma7ing, ti7oy%eating marathons, and the much%anticipated distribution of 1ampa$1 by rich
!hinese godparents&
Politics[edit]
Basilan;s politics has been dictated by its economics& @hereas only 88N of the island;s residents
originate from !hristian tribes in the Oisayas and "u=on, this group o$ns 5/N of the island;s
developed arable agricultural land (private o$nership or cooperatives as farmer beneficiaries)& The
Sa7an tribe, comprising :+N of the island;s population, has full control of local governments outside
of sabela and "amitan cities& The Tausugs, #amals and Ba'aus, forming .<N of the population,
control nearly >/N of the island;s a6uatic harvest, $hile the minuscule !hinese segment of the
population controls nearly +//N of all commodity trading and commerce activities, especially in the
bigger cities&
This volatile mix of ethnic and religious groups have defined political realignments in the island for
most of its history& The !hristian tribes, traditionally allied $ith the Tausugs, controlled Basilan
politics until the +>0/s, $hen the Sa7ans, aided by their almost absolute control of the hinterlands
and the disappearance of the multi%national plantations, scored upset victories in electoral contests
starting in +>00&
Present%day sabela !ity Pla=a (formerly Pla=a MisericordiaE note the )i=al monument and Pla=a )i=al in the
bac7ground)
This political combine has since seen some in%fighting from t$o of the most formidable po$er bloc7s
to have formed since the .//: general elections& Both bloc7s $ent head%to%head in the .//5, ./+/
and ./+8 local elections $ith mixed results&
The (7bar bloc7 ("iberal Party % (tien=a @ing X "a7as%!MD (+>>+)Z"a7as%!MD33W*ampi) $as led by
the late @ahab (7bar, three%term Basilan governor and clan patriarch, together $ith his $ives, and
his nephe$s and nieces, all of $hom $on mayoral posts in all the municipalities as $ell as sabela
!ity, $hich is under his second $ife !herrylyn #antos%(7bar& F'a& -um -ainuddin%(7bar, the
incumbent three%term Covernor of Basilan assumed the leadership of the bloc7 after @ahab (7bar
himself, $ho $as elected congressman in .//5, $as assassinated in Bovember +8 of that year&
!ases $ere filed against Cerry #alapuddin ang Mu'iv Fataman, having been accused of having
master%minded the assassination& The ./+8 Glections proved the staying po$er of the (7bars as the
clan, celebrating the t$in victories of both Covernor -um and Mayor !herry, heralded the election of
(lfiya (7bar%Fernande=, eldest daughter of Cov& (7bar, as the top%notcher Provincial Board Member
for District +, and (l Haid (7bar, eldest son, $ho $on as sabela !ity !ouncilor& The (7bars $on all
of their electoral contests since +>>0& Cov& -um (7bar $on in all !ities and Municipalities in Basilan,
except Fd'i& Muhtamad (Pilas) in the last election, $ith an electoral landslide of over ,/,/// votes
against her only opponent& This is her third and final term as Covernor& Mayor !herry #antos%(7bar
li7e$ise $on handily in sabela for a third and final term in that !ity&
The Fataman bloc7 ("iberal Party) % )oxasW(6uino @ing) is led by Mu'iv Fataman, elected )egional
Covernor of the (utonomous )egion of Muslim Mindanao (()MM) in ./+8, a close friend and ally of
Philippine President Benigno #imeon (6uino & Fe is 'oined by his brother, )ep& Fa'iman Fataman%
#alliman, !ongressman of the "one District of Basilan, and his $ife, #itti D'alia Turabin%Fataman
$ho $on a seat as a Party%list representative in !ongress, representing (na7 Mindanao Party%list&
They are 'oined by a number of clan members $ho li7e$ise $on local positions, especially in their
baili$ic7 of #umisip Municipality in Basilan& The Fatamans can boast of a mixed bag of electoral
victories and defeats since .//:& Mu'iv Fataman is in his first term as )egional Covernor of ()MM,
!ong& -im #alliman is on his second term as )epresentative, and !ong& #itti D'alia Fataman is on
her first&
The #alapuddin bloc7 ("a7as%!MDW*ampi) is led by (bdulgani 1Cerry1 #alapuddin, three%term
governor, three%term congressman and t$o%term Deputy #pea7er of the Fouse of )epresentatives&
To him, the .//5, ./+/ and ./+8 elections proved to be a debacle, as he and his daughter % )abia
#alapuddin ($ho ran for Covernor in ./+8) lost on all fronts& The #alapuddins have lost all elections
since .//5&
The (7bars and Fatamans forged a political alliance in ./+., paving the $ay for the appointment of
Mu'iv Fataman to the top post at the ()MM& The criminal case against Fataman $as voluntarily
dropped by the (7bars in ./+., $hile the #upreme !ourt thre$ out the case filed against #alapuddin
in ./+8& Both (7bar and Fataman coalitions are currently affiliated $ith the "iberal Party of the
Philippines, led by President (6uino& #alapuddin has remained $ith "a7as%!MD&
Basilan political map as of ./++
'urrent officeholders[edit]
Covernor: -um -ainuddin%(7bar (third term, elected May ./+8)
Oice Covernor: *eemhar -ay )eynon #a77alahul
Provincial board members:
+st District board members
+& (lfiya (*bar%Fernande=
.& Susop T& (lano
8& Gddie Fernande=
:& !andu & Muarip
.nd District board members
<& Paisal #ali
,& Mar$an Fataman
5& "atip Taha'id
0& Munap F& Pacio
>& Moner Manisan, (ssociation of Barangay !hairmen Basilan Federation President
+/& -haber *allahal, Philippine !ouncilorsP "eague Basilan !hapter President
++& (hmad )ugasan Daud, #angguniang *abataan Basilan Federation President (term
ended December ./+8)
+.& Masid Sacub, ndigenous Peoples; #ectoral )epresentative
Recent local elections[edit]
(s a result of the ./+/ #ynchroni=ed Bational and "ocal Glections, three ma'or factions
emerged: the (7bar bloc7, still formidable, albeit splintered and severely $ea7ened from
$ithin after the assassination of clan patriarch, )ep& @ahab (7bar, of the
(dministration "a7as%*ampi%!MDE the Fataman bloc7, suddenly a potent force to be
rec7oned $ith province%$ide, under the ne$ administration;s "iberal PartyE and a third
force headed by former (7bar ally and Ang7aya Pu7an Mayor -oel T& Maturan, of
the Bacionalista Party and former "a7as%!MD stal$art #alapuddin&
#lain !ongressman @ahab (7bar;s first $ife -um -ainuddin%(7bar casting her vote during the May
.//5 elections&
ncumbent Covernor F'a& -um -ainuddin%(7bar $on the gubernatorial race, defeating
Mu'iv Fataman, $ith Ang7aya Pu7an Mayor and former (7bar ally -oel T&Maturan
trailing far behind& The lone congressional district of Basilan, on the other hand, $as
$on by Fa'iman #alliman Fataman ("P), $ho had been defeated by @ahab (7bar in
.//5, follo$ed closely by former Deputy #pea7er (bdulghani #alapuddin (BP),
"anta$an Mayor and @ahab (7bar;s niece, Tahira smael%#ansa$i (PMP), Maluso
Mayor #a7ib #ala'in ("a7as%*ampi%!MD), also a nephe$ of @ahab (7bar and )a'am
M& (7bar, @ahab (7bar;s sister&
n the cities, incumbents !herrylyn #antos%(7bar ("a7as%*ampi%!MD)of sabela !ity
and )oderic7 Furigay ("DP)of "amitan !ity both $on their respective contests& sabela
!ity;s vice mayoral race proved to be hotly contested, $ith Tabu7 Barangay !hairman
(bdulba7i ('ibon $inning over the incumbent in a close fight& "amitan !ity;s incumbent
Oice Mayor (rleigh Gisma ran unopposed&
The election season once again $itnessed a spi7e in crime, most noticeably a rise in
7idnappings, assassinations and ambuscades& 4n -anuary .>, .//>, at <://pm, (l
Bar7a Mayor *aram -a7ilan $as felled in an ambush, together $ith t$o of his personal
bodyguards& Garlier, a sle$ of assassinations in both the (7bar and Fataman camps,
most prominently an (7bar henchman and t$o Fataman cousins, commenced early in
.//0& (lso, a spate of 7idnaps for ransom have been $idely observed to pea7 as
election season nears&
4n (pril +8, ./+/, t$o bomb blasts roc7ed sabela !ity, the first at the Basilan Bational
Figh #chool Crandstand 4val, the second right beside #ta& sabel !athedral& ( third
controlled explosion $as detonated by elements of the Philippine Bational Police Bomb
#6uad a fe$ meters from the sabela !ity Fall& This $as follo$ed by the massacre of
t$elve residents of Theresa Feights #ubdivision, Brgy& Gastside, as the bombers,
purportedly members of the Moro slamic "iberation Front and (bu #ayyaf, escaped
from a porous Philippine military cordon&
"ocal elections have been $idely fraught $ith massive cheating, vote buying and fraud
as $ell& Blame could not be assigned to one particular group or political bloc7 alone, as
this has been a 1common practice1 across the political spectrum& The May ./+/
automated elections turned out to be no different, $ith Basilan being designated an
1Glection Fotspot1 by the Philippines; Glection !ommission& Oiolent confrontations
bet$een political supporters of rival parties, and the failure of Board of Glection
nspectors in t$o villages in Maluso and (l%Bar7a Municipalities forced authorities to
declare a 1Failure of Glections1 in these parts& #pecial elections $ere conducted in these
villages on -une 8, ./+/, $here incidents of fraud and minor scuffles $ere again
observed&
May ./+8 sa$ a rematch bet$een the (7bar Bloc7 (led by incumbent Covernor, -um
