BUTIG, LANAO DEL SUR, THE CRADLE OF

MERANAW CIVILIZATION: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL

2022
Volume: 5
Pages: 862-870
Document ID: 2022PEMJ379
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236
Manuscript Accepted: 2022-26-11
Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Butig, Lanao Del Sur, the Cradle of Meranaw Civilization: A Critical Analysis
Arsalan A. Diamaoden*
For affiliations and correspondence, see the last page.

Abstract
This paper conducted from February to April 2020 the history of meranaw according to some reliable
accounts it was divided into four season; the Radia Indarapatra Period, The Existence of the beautiful
Kingdom of Darangen, the Creation of Pat a Phangampong ko Ranaw, and it was built by the
founding fathers of Pengampong Popawan of Bayabao, Paskan of Unayan, Amialongan Simban of
Masiu and Bato Lakongan of Baloi, lastly the period of coming of Islam. Specifically, this paper
aimed to investigate the origin of Butig, offer an overview of the culture and Tradition of Butig,
highlight the Taritib and Igma of Butig, and illustrate the cultural heritage found in Butig and,
emphasize the events that lead Butig as the cradle of meranaw Civilization. Based on the findings the
identified reason why Butig is the cradle of Meranaw Civilization is the reason that it was the first
settled by the shariefs who brought Islam and established the sultanate political System. Butig is
maranao term known as “live mole” or symbol incidentally butig was the original sead of sultanate
authority of undivided Lanao before the coming of Spaniards in the early Philippine Government.
Moreover, butig Lanao del sur is an old town according to historical references. Even before the
formal establishment of the sultanate system in Butig it already had an organized political structure
and in fact established alliance with Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao.

Keywords: Butig-Lanao Del Sur, meranaw civilization, critical analysis, qualitative-naturalistic

Introduction In fact, Abdulmadid (2012) stated in his article that

This town dubbed as the cradle of Meranao
The “pat a pangampong ko Ranao” namely the Civilization, Aside from that, Butig is considers as the
Pangampong a bayabao. Pangampong a masiu, paramount sultanate of Sebangan a unayan east
pagampong a unayan and pangampong a baloi are unayan and most documented Geneology. before the
equal supremacy, ability and reputation, and are bound creation of the four (4) Confederation of Lanao (Pat A
together into a sort of coalition or confederacy and Phangampong ko Ranao). It was Jannatun Naim of
governed by taritib. This taritib agreed upon by the Butig who established the confederation of Lanao (Pat
founding fathers of the pengampong defines all levels a Phangampong Ko Ranaw). It is important to know
of organization and relationships among the that Butig is the first Royal Sultanate of Entire Lanao,
communities as people and as territorial units. It also and it was the Sultan Jannaton Naim of Butig was the
guides and directs in a “precise scheme” the whole first enthroned and, only the descendants of Jannaton
system of relationships among the states. Looking Naim could only ascend the throne in Butig. By
back to the History of the Royal house of Butig, Butig Tradition, (Sa Dabangsa sa Butig na Inudowa
is rich in Natural resources that are as yet largely karabaw) Any Individual who has no blood line in
undeveloped. Rice and corn the principal crops of the Butig cannot hold any recognize title in Lanao.
country, have found in this Municipality. The purely
natives of Butig are known to their Prominent Butig became a municipality under executive order no.
(Pananaroon) Proverb “Lembong a Ebutigen a 21 issued on June 25, 1963 during the term of
Mangeronot sa Kota” its symbolized that People of President Diosdado Macapagal. Hence, Butig is a sixth
Butig would never allow themselves to loss their class municipality in the province of Lanao del sur.
Based on the 2010 census; it has a population of
Dignity by swallowing the pride (Maratabat).
16,642 people. It is subdivided into 16 barangays:
Accordingly, this Scenic Historic town is the oldest
Butig proper; Cabasaran; Coloyan Tambo; Dilabayan;
settlement in the center of Mindanao. A Capital of
Dolangan; Pindolonan; Bayabao Poblacion; Poktan;
Unayan Principality which is belongs to the
Ragayan; Raya; Samer (Dama); Sandab Madaya;
confederation of the sultanates of Lanao. The
Sundig; Tiowi; Timbab, and Dimabara
researchers are motivated to investigate the
significance of Royal House of Butig to the meranaw As far as the study is concerned, the study was the best
Civilization. For this reason, the researchers pursued it instrument to the Pat a pagampong ko Ranaw
as the main focus of the study. particularly the present generation today to promote
the origin of their Municipality. Thus, this study serves

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 862/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

also as awareness of the mȅranaw people in lanaw to

know the relevance of their bangsa to the people of
Butig.

Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to (1) investigate the origin of Butig,

(2) offer an overview of the culture and Tradition of
Butig, and (3) highlight the Taritib and Igma of Butig Figure 2. Map of the Islamic City of Lanao Del Sur
(4) illustrate the cultural heritage found in Butig and
(5) emphasize the events that lead Butig as the cradle Data Gathering
of meranaw civilization.
The researchers went to the field with a letter of
request and purpose of the research, in most cases;
Methodology they were accompanied by someone who was in a
position to make the formal introduction particularly in
Research Design Selected Traditional Leaders. First, Researchers held
interviews with each of the thirty respondents. For
The study utilized the Qualitative-naturalistic research these one-on-one interviews, they were equipped with
design, which entailed extensive field and use of the an interview Guide or list of pre-planned open-ended
participant observation method Data needed were questions. Tape Recorder was used to observe the
gathered through in-depth interviews, observations, interviewee and catch some nuances that they could
participation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). use in the analysis and interpretation of actual
statements made by the participants.
Research Site
Participants
This study was conducted in Butig Lanao del sur.
Butig is one of the 25 municipal districts of Lanao del There were thirty (30) key informants of this study
sur or one of the total number of 29 municipal districts who were chosen based on their acclaimed or
of the recently undivided Lanao province. The criteria recognized wit, abilities, insight, and experiences.
for its rural and isolated Characteristics are based upon Acclamation or recognition was formed by respectable
physical and cultural factors. It is about 56 kilometers members of the community like members of Academe,
from Marawi city, the principal center of acculturation Local officials, and traditional Datu and Bae of
in Lanao del sur. It’s all maranao population of 3,437 municipality of butig.
live in villages and scattered houses over an area of
about 344 square kilometers beyond the southeastern Results and Discussion
shores of Lake Lanao. It is only accessible by traits of
varying distances from different points of contact on This section presents the findings of the study. The
the lake shores. data are presented the following order of the Butig
Lanao del Sur, a cradle of meranaw Civilization: a
critical analysis.

However, before discussing the answers to the above-

mentioned inquiries, relevance of Pananaroon to
meranaw Culture and Islam as described by the
selected respondents as well as by the related studies
to which this study referred, like the book of Bao, N,
B. et al (2019) Lanao history of Land Distribution

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 863/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Saber, M and Tamano, Mauyag M (1984-86) Potre Nangko. Gayo settled in Lombayanague while
Decision-making and social Change in Rural Amatonding a Noni was married to Maupaat Gayang,
Moroland, Mindanao Journal X11-1-4, University sister of Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, 6th Sultan of
Research Center Mindanao State University, Marawi Maguindanao. Gayang and Kudarat are siblings of
City, Tawagon, M.R (1989-90) the Pengampong: Sultan Laot Boisan of Malabang to the sister of Sultan
Multiple Sultanates of Lanao, University Research Batarasatenga of Sulu, 8th ruler. Both are siblings of
Center Mindanao State University Marawi City, Sultan Muhammad ul-halim Bodiman of Sulu. Seventh
Philippines, Diamaoden, A. et al (2014) Sultanate of ruler Amatonding a Noni and Gayang got Anta, Nago,
Butig: a perspective among the constituents of Amben, Pindawadawaoray and Paramata Asia. Asia
Municipality of Butig, Lanao del sur, Undergraduate was married to Dianaton Naim, settled in Butig and
Thesis, King Faisal Center for Islamic Arabic and established the Sultanate system of Butig, a first royal
Asian Studies, Mindanao state University. sultanate of Ranao, Naim was enthroned as Sultan
Dianaton of Butig. The descendants of Dianaton could
Historical origin of Butig only ascend the throne in Butig. The study of Bao
(2016) Butig is derived from a meranaw term
The article of Acmad (2012) cited by Diamaoden et.al “Mimbutibutig” which refers to a mysterious stone
(2014) stated that the town of Butig is considered as that multiplies into several folds. The stone still
the oldest settlement in the center of Mindanao. A existed and said to be found in pendiaman, an
sultanate located in the Pangampong (Principality) of enchanted torogan that had once occupied by the royal
Unayan, in ancient history, Butig is a place where the datus and sultans such as Sultan Jannatun Naim and
lofty tower (LAMIN) of Princess Sittie Anak was Sultan Dangaw during ancient times. Nonetheless, the
located. Anak is the daughter of a king in Kiaranda a stone remains a mystery since it was hidden in the
Ragat, now “Ranao”. Butig is the Capital of Unayan deepest hole of the ground invisible to the sight of
principality which belongs to the confederation of the people. Many villagers driven by curiosity attempted
Sultanates of Lanao (Ranao in Maranao language). to penetrate pendiaman expecting to unravel the
This historic town is the "cradle" of Maranao secrecy of this significant item however, no one ever
civilization connected to all the 15 Royal Houses of succeeded. (personal interview with Palawan Bangcola
Lanao. By tradition, any individual who has no blood July 23, 2016)
line in Butig cannot hold any recognized Royal Title in
Lanao. The first ancestor of Butig is Sittie Anak, who This result is also supported by the response of a key
was married to Dimaampao and got Makaampao. informant in the person of Macalawan Gonda
Makaampao got Datu Paskan, the 2nd ruler of Unayan Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of Royal House of
Principality. Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Barangay sandab, Butig
Lanao del sur during an interview with the question:
Time passed, and Dozonan was married to Domariong what is the Historical Origin of Butig? As he
of Butig and got Amisesem, 3rd ruler of Butig, who stated: “pursuant to E.O no. 21 dated june 25, 1963,
got eight siblings. One of them is the princess of Butig Butig Lanao del sur was separated from lumbatan
named Lilangen. Her name was derived from the Lanao del sur, holding 8 barrios such as Butig,
M’ranao root word “Lilang” which means “loved Ragayan, Bualan, Pagalungan, Malalis, Pantaon,
one”. Lilangen is the adjective for Lilang. This lady Dulangan, and Bayabao.”
was called Lilangen; thus, everything she needs will be In the statement of Madansalan M. Aromponi Sultan a
given to her. Lilangen was married to Amirogong Romapenut sa Butig of Royal House of Butig
Sakapay, the son of Sarip Radia Kunuga, son of Sarip said: “aya pembetowan sa Butig na ator a biotibotig a
Kabunsoan. The couple was graced with only son sie matatago sa losoda butig a obaya pindiaman a
“Pendoma”, 4th ruler of Butig and later married to piagingudan o Dianaton sa Butig na sa maoto na
Maupaat Umpas, sister of Maupaat Sandab, Umpas
kandadatoaniyan a giya a sulog ago Maguindanao,
and Sandab descended from the royal family in Johor
aya ngaran niyan sa sulog na naso alioden, na aya
and Arabia. Pendoma and Umpas got Amborong and
ngaran niyan sa Maguindanao na naim, na Dianaton
Okho, father of Dianaton of Butig who was later
married to Paramata Asia, daughter of Amatonding a naim sa butig,
Noni. Amborong, on the other hand, was married to
Omon, daughter of Dimasangkayadel, 4th Sultan of Nagonian mapamikir a punaikadi na lomialakao na
Maguindanao to “Mira” bae a labi sa Simoay. kagiya makaganat sa butig, na kagiya magaandun
makaoma na miphakaradi-an so mga pagarinian, asi
Amborong got Amatonding a Noni, Potre Gayo and bogging agosi halem, ago si Dilawa agosi inang na sii

