Subanen People and History
The Subanen people first settled in the Mindanao Islands more than 4,200 years ago, as evidenced by archaeological findings of unearthed artifacts within their ancient Subanen territory as depicted in historical maps..
Among the 20 indigenous Lumad groups in Mindanao, the Subanen were one of the earliest and largest tribes to inhabit the island. According to oral traditions passed down through generations, the Subanen were the mother tribe of the Higaonon, Bukidnon, Kamigin, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon tribes. Over time, these groups branched off, forming distinct tribal identities, especially among those who settled near the Odiongan and Gahub rivers in Gingoog, as well as those who established communities near the Pulangi River, which flows through Bukidnon and North Cotabato.
As the Subanen people encountered other tribes migrating into their vast territory, they often integrated with friendly neighboring groups. Intermarriage between different tribes was common, leading to the formation of new tribal communities. Over time, this cultural blending contributed to the evolution and diversification of indigenous groups in the surrounding regions..
The Subanen people have traditionally preferred to live near rivers, as proximity to water provides easy access to essential resources. Originally, they settled in low-lying areas, but the arrival of aggressive migrant groups—such as the Tausug and Yakan tribes—as well as the continuous migration of Cebuanos to coastal regions within Subanen territory, gradually forced the Subanen to retreat into the interior.
Despite being a peaceful people, the Subanen exhibit two adaptive tendencies. When they hold the majority in an area, they naturally dominate and control their territory. However, when outnumbered, they either migrate elsewhere to avoid conflict or integrate with the majority settlers. Their willingness to share land stems from the belief that land belongs to everyone, not just to a single person, and should be accessible to all. In Subanen law, welcoming visitors or new migrants into their territory is not considered an invasion. However, coercive attempts to impose foreign beliefs and cultures are equated to warfare.
The continuous influx of different tribes and migrants into Subanen lands has significantly disrupted their traditional way of life. Many Subanen people either migrate to new areas to escape incoming settlers or assimilate into the dominant culture, sometimes even concealing their identity to blend in. As a result, succeeding generations are increasingly unfamiliar with Subanen customs and language, leading to a gradual erosion of their cultural heritage.
War and Weapons
Like other tribes, the Subanen people are skilled warriors who can be aggressive when necessary. They are willing to engage in battles when victory seems likely, but if the odds are against them, they prefer to avoid direct confrontation, opting instead for subtle infiltration tactics.
The Subanen people have mastered two types of weaponry—hard weapons and soft weapons. Hard weapons, commonly wielded by men in combat, include steel and bamboo spears, single-edged swords (kampilan), scythes, and bolos. Soft weapons, on the other hand, are primarily used by women fighters, though some warriors employ both types in battle.
Soft weapons are often associated with magical poison, so named because they work invisibly and with great secrecy. These poisons are extracted from highly toxic plants found in the forests of Southeast Asia, particularly on Mindanao Island. Experts have confirmed that these substances are potent enough to weaken or even kill an enemy upon inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption through microscopic pores.
The application of soft weapons is exceptionally discreet. Pulverized toxins, light enough to be carried by the wind, can be transmitted covertly. Attacks may occur through mere eye contact, physical touch, air currents, or by secretly introducing poison into an enemy’s food or drink.
Despite their knowledge of warfare, the Subanen people are inherently peaceful. They prioritize diplomacy and dialogue over conflict, always seeking peaceful resolutions before resorting to battle.
Ancient times Subanen territory
The names of the ancient places in the ancient Subanen territory.
History of Mindanao and the Subanen Rulers
The Subanen people first settled in the Zamboanga Peninsula around 4,200 BCE. By 4,000 BCE, the region was ruled by the wealthy and powerful couple, Datu M’ndanao and Bai M’lindang. They had seven children—five sons and two daughters—who ruled alongside them.
Datu M’ndanao’s younger brother, Datu M’guindanao, also lived with him during his youth. However, he later traveled southeast in search of a wife and eventually settled in what is now known as Maguindanao, where he established his own rule.
Datu M’ndanao and Bai M’lindang had several successful sons who governed different regions across the island now called Mindanao.