-ainuddin%(7bar, no$ affiliated $ith the administration "iberal Party % "P), against
#alapuddin (led by a young )abia #alapuddin, daughter of former Covernor and
!ongressman (bdulgani 1Cerry1 #alapuddin, "a7as%!MD)&
n this electoral contest, the (7bars allied $ith erst$hile political rivals, the Fatamans
(led by Mu'iv Fataman, $ho ran as )egional Covernor of the (utonomous )egion in
Muslim Mindanao, and his brother, )ep& -im Fataman%#alliman, "iberal Party), resulting
in one of the most lop%sided election landslides in recent memory& Covernor (7bar $on
her re%election bid $ith a record%brea7ing ,/,///%vote margin against her only
challenger, the younger #alapuddin& #he is 'oined by Oice Covernor *eemhar -ay
)eynon #a77alahul ("P) $ho bested a field of five Oice%Cubernatorial contenders& The
son of former Basilan Oice Covernor (l%)asheed #a77alahul, the ne$ Oice Covernor is
currently the youngest Oice Covernor in the Philippines, at .8 years old& Mayor
!herrylyn #antos%(7bar also $on another lopsided victory in sabela !ity&
The (7bar Bloc7 has li7e$ise added t$o ne$ contenders, the Covernor;s children %
daughter (lfiya (7bar%Fernande= % $ho topped the Provincial Board Members; tally for
District , $hile son (l Haid (7bar managed a third%place debut in local politics as an
sabela !ity !ouncilor& The provincial s$eep of the "iberal Party $as complete in ./+8&
(ll $inning Provincial Board Members, from Districts + and . came from the "P, $hile ++
of +8 Mayors are "P members&
"P ()MM #tandard%bearer Mu'iv Fataman also $on his o$n contest in the autonomous
region % ma7ing him the first BasileRo to $in the region;s top post in an election& "P re%
electionist !ongressman -im Fataman%#alliman, his brother, li7e$ise reclaimed his seat
in !ongress& Moreover, Basilan%founded (na7 Mindanao Party%list is returned to the
Fouse of )epresentatives, $ith Mu'iv Fataman;s $ife, #itti D'alia Turabin Fataman,
becoming a Party%list )epresentative& Glder brother Culam Fataman is returned
unopposed as #umisip Mayor&
4ell;ether Pro&ince[edit]
n the last five presidential elections, Basilan voted for Ferdinand Gdralin Marcos (+>,<,
+>,>), !ora=on !o'uangco (6uino (+>0,), Fidel Oalde= )amos (+>>.), -oseph G'ercito
Gstrada (+>>0), and Cloria Macapagal%(rroyo (.//:), all of $hom $on in their
respective bids& #imilarly, Basilan;s vice presidential choices, namely Fernando "ope=
(+>,>), #alvador "aurel (+>0,), -oseph G'ercito Gstrada (+>>.), Cloria Macapagal%
(rroyo (+>>0) and Boli De !astro (.//:), also $on, ma7ing it one of the most
accurate bell$ether provinces in Philippine politics today& #en& Manuel )oxas $as
Basilan;s #enate top%notcher
2clarification needed3
in .//:, $hile #en& "oren "egarda $as
number one in .//5& The recently conducted May ./+/ nationalWlocal polls manifested
once again Basilan;s uncanny record of pic7ing the $inners, Benigno #& (6uino
("iberal Party) and -e'omar !& Binay (PDP%"aban) $on in the presidential and vice
presidential contests in the Province respectively&
Fo$ever, Basilan has figured prominently in a number of election%related issues in the
past, the foremost being its inclusion among the provinces (together $ith !ebu and the
rest of the ()MM provinces) $here, allegedly, former Philippine President Cloria
Macapagal%(rroyo committed $holesale election fraud to $in the .//: presidential
elections& The ensuing imboglio, dubbed the 1Fello Carci1 #candal, included several
mentions of Basilan and its late governor, @ahab (7bar, in taped conversations
purportedly bet$een President (rroyo and !4MG"G!!ommissioner Oirgilio Carcillano&
7ocal go&ernment units[edit]
sabela !ity, "amitan !ity and Maluso
Basilan is subdivided into eleven municipalities and t$o cities&
sabela !ity (pop& >5,0<5), located on the northern shore of Basilan sland
facing ?amboanga !ity, is a component city and capital of the province from +>5< to
.//+& sabela !ity votes for provincial officials, shares its tax revenues $ith the
province, and continues to be under the 'urisdiction of Basilan for the administration of
provincially devolved services and functions& Fo$ever, for the administration of regional
services, the city is part of the?amboanga Peninsula )egion, $hile the rest of Basilan in
the (utonomous )egion in Muslim Mindanao& Basilan used to be part of @estern
Mindanao (the former name of ?amboanga Peninsula), but in a recent plebiscite, the
residents of some parts of Basilan opted to 'oin ()MM, $ith the exception of sabela
!ity (and "amitan)& !alled Pasangen (the rough Gnglish translation of $hich is 1to$n1)
by natives, it still hosts the Basilan Provincial !apitol, the Covernor;s Gxecutive
)esidence, the provincial offices of the executive departments and line agencies as $ell
as most of the municipal offices of its neighboring municipalities& The area used to be
called Pasangen, and then starting in +0:0 $as officially called sabela de Basilan,
derived from the #panish Fort built on the area $here the present Provincial !apitol no$
stands % Fort sabella #egunda % $hich in turn $as named after #panish Hueen sabella
& t $as renamed sabela Municipality in +>58, and then formally as the !ity of sabela
on (pril .<, .//+&
"amitan !ity (pop& ,0,>>,) became a city in -uly .//5, although it remains $ithin the
()MM& t is on the northeastern coast of Basilan, $here most of Basilan;s plains are
located& "amitan is experiencing a rene$ed economic vigor that continues to po$er the
rest of the province;s other$ise lac7luster gro$th& ( Bovember +0, .//0 decision of the
#upreme !ourt, ho$ever, effectively voided the la$ converting "amitan to a city after
the "eague of !ities of the Philippines filed a petition earlier in the year& Together $ith +,
other local government units, "amitan;s cityhood $as again voided in a #upreme !ourt
decision handed do$n on (ugust .,, ./+/, returning it to the status of municipality& 4n
February +5, ./++, the supreme court upheld for the 8rd time the cityhood of "amitan
and +< other to$ns in the Philippines& "amitan has been proclaimed the ne$ capital of
Basilan since .//+, $hen sabela !ity opted out of the ()MM in a plebiscite held that
year& Most provincial offices of the ()MM for Basilan are located in "amitan !ity&
"amitan derives its name from #ultan *udarat;s capital to$n in the Mindanao mainland %
)amitan& The ranun #ultan built a fortified base in the area to serve as a staging ground
for raids on #panish ?amboanga& The native Sa7ans regarded this as 1a place $here
people from )amitan stayed1 or *uta )amitan& Gventually, the $ooden fortress $as
ra=ed to the ground by Cov& Cen& !orcuera in +,85, and natives 'ust called the place
1)amitan1, and substituting ;); $ith ;"; as they $ere $ont to do, the place gradually
became 7no$n as simply % "amitan&
The other five original municipalities are:
Maluso (pop& 88,0/8) is located on the island;s south$est, facing the bigger island
of #ulu and Ta$i%Ta$i further south& ts busiest trading port is located at Port
Folland and Maluso To$nsite& (ccording to official accounts, the place derived its
name from #panish 1mal uso1 (trans& 1bad manners1), after the supposedly crude
manners of the natives of the place $hen they established their presence there in
the later part of the +>th century&
"anta$an (pop& ./,/05) is in the island;s $esternmost area& t is mostly an
agricultural area for copra and rubber production& ts biggest population
concentration is Tairan& t has no ma'or port& 1"anta$an1 is derived from the native
root $ord 1lanta$1 (trans& 1loo71), named after Basilan;s $esternmost peninsula;s
sloping hills $hich served as 1loo7outs1 for natives $ho observed Tausug and
#panish vintas and ships pass by en route to another raid or naval attac7 on either
-olo or ?amboanga&
#umisip (pop& 85,/8+) is the biggest municipality in terms of land area, and hosts
$hat used to be the biggest rubber plantation (#ime Darby) in the Philippines&
Tuburan (pop& +0,>00) is located on a peninsula on the extreme eastern part of the
island, one of the least developed municipalities and severely devastated by the
decades%old armed conflicts plaguing the island& 1Tuburan1 is rooted in the native
$ord 1tubod1 (trans& 1$ater spring1), as there is said to be a spring located in the
area&
Tipo%Tipo (pop& +,,>50), the last of the original municipalities created by the
presidential decree of Ferdinand Marcos, is located on the island;s southeast coast&
t is also mostly undeveloped and $itness to much of the running gun battles on the
island& The place is named after the native $ord 1Tipun%tipunan1 (trnas& 1gathering
place1), o$ing to its tendency for natives of the area to converge in this spot to
exchange goods and food stuff $ith each other&
The latest six municipalities are creations of the regional legislature of the ()MM:
2+53
Tabuan%"asa (pop& +0,,8<, created by virtue of MM( (ct Bo& +05), is separated
from #umisip and is named after the main islands of Tapiantana, Bubuan, "ana$an
and #aluping&
Ang7aya Pu7an (pop& +5,5/+, MM( (ct Bo& +>/), named after 4rang *aya Pu7an,
ancestor of the (7bar family and nemesis of Datu *alun
