The Ancestors of the Malays, Indonesian & Filipinos; The groups of ancient people who settled in the Philippines (timeline)

 Ancestors of Filipinos, Indonesians and Malays

The groups of ancient people in the now called Philippines (timeline)

• First Settlers: Homo Luzonensis - the ancestors of Negritos - 67,000 years ago
• Second Group: Austronesian - 5,000 to 1,500 B.C.
• Third Group: Indones (Ancient Indonesian) First batch - 4,200 B.C.
• Fourth Group: Indones (Ancient Indonesian) second batch - 1,500 B.C.
• Fifth Group: Malay - 300 to 200 B.C.

Most Philippine citizens, the non-natives or non-Lumads are counted as among the people from Mongolian origin through the massive Austronesian expansion to the region that eventually dominates over the other settlers. Although the Austronesians which are from the mixed of Mongolian race dominated over the other tribes and the other migrants, both and all Filipinos today are still closely related due to intermarriages making them as mixed race and "blooded" by the Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysians. 

The Austronesian-Malay race dominated the Philippines Islands during the 300 to 200 B.C. in their northward migration but it could not twist the fact that before their settlement,  there are already earlier groups of people who came and settled in the ancient island nation now called “The Philippines”.

Timeline: Ancient time, first settlers, populating the Philippines and important world events 

The First settlers of the Island Nation Philippines

There are evidences unearthed from Callao cave and concluded on 2019 that an early hominin settled in the Island of Luzon since 50,000 to 67,000 years ago. They were called "Ubag" or the cave people which is scientifically called  "Homo Luzonensis" a hominin who settled in Luzon Island with remains excavated from Callao cave; the first settlers of the island nation since as early as 50,000 to 67,000 years ago based on the carbon dating assessment of the excavated remains.  

The Homo Luzonensis from Callao cave of the island of Luzon are said to be the ancestors of the Negritos who were among the archipelago's earliest inhabitants. The Negritos are the ancestors of the Lumads or natives that includes Aeta of Luzon Island, Ati and Tumandok of Panay Island, Agta of Sierra Madre and Mamanwa of Mindanao Island. 

The unearthed evidences of the Homo Luzonensis slowly filled out the the genetic gap of the origin of the shorter and darker skin people in Southeast Asia which are not closely related to the pygmies of Africa. 

The Negritos were also migrating and continuously moving southward  due to their livelihood of hunting animals for food then eventually reached and occupied the islands of Borneo, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Southern Thailand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India making them as the early inhabitants of most part of Southeast Asia.

The wave of Austronesian Southward and Eastward migration

After more than 62,000 years of the first settlement in the Philippines of the Negritos that have also settled the other islands of Southeast Asia; the Austronesians who's origin were from the Mongolian people who are mixed of blood of Chinese, and Japanese that settled Taiwan (Formosa) started their migration southward to the islands now called the Philippines around 5000 B.C. Ancient first wave of Austronesians that expanding southward are the second group of people that settled the island nation Philippines next to the Negritos of Homo Luzonensis. The encounter of both races have caused the livelihood and cultural assimilation including intermarriages of both races. 

Within 5,000 to 1,500 B.C., Austronesian mass expansion continues leaving their influences to the paces they occupied and continue moving both south and eastward occupying Luzon, Mindoro, Palawan, Visayas, Mindanao, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Vietnam, Southern Thailand, Myanmar, Islands in Indian Ocean and even reaching to Madagascar. While other Austronesian groups who were already in the Philippine Islands were continuously expanding towards the eastern direction going to the islands in the Pacific; Palau, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, most of the islands in the pacific, and until New Zealand.

Northward & Reverse Migration of the Indones (Ancient Indonesian)

During 4,200 B.C. or around 800 years of Austronesian southward migration, a reverse migration of the mixed blooded Austronesian from Borneo, Indonesia and Malaysia took place. They are the Indo-Austronesians group locally called Indones. 

While the big wave of Austronesian expansion continues to the southwest, the other big groups of Indones (the ancient Indonesian) people who have settled in Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia started a reverse northward migration. They were the first batch of Indones (Ancient Indonesian) who are mixed blooded called Indo- Austronesian race who then occupied the islands in Mindanao merging with the early Austronesians and Negritos. These group of Indones(Ancient Indonesian) are characterized by slender body figure, fair-complexioned, sharp and thin-faced and deep-set eyes but their noses are fine. They are more modern in comparison to the Negritos and the early Austronesians. They built houses with holes in the ground or on top of the trees. They know how to shoot, fish, to farm,  eat and cook their meals. 