- Datu Labangan, their third son, ruled the southern part of Samboangan—now known as the Zamboanga Peninsula. He governed the areas of Zamboanga del Sur and later married Bai S’bugay, expanding his rule over present-day Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. He was the ancestor of Gomotan San’gira and Bai Sibugay, who were later blessed with three sons—twins Palaga’nding and Ra’inding, and Gomeed—as well as a daughter, Binukot (Princess) Bulaw, who ruled the territory before the Spanish colonization.
- Datu N’wang (Nawang), their fourth son, was described as a slender yet brilliant leader with a sharp trading mind. He ruled Samboangan, now known as Zamboanga, and developed the region into the island’s trading and barter capital. During his reign, his youngest brother, Basilan, lived and ruled alongside him. Basilan eventually grew into his own leadership role and became the ruler of Basilan Island.
Datu T’ngkilan (Tangkilan), the second son of Datu M’ndanao and Bai M’lindang, ruled the northeastern part of Samboangan, now known as Zamboanga del Norte. He married Bai Indangan and eventually settled in her homeland, expanding and strengthening the territory that is now called Sindangan.
The eldest son, Datu Mis’samis, was the most courageous and powerful among his siblings. He ruled over vast regions, including Malindang, Lanao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro (formerly known as Himologan), Camiguin, and Gingoog (historically called Gingoyon). According to historical accounts, Bai M’lindang, the mother of Datu Mis’samis, was buried at the foot of the mountain now known as Mount Malindang.
Since the ancient times, Subanen people have occupied seven distinct territories, symbolizing the seven rays of the sun:;
- Basilan Island
- Camiguin Island
- Lanao del Norte
- Misamis Occidental
- Misamis Oriental
- Zamboanga del Norte
- Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay (del Sur and Sibugay united as 1 governorate)
Around 4,000 BCE, the Subanen people of Zamboanga expanded their settlement to the uninhabited island of Basilan, becoming its first inhabitants. Given Basilan’s proximity to the ancient barter trading center in Zamboanga and its fertile lands, the Subanen intensified their farming efforts to produce surplus agricultural goods for trade. However, this thriving agricultural production abruptly ended when a large migration of Yakan tribes from South Borneo arrived, significantly outnumbering the Subanen and ultimately overthrowing their rule.
One of the most significant migration events in Basilan’s history occurred between 300 and 200 BCE, when the Yakan people migrated to the island in massive numbers. Despite the Subanen having occupied Basilan for nearly 4,000 years, the Yakan population quickly overtook them, forcing many Subanen to abandon their rule. This upheaval severely impacted Subanen culture and their peaceful existence on the island, compelling many of them to migrate back to Zamboanga or integrate with the newcomers through marriage and cultural assimilation.
Over generations, the Subanen have mastered the intricate relationship between natural phenomena and the agricultural cycle. This deep understanding is particularly evident among the Subanen Sindangan group, who rely on folk knowledge to predict weather patterns. They closely observe wind movements and recognize subtle signs indicating imminent weather changes. Using their indigenous meteorological techniques, the Subanen distinguish three distinct seasons within the agricultural cycle:
- Pendupi (June to September): This is the wet season when the winds blow from the southwest. The Subanen plant their upland rice during this time.
- Miyan (December to January): This is the season of the northeast monsoon rains. The Subanen plant their lowland rice during this time.
- Pemeres (March to April): This is the dry season. The Subanen harvest their crops during this time.
Subanen People have long observed the relationship between a pet cat’s eyes and the movement of the moon to predict tidal changes. For inland communities, cats serve as natural indicators of when to go fishing during low tide. Additionally, the color and size of a cat’s eyes are believed to signal the best times for planting crops.
Leafy vegetables are planted during high tide, while root crops—such as cassava, sweet potato (camote), gabi, ubi, bisol, and taro—are sown during low tide. When a cat’s eyes appear larger and darker, it signals low tide, marking the ideal time for planting root crops. Conversely, when a cat’s eyes are smaller and lighter, it indicates high tide, making it the perfect time to cultivate leafy greens.
The Subanen people have long been skilled agriculturists, cultivating crops both for trade and sustenance. Their ancestors practiced dry agriculture and possessed pottery-making knowledge. Today, they employ three primary cultivation methods: wet agriculture, dry agriculture, and swidden farming.