(l%Bar7a (pop& +>,<.8, MM( (ct Bo& +>+)
Fad'i Mohammad ('ul (pop& +<,>,., MM( (ct Bo& +>.), also from Tuburan, named
after the first mayor of Tuburan
(7bar (pop& +8,8,>, MM( (ct Bo& +>8), separated from Tuburan municipality,
named after a political strongman, the late !ongressman @ahab (7bar
Fad'i Muhtamad (pop& +.,.:>, MM( (ct Bo& .//), named after the father of late
@ahab (7bar and separated from "anta$an
The ne$ municipalities $ere created $ithout the consent of the Philippine !ongress,
and according to some accounts, said municipalities do not reach the basic
re6uirements for the creation of a separate municipality (</ s6uare 7ilometres (+> s6 mi)
area, P.&< million income, and .<,/// population) under the Philippines; "ocal
Covernment !ode& ()ecent #upreme !ourt rulings nullified the creation of #hariff
*abunsuan Province, created by the same ()MM )egional (ssembly, reverting it to the
+st District of Maguindanao Province) (s a result, four of the , ne$ municipalities have
not been included in the Covernment;s annual budget as approved by !ongress, and
have not received any nationally funded nternal )evenue (llotments ()() since their
creationE these are, namely: Fad'i Muhtamad, Mohammad ('ul, (l Bar7a and (7bar
municipalities&
City/5unici*alit
y
5ayors (2:2:# 7o of
Barang
Po*ulati
on
ays (2:2:#
$sa#ela %ity
2
%herrylyn /antos@A+#ar &8 36,486
Lamitan %ity Rose >. (urigay &8 =4,33=
/umisip Eulam /. 0ataman 7: 76,:72
Maluso $ndanan K. 'aud 5: 77,4:7
LantaAan Rustam M. $smael 58 5:,:46
Al@Bar+a 'arussalam LaFid 2= 23,857
.u#uran 1ha#er /. Kallahal 2: 24,344
.a#uan@Lasa Muctar *. 1unaid, Al 0adF 25 24,=78
>ng+aya Pu+an 1omar M. Maturan 25 26,6:2
.ipo@.ipo
$ngatun Lu+man E. $starul,
Al 0adF
22 2=,364
0adFi Mohammad
AFul
.ali# E. PaAa+i 22 28,3=5
A+#ar Alih A. /alih 3 27,7=3
0adFi Muhtamad AnAar M. A#dulmaFid 2: 25,5&3
1! (dministratively part of ?amboanga Peninsula region&
Flora and fauna[edit]
The island chain is one of t$o partial land bridges to Borneo and is an important
migration route for birds& (mong the species of flora and fauna found in Basilan are:
Mammals
The Basilan Flying #6uirrel (Petinomys crinitus), a species of rodent in
the Sciuridae family& t is endemic to the Philippines, but found extensively in
Basilan&
Philippine tarsier
The Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), an endangered tarsier species endemic
to the Philippines&
Amphibians
The Basilan sland !aecilian (-chthyohis %landulosus), a species of amphibian
in the -chthyohiidae family& t is endemic to the Philippines&
4irds
The Sello$%$attled Bulbul (Pycnonotus urostictus), found and documented in
the Philippines, specifically sabela, Basilan, on Bovember +<, +005, by
Moseley, G& "& Published by #teere, -& B& in a list of the birds and mammals
collected by the #teere expedition to the Philippines&
The Basilan Tarictic Fornbill (Peneloides anini basilanicus), a variant
of Peneloides affinis basilanicus (T$eeddale, +055)& (lso published by #teere,
-& B&, in a list of the birds and mammals collected by the #teere expedition to
the Philippines&
The Gverett;s @hite%eye basilanicus (4osteros everetti basilanicus), $ith
distribution throughout the Philippines, but more extensively in Basilan, Dinagat,
Mindanao, #iargao, and !amiguin& (Gverett;s @hite%eye, T$eeddale, +050)
Plants
The *iterocarus basilanicus tree, lofty, emergent, $ith grayish bro$n to
orange, fla7y, prominently lenticellate bar7 and aromatic oily $hite resin, $ith
stout buttresses&
Noted Basilan people[edit]
2istor, and politics[edit]
Ancient Taguima[edit]
"a7an pentun % first recorded Sa7an chieftain of *umalarang, visited !hinese
Gmperor Sung "o, and proclaimed a vassal 7ing (1$ang1) of the !hinese
Gmpire&
)anish colonial eriod[edit]
Datu *indingan % first bapti=ed native of Pasangen (sabela), Basilan (bapti=ed
"uis Huindingan, along $ith Datu 4ndol and Datu Boto)& (ppointed !amp
Marshal and !hief of the #panishreduccione at Basilan in +,,8&
Datu Bantilan (#ultan Mui== ud; Din) L Tausug chieftain, former #ultan of #ulu,
established a Tausug 7ingdom (Maluso) on the island&
Datu *alun (Pedro !uevas) L !avite native $ho married a Sa7an princess and
sub'ugated "amitan& The prolific !uevas%Pamaran%(ntonio%Flores%Furigay clan
are direct descendants&
Arang *aya (1)ich Man1) Pu7an X Tindi7 % Sa7an and #amal chieftains $ho
resisted the offensives of Datu *alun into Tipo%Tipo, Arang *aya Pu7an
eventually moved his clan to the vicinity of !anibungan, "anta$an, $here he
defeated and then allied $ith a #amal chieftain, Arang *aya Tindi7& The
Muhtamads of "anta$an are descendants of these chieftains&
Don Baldomero "a=aro % #panish encomendero, a$arded the northern plains of
Basilan island as a hacienda, including all the lands east of (guada river in
modern%day sabela !ity&
American era[edit]
Don -uan #& (lano L Bulacan native, !ommon$ealth (ssemblyman of the
Moro Province of Mindanao (+>8,I+>:,), first !ongressman of the Province of
?amboanga (+>:,I+>:>), authored the charters of the cities of ?amboanga and
Basilan, became the Crand Master of the Freemasons in the Philippines in
+>,+&
Bicasio #& Oalderro=a L Bulacan native, first Mayor of Basilan !ity (+>:0I<8),
also among the first Mayors of ?amboanga (+>85I+>8>), Baguio (+>8>I+>::),
and Davao (+>::I:0) cities&
"enora (lano%)ivera % daughter of -uan #& (lano, co%founder of the Cirl #couts
of the Philippines, established the first Cirl #cout chapter in Mindanao&
Post-war reu*lic[edit]
"eroy #& Bro$n L The longest%serving Mayor of Basilan !ity (+><:I+>5<),
presided over the rise of Basilan !ity into first%class status during his term, and
$as a member of the seven%man 'unta $hich governed the
Philippines; Bacionalista Party&
Albert Alama Tugung L Tausug leader, eventually became the first )egional
Covernor of the defunct "upong Tagapagpaganap ng Poo7, special
administrative arm for the Muslim provinces&
(san !amlian L The first Muslim Covernor of Basilan, appointed by President
Ferdinand Marcos, and subse6uently $on his seat under Marcos;s *B"&
-ean Sahsin % first female Mayor of a Basilan municipality (Maluso)&
Post-+D)A ,after %-./0[edit]
"ouis @alton (lano L 4! Covernor of Basilan during the )evolutionary
Covernment of President !ora=on !& (6uino (+>0,I+>00), currently the Deputy
Covernor for !hristian (ffairs of the (utonomous )egion in Muslim Mindanao&
@ahab M& (7bar L Former political 7ingpin and dynast, three%term governor,
elected congressman in .//5, 7illed by a bomb blast at the Fouse of
)epresentatives in Bovember .//5&
"uis )& Biel % first Mayor of sabela !ity, nursed the ne$ city through its first
fe$ years, established the !oco$ayan Festival in .//., assassinated by a lone
gunman at city hall on March 8, .//,&
!herrylyn #antos%(7bar % first female Mayor of sabela !ity, $ido$ and second
$ife of the late !ongressman @ahab M& (7bar, and the first Muslim to occupy
the Mayoralty in sabela&
-um -ainuddin%(7bar % first female Covernor of Basilan, $ido$ and first $ife of
the late !ongressman @ahab M& (7bar&
Mu'iv #abbihi Fataman % former (na7 Mindanao Party%list )epresentative and
current )egional Covernor (4fficer%in%!harge) of the (utonomous )egion in
Muslim Mindanao (()MM) from December ./++ until -une ./+8, appointed by
Philippine President Benigno #& (6uino , after regular elections in (ugust
./++ $ere postponed to coincide $ith the #ynchroni=ed Bational and "ocal
elections of May ./+8&
National and international figures[edit]
)egino !& Fermosisima, -r& L #upreme !ourt 'ustice, presided over the
(6uino%Calman double murder case as a 'udge at the Manila )T!&
2clarification
needed3
!hairman Gmeritus of the Philippine Soung Men;s !hristian (ssociation&
(lvin C& Dans L variously a provincial governor, congressman, Andersecretary
of the D"C,
2clarification needed3
and Philippine Postmaster Ceneral&
!andu & Muarip L first Sa7an politician to be elected to high office, he $as
appointed !abinet #ecretary for a month during the short%lived )evolutionary
Covernment of !ora=on (6uinoE he has since been elected congressman t$ice,
and is a provincial board member
(bdulgani (& #alapuddin L former MB"F
2clarification needed3
commander, schooled at
the #orbonne Aniversity in Paris, France, became three%term governor, then
three%term congressman, the last t$o times as the elected Deputy #pea7er of
the Fouse of )epresentatives&
(ntonio Francisco !artagena % first Filipino%(merican Mayor of @alnut !ity, "os
(ngeles&2+3
)oseller Barinaga % long%term Mayor of Dipolog !ity and three%term
!ongressman of the #econd District of ?amboanga del Borte, of !ebuano
parentage&
)omeo -alos'os % three%term !ongressman of the First District of ?amboanga
del Borte, born in "atuan, sabela&
Dominador -alos'os L Mayor of Dapitan !ity, ?amboanga del Borte, born in
Baluno ("atuan), sabela !ity&
!ynthia -alos'os%!arreon L former !ongress$oman of the First District of
?amboanga del Borte, born in Baluno ("atuan), sabela !ity&
!esar -alos'os L !ongressman of the Third District of ?amboanga del Borte,
born in Baluno ("atuan), sabela !ity&
Entertainment[edit]