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 864/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

siran miphakaradiyaan ko satimana Torogan na kala- tourists like sumpit in Sandab and Pulo (islet) in
otowa torogan na rondi-imbolang so karabao ago roo Pindolonan which offer free passage to all. Unlike the
di ipaso so mga koda ago roo dii pakambolanga, na sa other municipalities in Lanao, butig is unique for its
lama sa butig na roo misipa a tao sa sipa sa lama ago vast plains and mountain ranges. The plains lie chiefly
roo misipa a tao sa manggis na kagiya sobra so along the lower courses of the Principal rivers, on
plateaus along the lowest slopes of mountain ranges,
pakaradiyaan na piyamaloy siran na sie mini sabap so
and on lowlands along the seacost.
pamaloy ki Dagingan a pagaol na miyaolog so palate
niyan. Na ini sogo iyanon a hay aso na panikun ka Territory
raken so palate yakun na miyakatharo so aso sa
kagiya siyogo akongka na phamaloyn kano na Saber and Tamano (1984-86) stated that the people
inipanikon o aso na piyamaloy siran. hold common interest in their territory where there is a
huge and rough rock called “butig” which according to
Sadn sa pangumbina kiran na pukhapudun na legend, is connected with the exploits of their
minin’tho ko Torogan na Pendiaman na imanto na ancestors. They detested the fact that some of their
ngaraniyan na matasa lupa na imanto naso mga traditional territories were incorporated into the
Kulintang na mimbaloy a ator a mararantar ko official territories of other municipal districts. These
are the barrios of balaygay, nanagun, and Dimapatoi in
miyakalala a takob a ator ago adun a piyagtao-tao run
Lumbatan, and sawir in Masiu. In said barrios, they
a ator na igera a puthibaba-an somong na Dikhatoon
have their kinship relations who have built new
na egera a miyakadukha na rongka puphakambowat
agamas and who participate in the life of other
na ino Damirakes so Dianaton ka kagiya makawma sa communities instead of butig. Even buldon in
mala a bayabao imanto na maarwi na miyatharoon o Cotabato is a part of their traditional territory which
mga datu a dika taros sa butig ka piyamaloy, siran na they thought should be a part of Lanao Province.
giyotowe kiyatharoawn a miyaka pagingud sa
Guimba, na inoman mawarao ago manga Tutugas a This result is also supported by the response of a key
mama su Butig kay kagiya so Dianaton e apo iran. informant in the person of Macalawan Gonda
Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of Royal House of
Na Dimariray so butig ka mona kalontanaan o tolos a Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Butig Lanao del sur during
damariray na dimaya so unayan ka aya mona tupadan an interview with the question: what do you know
about the geographical scope of Butig? As he stated:
o lalaoga damada a sisie makagaganat sa palawa
“Mountanous, sleeping lady like collective image
magatoring na giya piyagayongan a palawa
macaturing ragang, piyagayongan, and latukan, are
makoranda na run makagaganat so lawasa-ig a soti said to be located plane valley of barrio Butig, did then
na miya arogan so gos na minipanagadian a maria and there the rescue airport during the American and
Christina na badun kiyaomani so baguro maakina a Japanese war further located.”
national power a sindawa maliwanag a sie
makagaganat sa Diaptra Butig. Pioneering Sultans of Butig