They occupied the coastal areas of Mindanao and intermarriages occurred with the Negritos and the early Austronesians who settled the islands.  The first batch of the group of Indones (Ancient Indonesian) is the third group of ancient people that settled in Mindanao Island. These Indones (Ancient Indonesian) were merging with the early Austronesians and Negritos and become the ancestors of the now called Lumads in Mindanao Island that includes the Subanen people. 

Second batch of Indones (Ancient Indonesian)

During 1,500 B.C., another group of Indones (Ancient Indonesian) mass migration occurred. They are called as the second batch of Indones (Ancient Indonesian) that migrated eastward direction who were originated in the Indo-China and Central Asian Peninsula, then settled on the Luzon coast. Their lives are better than the previous group. 

It is believed that they created the Ladder Banawe Stairs in Ifugao which is famous now as "Banaue Rice Terraces". They are the ancestors of the Lumads in Ifugao and Benguet.

This group were having different characteristic and features than the first wave of Indones (Ancient Indonesian) migrants. The second batch is shorter in height, larger in built, darker in complexion, well-pronounced jaws, broad rectangular face, large facial features and firmly set eyes. 

Their different features from the first batch is presumed to be an effect of genetic mutation due to environmental factors as science explained that every 1000 years of settling in a certain location, a genetic mutation would occur that could result into changing of color, looks, build, body features, etc to adapt the environment and their way of living. This second batch of people are the fourth group of people that settled the Philippines and merging with the existing Negritos, early Austronesians, and the first batch of Indones (Ancient Indonesian). 

Malays

Malays migrated in a big group northward during the 300 to 200 B.C. This big group of migrants moved northward from Indonesia, Malaysia and  Borneo to Sulu, Palawan and Mindoro Islands then merged with the Negritos, the early Austronesians and the Indones then eventually settled most of the islands in Visayas, Luzon, Panay, and Bohol. They became the most dominant group of migrants and eventually outnumbered the previous groups.

Malay is the fifth group of people that migrated to the Philippines that mostly settled in the coastal areas of Sulu, Southern Mindanao, Visayas islands and Luzon. 

Malay group are the ancestors of the people in the Visayas such as; the Bisaya/ Cebuano including Ilonggo, Waray and Boholano; the people of Luzon including the Tagalog, Ilokano, Bikolano, Kampampangan, and Panggasinense and the groups in Mindanao; the Maguindanao and  Maranao  that settled in the southern part of Mindanao and the Tausug, and Yakan tribe that settled in Sulu Islands.

Most of the Malay people in the Philippines are believed to be from the biggest tribes of Borneo that left in a group and moved northward then settled the Islands in the Philippines during 300 to 200 B.C.

The History of Subanen since the Neolithic Era or the Stone Age

 Subanen People and History

 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:;

1. Basilan Island
2. Camiguin Island
3. Lanao del Norte
4. Misamis Occidental
5. Misamis Oriental
6. Zamboanga del Norte
7. 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.

Livelihood, Seasons, and Meteorology 

The Subanen people have long been engaged in trade, influenced by Chinese merchants who frequently visited their territory for commercial exchanges. The primary trading hubs were O’samis, Indangan, and Samboangan, which served as key barter and trade centers since ancient times. Despite their involvement in commerce, the majority of Subanen people sustain themselves through farming, producing their own goods for trade.

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.

The Subanen also use the stars to guide their agricultural practices. They believe that the constellation Orion signals the time for the clearing of a new swidden. The monthly rotation of the stars is a guide for the swidden cycle during the first months of the year.

In addition to trading and farming, the Subanen also engage in fishing, hunting, and gathering of forest products. They are self-sufficient people who live in harmony with nature. 

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.

Political System

Adapting the ruling National Government; the Subanen Political Structure headed by Datu as the highest ruler, also in accordance to RA 8371

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.

If an elder Tim'uay chooses not to assume the title of Datu, they may retain their rank while maintaining the same level of authority. In this case, they serve as the highest council of elders within their domain. Young and trained Tim'uays also become members of this council, known as Gukom members, contributing to governance and decision-making within their villages.  

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.