-osephine Bro$n Gstrada % Miss Philippines +>,., movie actress

"eni (lano%!abili % movie actress and singer, +>,< F(M(# Best #upporting
(ctress for her role in *ai%di% n% m%a Ai, also sung the original recording of
the popular Oisayan song 1Asahay1&

!ecile "icad L $orld%reno$ned concert pianist, lived in Basilan for some time
$ith her father Dr& -esus "icad, $ho helped establish Basilan Fospital (no$ -&
#& (lano Memorial Fospital)&

-ennifer Oiolet (lano%!olet L +>0> Miss Clobe nternational first runner up&

-ohn Gstrada L movie and TO actor, starred in a number of roles both as

leading man and villain, currently on contract $ith (B#!BB TO. Manila
and TO<&

#ammy "agmay L movie and TO actor, comedic talent featured in a number of

TO sitcoms&

Mar7 (lain Gchem L former lead vocalist of the band Frio&

Myra Arsula Bucoy % TO variety sho$ host, (B#!BB )egional Bet$or7 Croup
1?ambo -ambo1
2clarification needed3
(+>>,I.//+)&

-am'u (& )ivera % TO variety sho$ host, (B#!BB )egional Bet$or7 Croup
1?ambo -ambo1 (+>>0I.///), radio tal7 sho$ host of The !riday Late +ite
Sho' on DTAG FM +/8&< MF= (+>>,I+>>0), columnist for culture and
arts, *aily 4amboan%a Times (+>><I+>>5)&

"esley -ean )osebel #anson % .//8 Miss Philippines%Garth Fire

2clarification needed3

#hamcey Currea #upsup % ./++ Binibining Pilipinas, Aniverse, Fourth )unner%

up Miss Aniverse ./++

History

Monday, 11 August 2008 22:13 Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 07:33 Written by Administrator

Basilan is an island province of the Philippines. It is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of
the Sulu Archipelago and is located just of the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula. Its capital is Isabela
City. Basilan is home to three main ethnic groups, the indigenous Yakans, and the later-
arriving Tausugs and Chavacanos. The Yakans and Tausugs are predominantly Muslim, while the
Chavacanos are mainly Christian. There are also a number of smaller groups.

The ancient name of Basilan Island was Tagime, named after a Datu ruler who once ruled a big part of the
island before the Spaniards came to Basilan. In the long past, Basilan had other names. It used to be named
ULEYAN, derived from a mountain located at the heart of the island. Later, it was changed to MATANGAL,
also named after Mt. Matangal in Tuburan. Other names given were Puh Gulangan (island of forest); Umus
Tambun (fertile land); Kumalarang, named after a river; Bennuh Peggesan; and later it was changed
to Basih Balan.

The name Basih Balan was derived after a heavy fght between the natives led by Sultan Kudarat, a great
Muslim leader and his brave Muslim warriors, Apuh Menggah, Apuh Dagang, and Apuh Batalan against the
Spanish invaders from nearby Zamboanga. After a ferce resistance, the natives successfully repulsed the
invaders. The victory played a major role in changing the name of the island into "Basih Balan", derived
from their legendary weapon called "Pira" which was made of basih, meaning iron and balan, meaning
magnetic. By combining the two words, it became Basih Balan. But when the early historians wrote the
name of the province, it was shortened to Basilan. The name Basilan remained unchanged up to the
present.