Geographical scope of Butig The nineteen rules and Sultan of the Royal house of
Butig, from 1645 to 2014 to wit; Sultan Otto Datu sa
Bao, (2012) Geographically, Butig is bounded in the Palao, the first and Founding Sultan of Butig
north by lumbayanague, in the west by Tubaran and (1645-1702), 2. Sultan Gomogaw Otto, Father of
Marogong, in the East by Wao, in the south by North Shiek Diamaoden (1702-1888), 3. Sultan Domato
Cotabato. It is composed of sixteen barangays such as (1935-1940), 4. Sultan Macasimbar (1940-1945), 5.
Butig proper, cabasaran, Coloyan Tambo, Dilabayan, Sultan Datu Imam Diamaoden (1945-1950), 6. Sultan
Dolangan, Pindolonan, Bayabo, Poblacion, Poktan, Macud Palawan (1950-1955) 7. Sultan Bao
Ragyan, Raya, Samer, Sandab madya, sundig, Tiowi, (1955-1960), 8. Sultan Cabagani Gonda (1960-1965),
Timbab and Malungun. Butig has a land area of 9. Sultan Bacarat macabinta (1965-1973) 10. Sultan
56,177.9 sq.mi with estimated population of 19,302 in Mangacop Bangcola (1973-1977), 11. Sultan
numbers as of 2015 (retrieved from PSA, June 20, Alimoden (1977-1981) 12. Sultan Macabayao
2016). Successions of rapids and shallows are so Macadato (1981-1994) 13. Sultan Bangki Macasimbar
common in the watercourse such as Malaig and Organ (1994-1995), 14. Sultan Kimal Mama (1995-1997), 15.
which are said to be couple Rivers known for its scenic Sultan Dimnatang Pansar (1997-2000), 16. Sultan
beauty. The lakes in Butig are mostly visited by Nasroden B. Ador (2001-2008), 17. Sultan Lique L.

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 865/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

Diamaoden (2008-2011), 18. Sultan Monabantog D. The original of Butig as a sultanate was maintained
Kiram (2011-2014), 19. Sultan Pundarola A. Panolong more rigidly when it had only one mosque located at
(2014-2018). Butig Poblacion where all the people prayed together
and interacted in other phases of community life. In
Mystery Stories about the Butig recent years the six original communities have divided
into mosque-groups or agamas as follows: 1. Butig; 2.
Saber and Tamano (1984-86) they hold common Bualan; 3. Pantaon; 4. Poktan; 5. Bayabao;
traditional interests in their territory and kinship, and 6.Pindolonan; 7.Dinganun; 8.Timbab (or Raya
their folk culture which is rich in magical practices, Timbab); 9. Liloda Timbab; 10. Ragayan; 11.
myths, and legends. They take pride in something like Koloyan; 12. Tokasan; 13. Pimbago; 14. Balala; 15.
“the grandeur that was butig,” which they relate as Malalis-Dolangan
once a place where ancestors Dianaton built an
extraordinary house but which did not exist to this day Laws that govern the Pengampong
as it was enchanted and petrified into one of the
“sacred” mountains called pindiaman in their locality. The study of saber (1967) cited by tawagon
In the modern sense, they expressed common desire in (1989-1990) vividly illustrated that the entire socio-
future projects of barrio road constructions and political and territorial organization of the
irrigation system to water their rice lands which pengampong is bound and governed by what we call
suffered from long drought, and the extermination of ko koman or laws which are above the personal,
rats infesting their crops. This result is also supported individual interests of the members of the whole
by the response of a key informant in the person of organization. the pengampong is institutionalized and
Macalawan Gonda Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of not personalized. There are four kinds of laws that
Royal House of Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Sandab operate inlanao which to a certain degree confuse the
maraanos and at the same time give them wider
Butig Lanao del sur during an interview with the
choices. These are the taritib, Adat, Sharia (Islamic
question: can you please tell me mystery stories about
law), and the legal/modern laws. It is not, however, the
the butig? As he stated: “Butig is maranao term known
task of the present work to discuss here the last two.
as “live mole” or symbol incidentally butig was the
original sead of sultanate authority of undivided Lanao The first two laws, the taritib and the adat are still un
before the coming of Spaniards in the early Philippine written. The provisions of these laws are known to the
Government.” specialists called the pananaritib, who, together with
the genealogists called pasasalsila or pagogogod, know
The Culture, Tradition, and Taritib and Igma of
the intricacies and/or complexities of maranao society,
Butig culture and institutions. These specialists define the
provisions of the taritib concerning the relationship
Saber, M and Tamano, M. M (1984-86) stated that the and inter-releationships of territories, communities,
community structure of butig was one of the fifteen kinship groupings, the status-ranking of groups,
original pegawidan sultanates of the “four States of families, individuals, office titles as well as the general
Lanao.” Its ancient structure conssits of butig, the mode of societal behavior. The stratification of
principal community and seat of the sultanate power, membership, leadership, and the rules of authority
and the minor (“supporting”) communities o ragayan, relations in the society are also based upon the taritib
Timbab, Malalis, and Dolangan, but the pegawidan and the salsila as well.
class of butig split into two and a later community was
organized, now called bayabao. This old structure is Baradas has pointed out in his study of Maranao law
charted as follows that: The basic rights and obligations derived its
legitimacy from the taritib which defines in very
precise terms all the primary rules that govern the
entire social system. The taritib…refers to the total
ordering of formal structuring of the society in a
scheme that provided the bases for the ranking of the
lines of descent which serve as the precedence for
determining the specific rights and obligations of
individuals considered to be members of the group. It
refers to the common agreement conceived to have
been made by the a real ancestors at a precise time in

