Tarik Sulayman

In this Philippine name for indigenous people, this person is addressed by the sole name, Sulayman.

Tarik Sulayman, also spelled Tarik Soliman^[1] (from Arabic طارق سليمان Tāriq Sulaiman), is the most popular of several names attributed by Kapampangan historians to the individual that led the forces of Macabebe against the Spanish forces of Miguel López de Legazpi during the Battle of Bangkusay Channel on June 3, 1571.^[2] Aside from "Tarik Sulayman", this individual has also been associated with the names Bambalito^[3] or Bankau by some historians,^[4] while others simply consider him "nameless."^[4]

Tarik Sulayman Monument in Macabebe, Pampanga

The Spanish records do not identify that individual by name, so the attribution of the name Tarik Sulayman is based on genealogical records presented by the leader's supposed Kapampangan descendants during the 19th century.^[5]

The Battle of Bangkusay happened because he refused to ally with the Spaniards as Lakandula had done, decided to mount an attack on the Spaniards, massing his forces at Bangkusay Channel. López de Legazpi got word of the impending attack and launched a preemptive strike. The Macabebe forces were defeated, and Tarik Sulayman himself was killed.^[6]

The Spanish victory at Bangkusay and López de Legazpi's friendship with Lakandula enabled the Spaniards to establish themselves throughout the city and its neighboring towns.

Sulayman Controversy

Some controversy exists about whether Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe, and Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila were the same person. This is presented to be the case in some versions of the Battle of Bangkusay,^[7] but Kapampangan historians insist that the two were different individuals who are often confused with one another because of their names.^[2] Some have even suggested that the two men were related.

In any case, the Spanish records do not identify the leader of the Macabebe forces by name, but they do record that he died during the Battle of Bangkusay, resulting in a Macabebe retreat and a Spanish Victory.^[8] Rajah Sulaiman of Manila, on the other hand, is clearly recorded as participating in the 1574 Manila Revolt. This data reinforces the theory that the two are completely different men, as the Spanish clearly knew who is Rajah Sulaiman of Manila, and that they did not use his name when writing about Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe.

Sources

1. . Archived from the original on 2010-06-05. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
2. Tantingco, Robby (October 24, 2006). . Sun Star Pampanga. Archived from the original on October 24, 2018.
3. "The Warrior and Mercenary Culture of the Macabebes". 16 June 2009. Retrieved 2012-01-21.
4. "Historical error corrected: Rajah Soliman out, nameless hero in". 17 July 2016.
5. Dery, Luis Camara (2001). A History of the Inarticulate: Local History, Prostitution, and Other Views from the Bottom. Quezon City: New Day Publishers. ISBN 971-10-1069-0.
6. Piedad-Pugay, Chris Antonette (6 June 2008). "The Battle of Bangkusay: A Paradigm of Defiance against Colonial Conquest". National Historical Institute Website. National Historical Institute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines). from the original on 24 April 2009.
7. History of Manila. Accessed September 08, 2008.
8. San Agustin, Gaspar de (1998). Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas 1565–1615 (in Spanish and English). Translated by Luis Antonio Mañeru. Intramuros, Manila: Pedro Galende, OSA.

 

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