Quick Facts
Tuesday, 02 August 2011 03:55 Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 August 2011 07:43 Written by Administrator
Basilan is an island province of the Philippines in Mindanao, just of the southern coast of the Zamboanga
Peninsula. Basilan is the biggest and northernmost among the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago.
Land
The province of Basilan has an aggregate historical jurisdiction of 135,892 hectares (335,800 acres), with mainland
Basilan encompassing an area of 124,892 hectares (308,610 acres). The province encompasses all of Basilan
Island(including Isabela City, which forms part of the province, although it is excluded from the Autonomous Region)
and ofshore islands, together with the Pilas island group (now Hadji Muhtamad Municipality) west of the island, and
the Bubuan and Tapiantana island group (now Tabuan-Lasa Municipality) in the south. These are listed among the
Philippine islands with a moderate risk of getting hit by tsunamis.
Geography
Basilan is located between latitudes 615' and 700', and longitudes 12115' and 12230'. The island is bordered by
theBasilan Strait to the north, the Sulu Sea to the northwest and west, the Moro Gulf to the northeast, and
the Celebes Seato the south, southeast and east. It is one of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippine
archipelago.
Topographical map of Basilan and outlying islands
Basilan Island is the largest and northernmost island of the Sulu Archipelago between the Philippine islands
ofMindanao and Borneo which includes about 400 islands. Basilan Strait, about 17 nautical miles (31 km) at its
narrowest point, separates Basilan Island from the mainland of Mindanao and the port city of Zamboanga. The terrain
of the island is simple, with several undulating slopes concentrated around Isabela City along the coastal areas and
hilly towards the interior. Urban areas are usually 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) above sea level and gently sloping to 300
metres (980 ft) toward the hinterlands. The stand of timber and forest vegetation is more or less evenly distributed
throughout.
Basilan National Park is located at the eastern portion of the remaining public forest between the city of Isabela and
the municipalities of Lamitan, Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip. The park has an elevation of 971 metres (3,186 ft) above sea
level, and the tallest peak, Puno Mahaji or Basilan Peak, dominates the park's landscape.
Climate
Cli'ate data for Basilan4 Phili**ines
5onth 6an Fe3 5ar !*r 5ay 6un 6ul !ug Se* Oct 7ov Dec ;ear
Record high 8F (8C#
2:5
73!
2:4
&5!
33
76!
2:=
&2!
33
76!
2:4
&5!
2:&
&:!
2::
74!
2:=
&2!
33
76!
33
76!
2::
74!
2:4
&5!
!verage high 8F (8C#
45
54!
42
56!
42
56!
45
54!
45
54!
45
54!
45
54!
42
56!
45
54!
42
56!
42
56!
42
56!
42
56!
!verage lo9 8F (8C#
68
5&!
67
57!
67
57!
68
5&!
68
5&!
66
58!
68
5&!
68
5&!
68
5&!
68
5&!
68
5&!
67
57!
67
57!
Record lo9 8F (8C#
=7
26!
=7
26!
=4
5:!
88
27!
6:
52!
=4
5:!
=7
26!
6:
52!
83
28!
88
27!
6:
52!
=4
5:!
88
27!
Preci*itation inches
(c'#
2.=
&!
5
8!
2.=
&!
5
8!
7.8
3!
&.6
25!
8.2
27!
&.6
25!
8.2
27!
=.7
2=!
&.7
22!
7.2
4!
&=.3
223!
Source: Weatherbase
[3]
The climate is similar to other areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The annual average rainfall is 1,100 millimetres
(43 in) and the mean annual temperature is26.6 C (79.9 F). The source of the rainfall is the southwest monsoon and
the island's location in the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The climate is classifed as a tropical wet and dry
climate or Aw using the Kppen climate classifcation system.
Basilan is outside the typhoon belt. Prevailing winds are from the southwest with a speed of 4 knots (7.4 km/h).
March to May is hot and dry, with temperature averaging22 C (72 F). June to October is rainy. November to
February is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22 C (72 F) to 28 C (82 F). Average humidity year-round is 77%.
Political Subdivision
Basilan has eight municipalities, namely; Isabela, Lamitan, Tuburan, Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Maluso, Malamawi,
Lantawan.
Language/Dialect
Approximately 55% of the people speak Chavacano; 20% Samal; Joloano, Yakan, and Maranao; 10% Visayan; 10%
Tagalog, 5% llocano and other dialects.
Major Industries
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood of the people of lsabela, in particular. There are a few industries operating
here and all are agro-based. Copra trading is the leading commercial activity while coconuts are planted almost
throughout the year. Rubber-sapping and logging complement the people's major occupations.
Mineral deposits of gold, manganese, iron, ore, copper, and coal are also found in Basilan.
Tourism
Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:11 Last Updated on Monday, 12 September 2011 11:15 Written by Administrator
Basilan's nature beauty is pristine and unspoiled. From the quaint cities, towns and countryside to the majesty of
waterfalls and the serenity of seashores, from the historical relics of the past to the living heritage of the present, it's
all in Basilan.
Investing in Basilan tourism ofers an opportunity as yet untapped for its rich potential and promise. Some noatble
tourist sites are; Taguime Shrine, Sumagdang Beach, Kumalrang Falls, Plam Beach, Caves, White Beach, Rubber
Block Plantations, Bulingan Falls, historical landmarks, museum and the other rich-culture of Yakan.
On the other hand, every June, Lamitan celebrates its "Lami-Lamihan Festival" highlighting the preservation of
Yakan Cultural Heritage, historical customs, traditions, and showcasing the unique colorful Yakan cloth and cultural
presentations. This is in close coordination and networking of LGU, Line agencies, Private Sector, Foreign Entities,
NGOs, CSOs and the Department of Tourism.
There are various attractions. Architectural landmarks include the Santa Isabel Cathedral, the Calvario Peak, on
which the Chapel of Peace stands, and the Kaum Purnah Mosque. Natural attractions include the lake in the
Panigayan fshing village, Sumagdang Beach and the waterfalls of the Kumalarang River. Various cultures can be
visited, such as theBadjao, the Yakan, and the Muslim communities.
Lanao del Sur
From @i7ipedia, the free encyclopedia
.his article needs additional citations
for veri<cation. Please help improve this article #y adding
citations to relia#le sources. >nsourced material may #e
challenged and removed. (June 2014)
-anao del Sur
Province
Flag
Seal
Map of the Philippines Aith Lanao del /ur highlighted
%oordinates: :6G88HI 25&G5:H) %oordinates: :6G8
8HI 25&G5:H)
Country Philippines
Region Autonomous Region in Muslim
MindanaoARMM!
Founded 2383
Ca*ital MaraAi %ity
&overn'ent
( &overnor Mamintal Alonto Adiong
1r. Li#eral Party!
( +ice
&overnor
Arsad Marohom#sar Li#eral
Party!
!rea
;2<
( )otal 7,465.43 +m
5
2,&38.77 s9 mi!
!rea ran= 77rd out of 42
Po*ulation 5:2:!
;5<
( )otal 377,5=:
( Ran= 56th out of 42
( Density 5&:/+m
5
=5:/s9 mi!
( Density ran= 7&th out of 42
Divisions
( 1nde*endent
cities
:
( Co'*onent
cities
2
( 5unici*alitie 73
s
( Barangays 2,283
( Districts 2st and 5nd districts of Lanao del
/ur
)i'e 0one P0. >.%?4!
>1P code 37:: to 3752J 36:: to 362=
Dialing code =7
1SO $2%% code P0@LA/
S*o=en
languages
Maranao, %e#uano,(ilipino
7anao del %ur (Filipino: Timo% Lanao), officially the Pro&ince of 7anao del %ur (Filipino: Lala'i%an
n% Lanao del Sur), is a province of thePhilippines located in the (utonomous )egion in Muslim
Mindanao (()MM)& The capital is the Mara$i !ity, and it borders "anao del Borte to the
north, Bu7idnon to the east, and Maguindanao and !otabato to the south& To the south$est
lies llana Bay, an arm of the Moro Culf& Found in the interior of "anao del #ur is "anao "a7e, the
largest la7e in Mindanao&
'ontents
2hide3
+ Ceography
o +&+ #ubdivisions
o +&. Physical
. Fistory
o .&+ #ultanate of "anao
o .&. @orld @ar
o .&8 Division
o .&: Proposed Marana$ Province
o .&< -oining the ()MM
o .&, Politics
8 Demographics
: (ttractions
o :&+ Musical Feritage
< )eferences
, Gxternal lin7s
Geography[edit]
%ubdi&isions[edit]
"anao del #ur is subdivided into 8> municipalities and + city&
!ity:
Mara$i !ity
Municipalities:

Bacolod%*ala$i (Bacolod%Crande)

Balabagan

Balindong (@(T4)

Bayang

Binidayan

Buadiposo%Buntong

Bubong

Bumbaran

Butig

!alanogas

Ditsaan%)amain

Canassi

*apai

*apatagan

"umba%Bayabao

"umbaca%Anayan

"umbatan (Macadar)

"umbayanague (Banagen)

Madalum

Madamba (Aya%an)

Maguing

Malabang

Marantao (nudaran)

Marogong

Masiu

Mulondo

Pagaya$an

Piagapo

Picong (#ultan Cumander)

283

Poona Bayabao (Cata)

Pualas

#aguiaran

#ultan Dumalondong (Bacaya$an)