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 866/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

the past and which agreement was finally etched in the customary laws in the Pangampong while Igma
cooper plates and sworn into the Koran to uphold the refers to a consensus decision of people within an
provisions, violations of which is conceived to bring inged in making up their laws. It is originally derived
down supernatural sanctions. This social contact from the Arabic word “ijma” which means consensus,
provided the bases for claiming rights and obligation it is the universal and infallible agreement of either the
by any individual or groups of individuals within this Muslim community as a whole or Muslim scholars in
group. (Tiamson:1970,313,315) particular (Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com
on July 25, 2019). The four datus took an oath thru
The Taritib is the code of Protocol and the pattern for these four written documents: Mokadam in Unayan;
organization. the ordering of authority and power, Maradika in Masiu; Dibolodan in Bayabao and; Kiraat
royal ranking and the proper conduct and formal in Baloi, that they will not violate one’s respective
behavior of the people are governed by the taritib. territories otherwise they will face punishment. (pp.
These are necessary as a guiding principle for the 251). In taking the oath, special rituals were performed
people to follow because it is through them that their such as the following: Firing of an armament, Putting
membership in the pangampong is legitimized. The off flames, Stir-frying alive shrimps, Cracking a very
taritib are sometimes used synonymously and white egg, Hanging of a grass, Pouring out hot
interchangeably with the adat. Specifically, taritib charcoal powder, Cutting of rattan, Boxing on a strong
refers to the set of older traditional laws as handed fence
down by the founding fathers of Lanao. These govern
the relationship between communities and the different Having these rituals at hand would mean placing a
kinship groups, especially with regards to rank, great honor to such agreement which violators will be
prestige, and rights and obligations of each one. These gravely condemned. Thus, four names of pamalian
also include the relations between descent lines and the (curse) were given emphasis: Gapen in Masiu,
places where these lines are drawn. Theoretically, Songkor in Unayan, Naas in Bayabao, Tarian in Baloi.
these are inflexible and open to revisions. They Accordingly anyone who will alter this treaty will be
“interlock persons and places in a network of cursed by these four. Even one curse from these four
ceremonial and legal obligations.”it is to be noted will make the violators extremely suffer from heavy
further that places and descent lines from top down to punishments such as death or poverty which can
the Agama level not found in the taritib have no place involve his/her descendants. This is to remind the
and rights in the pengampong. Also, very bona fide community of the high value of their treaty. The
maranao is entitled and obliged to uphold the taritib. agreement decreed on the respective boundaries of
each principality. In between Unayan and Masiu is the
The study of Bao et.al (2019) stated that The Pat a Lakitan which was lived by Datu Angkubar while
Pangampong a Ranao such as Unayan was called Lakaden is lived by Datu Ampopao. In between Masiu
Marogong; Masiu was referred as Maganding; Baloi and Bayabao is Kitambegen which was lived by Datu
was called as Mimbisa and; Bayabao was called as Karia. In between Masiu and Bayabao is Tinggao,
Dagodob. Noteworthy in this account was the lived by Datu Tagik (Salsila in Butig). The social
Philippines as a country was formerly called as bonds expressed in the value of kinship, interest,
Mantapoli where Sharief Raja Indarapatra’s progeny territory, and status which is sociologically regarded as
permanently settled. (Tingcap, pp.256). The the four springs of action in the community can be
aforementioned pioneers of the Pat a Pangampong sa tested through observing the cultural values of the
Ranao had their origin in Bembaran and migrate to rural people of Butig.
Lanao areas where they divide among themselves the
land. Following their generation who inherited the Kinship
administration of Lanao are the four sovereign datus
who formally gave names to the Pat a Pangampong sa Saber, M and Tamano, M. M (1984-86) The people of
Ranao, as follows: Paskan called Marogong as this rural area take very high pride in their claim for
Unayan, Popawan called Dagodob as Bayabao, Ami royal kinship which they terrm bangsa, they try to
Alongan called Maganding as Masiu, Batolangkongan prove this by relating their genealogy from sarip
called Mimbisa as Baloi. kabunsuan through whom their founding ancestors
Dianaton was descended. they say that their royal
In terms of the establishment of demarcation lines origin was the earliest source of other royal origins in
between the four principalities, the four sovereign Lanao. Although their villages and houses are widely
datus laid down their agreement in taritib and igma scattered over the area, they are tied together by their
which was mentioned in the salsila. Taritib refers to emotional bond of blood relationships. In the statement