Along the coast, wet agriculture is common, utilizing plows and carabaos to produce staple rice crops. Further inland, both wet and dry agriculture are practiced, while swidden farming dominates the upland interior. Coastal communities also cultivate coconuts alongside rice, whereas those living further inland grow corn in addition to these staple crops.
Beyond rice and corn, various root crops—including camote, cassava, pastilan, bisol, gabi (taro), and ubi (yam)—are cultivated. These are either roasted, boiled, or processed into preserves and sweets. In some areas, tobacco is also planted.
To supplement their food and income, the Subanen engage in fishing, hunting, and gathering forest resources. The surplus rice they produce, along with wax, resin, and rattan collected from the forests, is traded in coastal markets for items such as cloth, blades, axes, betel boxes, ornaments, Chinese jars, porcelain, and gongs.
The Subanen people follow a peaceful, non-contesting monarchy system. Their ruler is neither appointed nor elected but is chosen based on their willingness to lead, wisdom, education, experience, leadership skills, governance ability, financial capacity, and capability to manage their people. At the highest level of authority stands the Datu, who is responsible for organizing and uniting the Datus and Tim’uays throughout the territory.
Subanen society is patriarchal, with the family serving as the fundamental governmental unit. Villages are led by a Tim’uay, while larger territories are governed by a Datu. The Datu oversees multiple Tim’uays and is recognized as the supreme ruler of the territory, serving as the central figure of leadership that unites the people.
An elder Tim'uay who has trained and guided numerous young Tim'uays to become leaders and successors in their respective villages may be elevated to the rank of "Datu" through a process of enthronement conducted by their followers and the Tim'uays they govern. However, this elevation is contingent upon their willingness to accept the higher title, as it depends on their status in life, financial capability, and ability to govern their Tim'uays and villages effectively.
The title of Datu was the highest rank of leadership in the ancient Subanen People's Kingdom (SPK). However, due to influences from the Indian empire, some Subanen rulers adopted the title Rajah or Raja, which became the supreme designation for leadership among the Subanen people. Later, as Indian influence waned, many rulers who had adopted these foreign titles reverted to the original title of Datu to reaffirm their indigenous identity.
Several notable Datus emerged from different regions during the pre-colonial era, each playing a significant role in governing their respective territories:
Gomotan Labangan – Ruler of Zamboanga del Sur and Sibugay
Datu N'wang (Nawang) – Ruled Samboangan, now known as Zamboanga
Datu of Mis'samis – A warrior and skilled Rajah who governed the lands of M'lanao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, and Camiguin
Datu T'ngkilan (Tangkilan) – Ruler of Sindangan, including Dip'ag, now called Dipolog
Datu Basilan – Ruler of Basilan Island
Despite having multiple ruling Datus and Rajahs across different areas of Subanen territory, the Subanen people maintained a history free of severe conflict. This was due to their deeply rooted values of equality, mutual respect, non-interference, and non-contestation of power. They believed that all Subanen were relatives and family, meant to coexist in harmony. Central to their governance philosophy was the idea of a commonwealth, where land and territory were collectively owned rather than individually possessed. This principle allowed people to move freely within Subanen-controlled lands, farm, earn a living, and establish their own communities without restrictions.
However, the invasion of the Spaniards led to the eventual downfall of the ruling Datus. The Spaniards attempted to eradicate the Subanen language, culture, and beliefs, forcing many to retreat deep into the jungles, where they survived for centuries. Some Subanen assimilated into Spanish society, while others continued to practice their traditions in secrecy, passing down their history through generations.
One notable successor from the lineage of Datu Tangkilan of Sindangan, whose ancestors had partially blended with Spanish influences, gradually re-established the untold history of the Subanen rule within their ancestral lands, ensuring that their cultural legacy endured.
A descendant of Datu Tangkilan of Sindangan, who preserved the history of their ancestral rule, gradually re-established the Subanen People's Kingdom (SPK). Rising to leadership within his family, he became Datu G'ndao (Gendao), dedicated to reorganizing, restructuring, and uniting the people of the Subanen Territory.
Datu Tangkilan traces his lineage directly to Datu Mindanao, the earliest Datu known to have settled on the island of Mindanao.