Tagoloan

Tamparan

Tara7a

Tubaran

Tugaya

@ao
Ph,sical[edit]
"anao del #ur forms the $estern portion of Borthern Mindanao& t is bounded on the north by "anao
del Borte, on the east by Bu7idnon, on the $est by llana Bay, and on the south
by Maguindanao and !otabato& The landscape is dominated by rolling hills and valleys, placid la7es
and rivers&
The climate in the province is characteri=ed by even distribution of rainfall throughout the year,
$ithout a distinct summer season& The province is located outside the typhoon belt&
History[edit]
See also: Lanao $rovince&
%ultanate of 7anao[edit]
"anao comes from the $ord ranao, meaning 1la7e&1 "anao centers on the basin of "a7e "anaoE thus,
it is the land of the Maranaos, the 1people of the la7e&1
"anao is the seat of the #ultanate of "anao&
@hen the #paniards first explored "anao in +,0>, they found a $ell%settled community named
Dansalan at the la7e;s northern end& Dansalan became a municipality in +>/5 and a city in +>:/&
During the Pre%#panish time, there are : important Boundaries hold the po$er of appointing a ne$
sultan namely: Ba7aya$an, Dalama, Madamba and #a$er& n appointing a ne$ sultan the
permission of these four boundaries are needed to validate the ne$ sultan appointed to his position&
<orld <ar 33[edit]
n +>:., it $as occupied by the -apanese mperial forces $ho landed in #outhern "anao& 4n May .,
+>:., the former chief 'ustice of the supreme court of the Philippines -ose (bad #antos $as 7illed by
the -apanese mperial forces in a Firing #6uad at Malabang, "anao del #ur& n +>:<, the first of the
liberation forces landed in #outhern "anao and liberated the area $ith Anited #tates, Philippine
!ommon$ealth troops together $ith the Maranao guerrilla units& They used infantry $eapons, the
Maranao *ris, Barong and *ampilan s$ords against the -apanese forces in the Battle of "anao& n
+><,, )epublic (ct B4& +8<. changed the name Dansalan to Mara$i, ta7en from the $ord ra$i,
referring to the reclining lilies abundant in the (gus )iver&
6i&ision[edit]
@hen "anao $as divided into t$o provinces under )epublic (ct Bo& ...0 in +><>, Mara$i $as
made the capital of "anao del #ur& n +>0/, the city $as renamed the slamic !ity of Mara$i& t is
no$ the only chartered city in the country $ith a predominantly Muslim population&
Proposed Marana; Pro&ince[edit]
n +>5+, )epublic (ct Bo& ,:/,, $hich sought to create a ne$ province out of eastern "anao del #ur
(no$ corresponding to the province;s first congressional district), $as approved on 4ctober :, +>5+&
The province $as to consist of the municipalities of Bubong, Ditsaan%)amain (including $hat is no$
Buadiposo%Buntong), *apai, "umba%Bayabao (including $hat is no$ Maguing), Marantao, Masiu,
Mulondo, #aguiaran, Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Tara7a and @ao (including $hat is no$
Bumbaran), $ith the chartered city of Mara$i serving as the ne$ province;s capital& The division
never too7 place due to the declaration of Martial "a$ in the Philippines on #eptember .+, +>5.,
$hich disrupted the elections for +>58&
=oining the ARMM[edit]
n a +>0> plebiscite, "anao del #ur voted to 'oin the (utonomous )egion of Muslim
Mindanao (()MM), but Mara$i !ity elected to remain outside ()MM& t later 'oined ()MM in .//+
follo$ing the plebiscite that sought to expand the autonomous region&
Politics[edit]
The politics in the province $as dominated by fe$ and prestigious families& But only t$o (.) families
have brought big influence in the province the Datumulo7%Dimaporo and (lonto%(diong families&
Both families have produced Covernors, !ongressmen, Board Members and Mayors, they $ere
considered the most unforgettable political family in the province& The Datumulo7%Dimaporos came
from a small yet progressive to$n of Binidayan, Covernor #ultan (li Dimaporo became Covernor of
the province nominatin% by late Covernor Ceneral Mamarinta B& "ao (FP, $ith the help of his
siblings and cousin, !ongressman Datu Macacuna Dimaporo, Mayor #ultan Baga Dimaporo of #BD
and Mayor #ultan Muliloda Datumulo7 of Binidayan& They once dominated the politics of "anao& The
Family $as very 7no$n to be an ally of Former President Ferdinand Marcos, they;ve produced some
influential leaders in "anao del Borte and "anao del #ur some of them $ere !ongerssman (bdullah
Dimaporo of "anao del Borte, Covernor *halid Dimaporo, !ongress$oman melda Dimaporo,
Former Mayor Motalib Dimaporo of #BD, Mayor Gleanor Dimaporo%"antud, Former Mayor )aida
Dimaporo%Papandayan of Tubaran, Former Mayor (bdul )ashid Dimaporo of Magsaysay, Former
Board Member Danny Dimaporo, Former(ssemblyman smael !amid, Former Mayor Punudarano
Datumulo7 of Binidayan, Former Mayor (n$ar Datumulo7 of Pagaya$an, Dimnatang )adia, Former
Mayor Falim Datumulo7, Former Mayor #arip Datumulo7, Former Mayor Misba7 Datumulo7 and
!ola$ Datumulo7&
4n the other hand the (lonto%(diong, came from )amain $as headed by #enator (lauya (lonto
(diong $ith help of his family members, li7e Mayor Birua (lonto of Mara$i had produced #enator,
Covernors and !ongressmen& Apon the Death of #enator #ultan (lauya (lonto, Fis son, #enator
(hmad Domocao (lonto lead his family $ith Covernor (bdul Chaffur (lonto they successfully
controlled the politics in "anao del #ur and also produced influential leaders in the province some of
the $ere Covernor Princess Tarhata (lonto%"ucman, !ongressman )ashid "ucman Covernor
Mamintal (diong, Former ()MM%)"( #pea7er (bul *hayr (lonto, Former Oice Covernor Bormala
(lonto "ucman, Covernor Mamintal (lonto (diong -r&, "ate Mayor "acsasa (diong of Ditsaan%
)amain, !ongressman Pangalian M&Balindong, Mayor -amal (lonto of Bubong, !ongressman
(nsaruddin (lonto (diong, Former Mayor )ic7y (lonto Mamainte of Bayang, (ssemblyman ?ia
(lonto (diong, (ssemblyman Sasser (lonto Balindong, Mayor (li (diong of Ditsaan%)amain, Board
Member (lexander C& (lonto, -r&,Board Member (bdulrashid (lonto Balindong and ()MM )egional
Oice%Covernor Faroun (l%)ashid (lonto "ucman&
Demographics[edit]
Po*ulation census of
-anao del Sur
;ear Po* ?@ *a
2AA: 833,345 K
2AA5 =4=,237 ?5.65C
2::: 4::,2=5 ?7.25C
2::B 2,274,8&& ?8.26C
2:2: 377,5=: L=.&2C
/ource: Iational /tatistics DMce
;5<
Maranao is the most commonly spo7en language in the province& (lso spo7en are Tagalog as $ell
as Gnglish and (rabic&
Attractions[edit]
Points of interest in the province include:
Mindanao #tate Aniversity (Main !ampus)
(ga *han Museum
Torogan (of Tu7a)
slamic !enter of the Philippines (the country;s largest dome)
Tallest Minarets of Mara$i
(bu Ba7ar Mos6ue (largest mos6ue in "anao del #ur)
"anao People;s Par7 (only par7 in "anao del #ur)
"anao "ibrary
(yala )esort Fotel (only hotel in "anao del #ur)
Dansalan Mar7et (natively 7no$n as Padian)
Tu$a7a "aput (all 7inds of native product e&g& Bru$a, Tamo7un=i,(mi7,Dudol,Tiyathug)
Dansalan !ollege
M#A Colf !ourse
Mali$anag !ompound,"(#A)G!4,nc& (Founder general manager former Covernor
of "anao del sur )etired Brig&Ceneral Mamarinta 4.7ao A>P
Ma;had Mindanao al arabi al slamie, Matampay (!o Founder al #hie7 (chmad Basher and
#hie7 (bdul Mad'id Manalocon (!ali sa Macadar)
piagapo firing line
tapu7an falls located in ramain
4&44 *ilometer =one (the reference point of all roads in Mindanao)
*ing Faisal Mos6ue *ing Faisal Mos6ue
Darul aman Mas'id%*adinguilan, slamic !ity of Mara$i
#aduc%Cuimba Crand Mos6ue in Mara$i !ity
(mai Pa7pa7 Medical !enter
#acred Mountain Bational Par7
Bagang Beach, !aloocan Mara$i !ity
(gus )iver
Musical 2eritage[edit]
Main articles: Music of the Philiines and 5ulintan%
The native Meranau of "anao del #ur have a fascinating culture that revolves
around 7ulintang music, a specific type of gong music, found among both Muslim and non%Muslim
groups of the #outhern Philippines&
Meranau nati&e 'ulture
6ames
#ipa sa Mangguis
7aphaso ()acing Forse)
7ambulang sa *uda (Fighting Forses)
7a=agayan (Meranau Dance)
*andi7ir (roc7 music)
*andarangen (fal7 song)
Maguindanao
From @i7ipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Philiine rovince. !or other uses" see Ma%uindanao $disambi%uation&.
5aguindanao
Province
Flag
Seal
Map of the Philippines Aith Maguindanao highlighted
%oordinates: :6G:4HI 25&G24H) %oordinates: :6G:
4HI 25&G24H)
Country Philippines
Region Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao ARMM!
Founded Iovem#er 55, 2367
Ca*ital /hariN Agua+
&overn'ent
( &overnor )smael MangudadatuLi#eral
Party!
( +ice
&overnor
Lester /insuat Li#eral Party!
!rea
;2<
( )otal 8,36:.87 +m
5
5,7:8.57 s9 mi!
!rea ran= 22th out of 42
)Ocluding %ota#ato %ity
Po*ulation 5:2:!
;5<
( )otal 3&&,624
( Ran= 5=th out of 42
( Density 2=:/+m
5
&2:/s9 mi!
( Density ran= 85nd out of 42
)Ocluding %ota#ato %ity
Divisions
;7<
( 1nde*endent
cities
2
( Co'*onent
cities
:
( 5unici*alitie
s
7=
( Barangays 8:4
including independent cities: 8&8
( Districts 2st and 5nd districts of