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 867/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

of Macalawan Gonda Diamaoden Datu A Cabugatan Bayang, after the creation of the Domalondong
of Royal House of Butig said: “They have separate Sultanate, 16th royal house of Pangampong. The
traditional policy: executive, recommending approval, descendants however of Barakat could only ascend the
legistlative lower/upper 12 sultans as ornamental throne as Sultan of Butig with a term of 4 years as a
places and 99 kalipungan as enforcers/defenders of the new Taritib (System). Butig Sultanate is one of the 16
new seats of authority. royal houses of 4 confederations of Ranao (Pat a
Pangampong) and considered as Paramount Sultanate
Saber and Tamano (1984-86) Stated that Each member of Sebangan a Unayan “east Unayan” (district of
of the community in Butig (Despite the Sub-division Unayan) and most documented in genealogy.
of the community into smaller segments) take pride in
his status as an Ibutigen- “native in butig.” This means This result is also supported by the response of a key
to him the high regard for the place as one of the 15 informant in the person of Macalawan Gonda
original pegawidan sultanates of Lanao. Besides this Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of Royal House of
interest in the ascribed status of a “royal native”, they Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Butig Lanao del sur during
also take interest in new statuses and ranks of political an interview with the question: what do you think is
leaders such as that of mayor, councilor, and other the reason that the taritib and igma of butig is still
government position of influence. Under this kinship preserved today? As he stated: chain of Authority:
status, there is common defense and offense if only the Butig is not only a town but the appointing authority
members of the community are faced by an outside of eastern unayan/ second District of Lanao del sur
enemy, as shown in their rivalries and armed clashes compose of two Royal Houses: Sultan of Butig and
with members of other communities. While familism Sultan a Dumalondong sa Butig, on the other hand,
and localism gradually tend to weaken in more Sultan of as symbol of elder and recommending
advanced or fast-changing communities they are still approval of sons of Jannaton Naeem as upper
strongly preserved in butig under the current isolation legistlative power represented by sultans of: Sawer,
of the community. Transportation and communication Poctan, Macaranon and nanagon, four Datus
which are factors of change have still a long way to represented by sultans of Ragayan, Timbab, Dulangan
minimize the localism of butig. But with this localism and Malalis as Lower House, the twelve ornamental
and familism as the basic ideology of rural life., the
places by sultans of : sundig, pantaon, malungun,
people of Butig tend to be quite easily mobilized
minabay, pagalongan, Dinganun, Romayas, Dilabayan,
toward collective action on the strength of traditional
Tukasan, Coloyan, Minabay, Pindolonan, and
cooperation in community life.
Minitupad ko Ragayn, and the screening committee for
This result is also supported by the response of a key selection of new Datus is that task of every group of
informant in the person of Macalawan Gonda Royal Clan in Place necessary to be reorganized.” And
Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of Royal House of State of order existing within in Traditional AOR Is
Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Butig Lanao del sur during the Taritib and Ijma is justice system: identifying
an interview with the question: are the culture of guilty party, locate guilty party and provide for his
ebutigen still preserved today? And what are the guilt.
tradition of ebutigen still preserved today? As he
Culture of Ebutigen still preserved Today
stated: Yes, their way of identifying new leaders are
surely based on taritib thru chain of Traditional
The book of Tamano and Saber (1985-86) stated that
authority and the igma. Felony for offenders should be
the discernable material evidence of folk culture, the
observed accordingly depending upon the gravity of
existence of primitive beliefs and practices among the
igma/felony.
inhabitants of Butig are indicative of its isolation.
Taritib of Butig While these folk customs are still widespread among
the maranao even in the more sophisticated areas, they
The Article of Acmad (2012) cited by Diamaoden et al are better preserved and more rigidly observed in
(2014) stated that According to the Taritib (traditional Butig. The practice of offering festivities to the spirits
orders) of the Butig handed down through well- of ancestors who, they believe, have influence on the
remembered oral traditions, only male were quality of the harvest is much more systematic in
descendants of the line of Paramata Saimbo, Daughter Butig than elsewhere. Similar magical beliefs are to be
of Dianaton, who was married to Sarip Palawan of found in their treatment of illness through practices in
Tubok Malabang, son of Anta. Saimbo and Palawan which Islamic traits are mixed with pre-Islamic
got Domalondong, Barakat and Potre Umba of elements.