Maguindanao shared Aith%ota#ato
%ity!
)i'e 0one P0. >.%?4!
Dialing code =&
1SO $2%% code P0@MAE
S*o=en Bahasa Maguindanao
languages
.e3site AAA.maguindanao.gov.ph
Maguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the (utonomous )egion in Muslim
Mindanao (()MM)& ts capital is #hariff (gua7& t borders "anao del #ur to the north, !otabato to the
east, and #ultan *udarat to the south&
'ontents
2hide3
+ Ceography
o +&+ #ubdivisions
. Fistory
o .&+ .//> election violence
8 Demographics
: Covernment
< Musical heritage
, Botes
5 )eferences
0 Gxternal lin7s
Geography[edit]
Maguindanao is composed of 8, municipalities, $hich are further subdivided into
</0 barangays& !otabato !ity is often grouped $ith Maguindanao for historical, geographical, and
statistical purposes, but it is actually independent from the province and not part of the ()MM as
Maguindanao is&
The province is divided into t$o congressional districts& n 4ctober .//,, the first congressional
district $as split off into a ne$ province,#hariff *abunsuan& Fo$ever, the ()MM;s (ct creating the
province $as nullified by the #upreme !ourt in -uly .//0, on the basis that creation of a province is
a function of the Philippine legislature& The area has since reverted to the province of Maguindanao&
%ubdi&isions[edit]
Political Map of Maguindanao as of ./++
5unici*ality
7o of
Barangay
s
Po*ulation
(2:2:#
;&<
!rea
(='C#
Po*
density
(*er ='C#
Ampatuan 22 26,4::
Barira 2& 23,=4=
Buldon 28 77,653
Buluan 6 74,2:=
5unici*ality
7o of
Barangay
s
Po*ulation
(2:2:#
;&<
!rea
(='C#
Po*
density
(*er ='C#
'atu A#dullah /ang+i 2: 26,:63
'atu Anggal Midtim#ang 6 27,773
'atu Blah .. /insuat 27 2=,877
'atu 0oNer Ampatuan 22
;n 2<
2=,538
'atu Ddin /insuat 7& 6=,775
'atu Paglas 57 5:,53:
'atu Piang 'ulaAan! 2=
;n 5<
54,&35
'atu /ali#o 26
;n 7<
28,:=5
'atu /audi@Ampatuan 4
;n &<
5:,77:
'atu >nsay 4
;n 8<
25,&3:
Een. /. K. Pendatun 23 5&,::&
Euindulungan 22 2=,:62
Ka#untalan 26 2=,63&
5unici*ality
7o of
Barangay
s
Po*ulation
(2:2:#
;&<
!rea
(='C#
Po*
density
(*er ='C#
Mamasapano 2&
;n =<
55,78&
;n =<
Mangudadatu 4 2&,4=5
Matanog 4 57,5=3
Iorthern Ka#untalan 22 2&,582
PagagaAan 'atu
MontaAal!
22 72,5=8
Pagalungan 25 72,432
Paglat 4 22,5:6
Pandag 4 27,638
Parang 58 67,754
RaFah Buayan 22 26,&57
/hariN Agua+ Maganoy! 27 72,&82
;n 6<
/hariN /aydona
Mustapha
2=
;n 4<
2=,&&5
;n 4<
/outh >pi 22 78,33:
5unici*ality
7o of
Barangay
s
Po*ulation
(2:2:#
;&<
!rea
(='C#
Po*
density
(*er ='C#
/ultan Kudarat Iuling! 73 45,684
/ultan Mastura 27 58,6&2
/ultan sa Barongis
Lam#ayong!
25 55,8&6
/ultan /umag+a .alitay! 3 27,754
.alayan 28 2=,:&5
>pi 57 &8,&&&
History[edit]
#hariff Mohammed *abungsu$an of -ohore introduced slam in the area at the end of the +<th
century& Fe subse6uently married a local princess from the Maranao Tribe of Malabang and
Maguindanao Province, and established the #ultanate of Maguindanao& The !otabato Oalley formed
the sultanate;s heartland but its influence extended from the ?amboanga Peninsula to #arangani
Bay and Davao&
The #paniards launched expeditions to subdue the area throughout the colonial era but they never
gained control of the region until the middle of the +>th century&
During the (merican period, !otabato became a district of the Moro Province created in +>/8 and a
province of the Department of Mindanao and #ulu in +>+:&
n +>:., the -apanese mperial forces entered $hat is no$ Maguindanao&
n +>:<, Maguindanao $as liberated by allied Philippine !ommon$ealth troops and Maguindanaoan
guerrilla units after defeating the -apanese mperial forces in the Battle of Maguindanaoduring
the #econd @orld @ar&
The old province of !otabato $as divided in +>,, into !otabato and #outh !otabato& n +>58, the
successor province of !otabato $as split into the provinces of Maguindanao, (Borth)
!otabato and #ultan *udarat&
Maguindanao is the only Muslim%ma'ority province of the four created out of the original !otabato
Province& n +>0>, ma'ority of its voters opted to 'oin the (utonomous )egion in Muslim
Mindanao but !otabato !ity did not, $hich, ironically, has since served as the provisional capital of
the (utonomous )egion in Muslim Mindanao (()MM)&
4n 4ctober 8+, .//,, Maguindanao voters approved the creation of a ne$ province to be composed
of +/ to$ns from the province& 4f more than <//,/// voters registered, .0<,85. favored the creation
of the province, and 0,0/. voted against it& The ne$ province, #hariff *abunsuan, became the
country;s 0/th province and the ,th in the ()MM& t $as composed of the to$ns ofDatu 4din
#insuat, *abuntalan, Api, #ultan *udarat, Datu Blah T& #insuat, #ultan
Mastura, Parang, Buldon, Matanog and Barira& Fo$ever, in -uly .//0, the #upreme !ourt nullified
the province;s creation, restoring its municipalities to Maguindanao&
$##" election &iolence[edit]
!urther information: Ma%uindanao massacre
Maguindanao guerillas in +>>>
4n Bovember .8, .//>, a ./+/ gubernatorial election caravan supporting Gsmael
Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan, $as attac7ed&
2<3
Fifty%seven people $ere 7illed, including
Mangudadatu;s $ife and sisters, supporters, local 'ournalists, and bystanders&
2,3
4n December :,
.//> a number of homes belonging to the (mpatuan political family $ere raided in connection $ith
the massacre&
253
President Cloria Macapagal (rroyo officially declared martial la$ in the province of Maguindanao on
December <, .//>, #aturday morning&
203
n a press conference past 5 am, Gxecutive #ecretary Gduardo Grmita announced Proclamation Bo&
+><> declaring a state of martial la$ and suspending the privilege of the $rit of habeas corpus in the
province of Maguindanao, except for certain areas identified as baili$ic7s of the Moro slamic
"iberation Front (M"F) separatists&
The declaration of martial la$ $ill lead to the 1arrests $ithout $arrants1 of other members of the
(mpatuan clan $ho have been lin7ed to the Bovember .8 massacre of <0 civilians&
2>3
"ast (ugust +<, ./++, Provincial Covernor Gsmael Mangudadatu and his convoy $ere ambushed in
a form of bombing as they $ere on their $ay to his birthday celebration&
Demographics[edit]
Po*ulation census of
5aguindanao
;ear Po* ?@ *a
2AA: =7:,=6& K
2::: 4:2,2:5 ?5.&5C
2:2: 3&&,624 ?2.==C
)Ocluding %ota#ato %ity
/ource: Iational /tatistics DMce
;5<
Government[edit]
Maguindanao is divided into t$o congressional districts, $hich elect members to the Fouse of
)epresentatives& For the brief period that the province of #hariff *abunsuan existed, Maguindanao
became a lone%district province& #ince the appointment of a ne$ set of provincial officials for the
reunified province of Maguindanao by the ()MM Covernor in -anuary .//>, the provincial
government has reverted to the #angguniang Panlala$igan setup (coterminous $ith the restored +st
and .nd !ongressional districts of Maguindanao) from before #hariff *abunsuan $as created&
Faving elected to 'oin the (utonomous )egion in Muslim Mindanao (()MM), Maguindanao also
sends six representatives (three per district) to the ()MM )egional "egislative (ssembly that
convenes in !otabato !ity&
usical heritage[edit]
Main articles: Music of the Philiines and 5ulintan%
The largest and smallest brass gong of the Philippine 7ulintang used as a main melodic instrument in
the7ulintang ensemble
The native Maguindanaon culture revolves around 7ulintang music, a specific type of gong music,
found among both Muslim and non%Muslim groups of the #outhern Philippines&
Notes[edit]
+& =ump up 1 The number of barangays includes t$o barangays (Macalag and Tuntungan) that
have been divided bet$een this municipality and Datu Ansay& Fo$ever, the population count
does not include inhabitants from these divided barangays&
.& =ump up 1 The number of barangays includes ten barangays ((longanan, Bala7anan, Buayan,
Dado, Damabalas, Duaminanga, *alipapa, "iong, Magaslong and Masigay) that have been
divided bet$een this municipality and Datu #alibo&
8& =ump up 1 The number of barangays includes ten barangays ((longanan, Bala7anan, Buayan,
Dado, Damabalas, Duaminanga, *alipapa, "iong, Magaslong and Masigay) that have been
divided bet$een this municipality and Datu Piang, and one barangay (Pagatin) that have been
divided bet$een this municipality andDatu #audi%(mpatuan&
:& =ump up 1 The number of barangays includes one barangay (Pagatin) that has been divided
bet$een Datu #alibo and #hariff #aydona Mustapha, and possibly this municipality too (as
legislation is unclear as to $hether any portion of Brgy& Pagatin actually remains $ith Datu #audi%
(mpatuan)& Fo$ever, the population count does not include inhabitants from this barangay&
<& =ump up 1 The number of barangays includes t$o barangays (Macalag and Tuntungan) that
have been divided bet$een this municipality and Datu Foffer (mpatuan& Fo$ever, the population
count does not include inhabitants from these divided barangays&
,& [ -ump up to:
a

*
The number of barangays includes one barangay ("ibutan) that has been divided
bet$een this municipality and #hariff #aydona Mustapha&
5& =ump up 1 The population count does not include inhabitants from t$o barangays ("apo7 and
Tapi7an), because at the time of the .//5 !ensus these t$o barangays still included the
population of recently created Brgys& Datu Ba7al and Datu *ilay, no$ part of #hariff #aydona
Mustapha&
0& [ -ump up to:
a

*
The number of barangays includes one barangay (Pagatin) that has been divided
bet$een this municipality and Datu #alibo, and another barangay ("ibutan) that has been divided
bet$een this municipality and Mamasapano& Fo$ever, the population count does not include
inhabitants from these divided barangays&
!eferences[edit]
+& =ump up 1 1Brief Profile1& Provincial Covernment of Maguindanao& )etrieved 8/ May
./+:& (There seems to be ma'or discrepancies among authoritative sources: >5.,>/: ha
(B#!B)E ,,<,< 7m9 (Fistorical Dictionary of the Philippines)E <,+5,&+ 7m9 (B(M)())
.& [ -ump up to:
a

*
1Population and (nnual Cro$th )ates for The Philippines and ts
)egions, Provinces, and Fighly Arbani=ed !ities1& 7898 Census and (ousin% Poulation&
Bational #tatistics 4ffice& )etrieved 8/ May ./+:&
8& =ump up 1 1Provincial #ummary % Bumber of Provinces, !ities, Municipalities and
Barangays, by )egion, as of December 8+, ./+81& PS6C -nteractive& Bational #tatistical
!oordination Board& )etrieved 8/ May ./+:&
:& =ump up 1 1Total Population by Province, !ity, Municipality and Barangay: as of May +,
./+/1& 7898 Census of Poulation and (ousin%& Bational #tatistics 4ffice& )etrieved 8/ May
./+:&
<& =ump up 1 !onde, !arlos F& (Bovember .8, .//>)& 1.+ )eported Dead and .. Missing in
Mass *idnapping "in7ed to Philippine Glection1& The +e' :or) Times& )etrieved Bovember .5,
.//>&
,& =ump up 1 !onde, !arlos F& (Bovember .5, .//>)& 1Philippine 4fficial #ays Oictims
@ere #exually Mutilated1& The +e' :or) Times& )etrieved Bovember .5, .//>&
5& =ump up 1 )F&fr
0& =ump up 1 1Martial la$ in Philippines province after massacre1& BB! Be$s& < December
.//>&
>& =ump up 1 1(rroyo proclaims martial la$ in Maguindanao1& (B#%!BB Be$s& < December
.//>&
2. Municipalities and Cities
Name
(click name to
view details)
Code
Income
Class
City Class
District
(2013)
Registered
Voters
1
(2010)
Population
(as of May 1,
2010)
Land Area
(as of 2007,
in hectares)
1. AMPA!A" 1#3$01000 %th 2nd 13,&2# 17,$00 2#,#%0
2. '!()*" 1#3$02000 %th 1st 1&,7+7 33,72+ %2,+%0
3. '!(!A" 1#3$03000 %th 2nd 13,7&% 3$,10& &+,+#0
%. )A! PA,(A- 1#3$0#000 %th 2nd 1#,3&0 20,2+0 13,210
#. )A! P.A", 1#3$0&000 2nd 2nd 1+,$&+ 2$,%+2 30,2+7
&. )A! *)."
-."-!A
()."A.,)
1#3$07000 / 1st %$,+&% 7&,332 %&,1$0
7. -0A1.22
A,!A3
(MA,A"*4)
(5a6ital)
1#3$0$000 3rd 2nd 2%,#%% 3%,37& 3+,270
$. MAA"*, 1#3$0+000 %th 1st 13,#$# 23,2&+ 1%,&#0
+. PA,A(!",A" 1#3$10000 1st 2nd 12,$3$ 31,$+1 $+,$7&
10. PA1A", 1#3$11000 1st 1st 3%,22$ 73,32$ $#,07$
11. -!(A"
3!)A1A
("!(.",)
1#3$12000 1st 1st %7,$17 $2,7#$ 71,2+1
12. -!(A" -A
'A1*",.-
((AM'A4*",)
1#3$13000 2nd 2nd 10,#3# 22,#%7 2+,130
13. 3A'!"A(A"
(!M'A*)
1#3$1%000 #th 1st 1%,07& 1&,7+% 37,10$
1%. !P. 1#3$1#000 1st 1st 23,717 %#,%%% 7%,2+#
1#. A(A4A" 1#3$1&000 %th 2nd 10,7&$ 1&,0%2 1%,3$%
1&. -*!0 !P. 1#3$17000 %th 2nd 1#,+21 3#,++0 1$,%$0
17. 'A1.1A 1#3$1$000 %th 1st 1%,#1& 1+,&$& 3+,2&1
1$. ,7". -. 3.
P7")A!"
1#3$1+000 %th 2nd 13,&7$ 2%,00% 1$,+37
1+. MAMA-APA"* 1#3$20000 #th 2nd 11,3+2 22,3#% $,#31
20. A(.A4 1#3$21000 / 2nd 7,1+& 13,32$ &,2+&
21. PA,A,A8A" 1#3$22000 / 2nd 11,$2# 31,2&# %&,110
22. PA,(A 1#3$23000 / 2nd #,&1+ 11,207 17,77%
23. -!(A"
MA-!1A
1#3$2%000 #th 1st 12,10# 21,712 2%,207
2%. ,!.")!(!",A" 1#3$2#000 / / 2nd &,$$7 1&,071 13,0&$
2#. )A!
-A!)./
AMPA!A"
1#3$2&000 %th 2nd 12,+1+ 20,330 &,01&
2&. )A! !"-A4 1#3$27000 #th 2nd 1+,1&+ 12,%+0 +,#3+
27. )A!
A')!((A0
-A",3.
1#3$2$000 / / 2nd 11,32& 17,07+ 22,000
2$. 1A9A0
'!A4A"
1#3$2+000 / 2nd +,$#7 17,%23 7,1+$
2+. )A! '(A0
. -."-!A
1#3$30000 1st 1st 10,72& 1&,#33 1%,721
30. )A!
A",,A(
M.).M'A",
1#3$31000 / 2nd 10,&7# 13,33+ $,#%3
31. MA",!)A)A! 1#3$32000 / 2nd 7,731 1%,$&% +,$1&
32. PA")A, 1#3$33000 / 2nd &,7%3 13,7+# $,#31
33. "*1071"
3A'!"A(A"
1#3$3%000 #th 1st 11,3%7 1%,2#1 10,&77
3%. )A!
0*2271
AMPA!A"
1#3$3#000 / 2nd 1%,02% 1&,2+# %&,110
3#. )A!
-A(.'*
1#3$3&000 / 2nd +,+&& 1#,0&2 /
3&. -0A1.22
-A4)*"A
M!-AP0A
1#3$37000 / 2nd 13,2%1 1&,%%2 /
3+.
%0. "otes:
%1. 1. 2i;<res on re;istered voters are 6artial data from 5ommission on 7lections (5*M7(75) which may still =e
s<=>ect to corrections?ad><stments from their field offices
%2. 2. 2i;<res on re;istered voters e@cl<de data on a=sentee voters.
%3. 3. 2i;<res on re;istered voters are as of 9an<ary 2010.
%%. %. P-,5 .nformation are as of 31 March 201%.
%#. #. .ncome 5lassification =ased on )e6artment of 2inance )e6artment *rder "o.23/0$ 7ffective 9<ly 2+, 200$.
%&. &. !r=an?r<ral classification =ased on 2000 5P0, 1e6ort "o. % !r=an Po6<lation, "ational -tatistics *ffice, 9<ne
200&.
%7. 7.(e;islative )istrict -o<rce: 1ecords and -tatistics )ivision, 5ommission on 7lections (5*M7(75): As of May
2013.
%$. $. Po6<lation (as of May 1, 2010): a) otal Po6<lation 5o<nt =y 1e;ion, Province, 5ity?M<nici6ality and 'aran;ay
as of May 1, 2010 A =) Po6<lation of 0i;hly !r=aniBed 5ities (0!5s) are e@cl<ded in the total 6o6<lation of their
res6ective 6rovinces =<t are incl<ded in the re;ional totalA and c) Po6<lation of =aran;ays with =o<ndary dis6<tes
are e@cl<ded in total 6o6<lation of their res6ective m<nici6alities and cities =<t are incl<ded in the 6rovincial and
re;ional total. -o<rce: 2010 5ens<s of Po6<lation: "ational -tatistics *ffice ("-*).
%+. +. -o<rce: "ational -tatistics *ffice ("-*) htt6:??www.cens<s.;ov.6h?content?2010/cens<s/6o6<lation/and/
ho<sin;/reveals/6hili66ine/6o6<lation/+23%/million
#0. 10. )ata on land area are from the (and Mana;ement '<rea<.
#1.