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 868/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

This result is also supported by the response of a key The leaders referred as sultan or Datu holds control of
informant in the person of Macalawan Gonda his subjects altogether with the support of his
Diamaoden, Datu a Cabugatan of Royal House of counselors and committtees. Moreover, butig is an old
Butig/Brgy. Chairman of Butig Lanao del sur during town according to historical references. Even before
an interview with the question:are the cultural heriage the formal establishment of the Sultanate system in
in butig still preserved and can you enumerate the Butig it already had an organized political structure
cultural heritage of butig? As he stated: Yes, Musical and in fact established alliance with sultan Kudarat of
Instruments Kulintang recreation, Sipa, Pagana Maguindanao. Combes description in Historia de
meranaw, varieties of cakes/Mamis for entertainment. Mindanao y Jolo is a proof to the statement.
ebutigen is the founder of GAD Gender and
development in the sense that “Lilangun sa Butig” The book of Tawagon (1989-90) stated that another
Grand sons: were chosen as appointing authority for point to be raised here is the claim that there exists an
succeeding sultan contrary for five brothers for only original genealogy known as the tumbaga sa butig.
recommending approval and legistlative body. Except for the family that keeps it, nobody has seen
this legendary genealogy, although everybody seems
Butig As dubbed a Cradle of Meranaw civilization to talk about it. It is believed to have been written in
“copper plate” and was written when Butig was
The traditional tales and the salsila (genealogy) of the Piamaloy (enchanted). The enchantment referred to
maranao identify butig as the oldest of the early could mean a fortuitous event like an earthquake,
communities in Lanao. The salsila of butig is said to volcanic eruption, etc. at any rate, this tumabaga sa
be the oldest edition of written genealogy among the Butig, according to information, is “sacred” and well-
maranao and its contents are handed down orally or in guarded for the following reasons: (1) there are
more recent record editions to succeeding generations. families mentioned in the genealogy whose origin can
It tells about the royal maguindanao ancestors who be traced to slave ancestors; (2) Families with balbal
first settled butig. The popular claim for royal descent (aswang, not of Humankind background; (3) families
(bangsa) from Sarip Kabunsuan is said to have been whose reputations are marred with social disgrace; and
passed on to the maranao through the ancestors of (4) families with hereditary defects. Therefore, it is
butig who established in Lanao the first royal Islam morally logical that said genealogy be restricted to the
community. Public for possible future abuses. Any request to look
into this original genealogy is always denied, even if it
Majul (1973) mentioned that the flowering of islam in is from scholars for academic purposes and analysis.
Lanao areas started in the unayan area (Malabang and In fact, not all members of the family that keeps the
Butig) and proliferated through marriage alliances. genealogy have ready access to it. If ever a request is
Accordingly, Butig was one of the places first settled granted the conditions set forth by the family are quite
by the shariefs who brought islam and established the prohibitive. First, you must be a well known
sulnate political system. The fertile soil and plain land genealogist; second, you must not use it politically and
attracts the shariefs to stay permanently and leave their socially, or for personal motives and ambitions; third,
descendants in the area who later founded the “Pat a you must know Arabic because this is written in the
Pangampong ko Ranao” namely Baloi, Unayan, Arabic script; and forth, it carries with it some curses
Masiu, and Bayabao (personal interview, Monabantog of which we are never told; and fifth, to open it (just to
Kiram, Former Vice-mayor and Sultan in Butig, June open it and not yet to read it), you must sacrifice a
18,2015). Butig is under the Unayan Principality and carabao as an offering. And opening it requires one to
was its capital. It is connected to the fifteen royal be inside a mosquitos not even during the daytime.
houses of Lanao. By tradition, any meranaw who had This symbolically implies privity.
no bloodline in Butig cannot hold any recognized title
in Lanao. In fact, the present municipality of Butig Is The study of Cayongcat (2000) cited by Diamaoden et
just a mere part of the vast area of Butig from its early al. (2014) stated that The town of Butig, which is
years. However, due to the arrival of the Americans, it located in the Pangampong (Principality) of Unayan, is
was reduced into small territories. As a result, the considered to be the oldest settlement in the center of
principality of Unayan was divided into two parts: East Mindanao. This historic town is the "cradle" of
Unayan and west Unayan. The former is where the Meranao civilization. It is one of the 16 royal houses
present Butig belongs. The Lumbayanague, Lumbatan, of 4 confederations of Ranao (Pat a Pangampong) and
Domalundong and Butig were incorporated in the east is considered as Paramount Sultanate of Sebangan a
unayan and the people from the said municipalities Unayan or “east Unayan” (district of Unayan), the
were under the governance of the sultanate system. most documented in Genealogy. The sultanate system

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 869/870

Psych Educ, 2022, 5: 862-870, Document ID: PEMJ379, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7364236, ISSN 2822-4353
Research Article

of Butig is both democratic and undemocratic. It is would help to further verify the contribution of Butig
democratic because after the selection of the sultan in Lanao del sur to the civilization of the meranaw. (3)
agama (community), there is the participation or power Researcher on Local History particularly the History
of the people to recognize the sultan in the community. of Pat a Pangampong ko Ranaw should gain support
It is undemocratic in the sense that the selection of the from local and national authority to have motivated
sultan is by succession, but this succession is not in the conduct of these researches.
final decision until the decision of the council of elders
is recognized.
References

Conclusion Aromponi, Madansalan, (February 22,2020) Datu a Cabugatan of

Royal house of Sultan Domalondong sa Butig, Ceremonial orator
(Kalalagan), informant on genealogies and traditions. Butig Lanao
del sur.
Butig is derived from a meranaw term “Mimbutibutig”
which refers to a mysterious stone that multiplies into Baradas, D. (1974-1977) Maranaw law: A study of conflict and its
several folds. The stone still existed and said to be resolution in a Multi-Centic power system, Ph.d Dissertation
found in pendiaman, an enchanted torogan that had abstract, on the codification of Muslim Customary (adat) and
Quranic laws edited by Alfredo T. Tiamson. Ateneo de Davao
once occupied by the royal datu’s and sultans such as College and Mindanao State University, Mindanao Journal, III,
Sultan Jannatun Naim, and his siblings Sultan No.3-4
Dangaw, Boging, Halim, Dilawa and Inana during
ancient times. Nonetheless, the stone remains a Bao, N, B. et al (2019) Lanao history of Land Distribution, College
of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mindanao State University.
mystery since it was hidden in the deepest hole of the
ground invisible to the sight of people. Many villagers Diamaoden, Macalawan G. (February 20, 2020) Datu a Cabugatan
driven by curiosity attempted to penetrate pendiaman of Royal House of Butig, Former Chief of Police of Municipality of
Butig, current Barangay Chairman of Sandab Butig Lanao del sur,
expecting to unravel the secrecy of this significant
informant on genealogies and traditions, Butig Lanao del sur.
item however, no one ever succeeded.
Diamaoden, A. A. et al (2014) Sultanate of Butig: a perspective
It is undeniably that the historic town is the "cradle" of among the constituents of Municipality of Butig, Lanao del sur,
Undergraduate Thesis, King Faisal Center for Islamic Arabic and
Maranao civilization connected to all the 15 Royal
Asian Studies, Mindanao state University.
Houses of Lanao. By tradition, any individual who has
no blood line in Butig cannot hold any recognized Diamaoden, Hadji Rokayah T. (March 20, 2020) Ceremonial orator
Royal Title in Lanao. The purely natives of Butig are (kalalagan), informanton genealogies and Traditions, Butig Lanao
del sur.
known to their Prominent (Pananaroon) Proverb
“Lembong a Ebutigen a Mangeronot sa Kota” its Saber, M and Tamano, Mauyag M (1984-86) Decision-making and
symbolized that People of Butig would never allow social Change in Rural Moroland, Mindanao Journal X11-1-4,
themselves to loss their Dignity by swallowing the University Research Center Mindanao State University, Marawi
City.
pride (Maratabat). consequently, The salsila of
butig”Tumbaga sa Butig cooper plate is said to be the Tiamason. A. T (ed). (1974-1977) On the codification of Muslim
oldest edition of written genealogy among the maranao Customary (adat) and quranic Laws. Ateneo de Davao College and
Mindanao State University, Mindanao Journal, Vol. III, nos.3-4.
and its contents are handed down orally or in more
recent record editions to succeeding generations. It Tawagon, M.R (1989-90) the Pengampong: Multiple Sultanates of
tells about the royal maguindanao ancestors who first Lanao, University Research Center Mindanao State University
settled butig. The popular claim for royal descent Marawi City, Philippines.
(bangsa) from Sarip Kabunsuan is said to have been
passed on to the maranao through the ancestors of
butig who established in Lanao the first royal Islam
Affiliations and Corresponding Information
community.
Arsalan A. Diamaoden
With this humble study, the researcher would like to Bangsamoro Sports Commission Bangsamoro
recommend the following; (1) there should the people Government Center Cotabato City - Philippines
of Lanao trace their bangsa particularly their blood line
in Butig Lanao del sur. (2) There should be a
comprehensive research utilizing the triangular method

Arsalan A. Diamaoden 870/870