SULTAN PANGADAPUN BENITO

SULTAN PANGADAPUN BENITO

FIRST MERANAO SULTAN OF MAGUINDANAO

One of the Top 50 Model Sultans of Iranaon

to Inspires the Meranao Youth

Maguindanao Sultanate

He was born and raised in Upper Unayan, his parents came from the royalty of Pagayawan, Picong, Tubok and Ganassi. He is the direct descendant of 16th Sultan Kibad Sahriyal Benito of Maguindanao, to his son Sultan Alamansa Dolkarnain, to his son Sultan Qudratulla Untong 18th Sultan, to his son Serongan Sarip Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao a Datumulok of Sulu, brother of Sultan Mastura of Maguindanao and Datu Dakula of Sibugay Maguindanao, to Datu Ilian (Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra of Maguindanao)

Accordingly; in the old days the coastal areas of Lanao del sur are part of Maguindanao’s territories (part of the Iranon region), Sultan Laot Boisan and Sultan Dimasangkay were brothers of different mother. Dimasangkay enthroned 4th sultan of Maguindanao right after the death of his father sultan Bangkaya 3rd Sultan of Maguindanao. He, Dimasangkay later succeeded by his half brother Gugu Sarikula 5th Sultan who was contested by his nephew Radjamoda of Maguindanao, son of late Dimasangkay from Bae Maira of Simoay. (Most Iranuns and Meranaos claimed descents from Dimasangkay Adel)

The throne went to the father of Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat to settle and pacify the conflict between Radjamuda and Gugu Sarikula to unite the clan. Those days, Mohammad Dipatuan was a Youngman to rule Maguindanao sultanate. Later on, Sultan Laot Boisan relinquished his throne to his son Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat year 1619. Radjamuda and Gugua gave their full support to Sultan Kudarat when the throne went to him. (Those times Meranaos, Maguindanaos and Iranons were unites under one rule)

After the death of Sultan Kudarat, succeeded by his eldest son Sultan Dundang, some report that he relinquished the throne; the descendants however of Dimasangkay were disappointed, because they expected that after Sultan Kudarat the throne should be went to the direct descendants of Dimasangkay Adel because he is the eldest son. After the death of Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat, Meranao and Iranon start bidding their own sultanates and gradually withdrew their sympathy to the sultanate of Maguindanao.

Balabagan Mayor

Balabagan, Malabang, Tubok, Kapatagan and Picong bid for their own Sultanates, however still under the Umbrella of Maguindanao’s sultanate. The Pata Pangampong a Ranao was updated thru the efforts of 8 datus, 15 Royal sultanates were created, 28 legislative bodies were established, 4 boundaries sultanates were formally updated, all of these are strategies to defend Iranaon’s land and tactics to let the Spaniards thought that many sultans to fight.

In the first quarter of 19 century, modern government was introduced to main land Mindanao. Coastal area of Lanao Del Sur became one municipality and name Malabang the oldest town in the Philippine. Datu Esmail Macabato Maruhom (kakay Dilana) first appointed and first elected mayor. Kakay Dilana Maruhom was defeated to Amer Macaorao Balindong (sultan of Picong) in re-election on 1953. In the following election; Datu Pangadapun Benito run for mayorship against his cousin Amer "Macaorao" Balindong and did not succeed 1959,

Late Senator Domocao Alonto (may Allah bless his soul) made his decision to separated Balabagan from Malabang and he installed Pangadapun Benito as municipal mayor of Balabagan LDS 1960, to pacify and reconcile him with Mayor Amer Balindong (Sultan of Picong), because he was the political rival of Amer Balindong in Malabang, that was a good Idea for the rivalry of the two datus who were childhood friends, cousin and both Amego guerrilla fighters became political rival. Sultan Amer Balindong remained as mayor of Malabang until Marcos regime.

Few years after, during his incumbency as municipal mayor, there was a feuds “rido” between the people of Sultan of Maguindanao, Pangadapun Benito, mayor of Balabagan, against the natives of Balabagan, many were affected and have killed, the conflict was resolved thru the efforts of Sultan Pangadapun Benito and Senator Domocao Alonto, with the help of other respected Datus.

As a Sultan of Maguindanao

Pangadapun Benito became the Sultan of Maguindanao [because] it was a privilege that was given to him by the Maranao/Iranun datus and to pacify him because there were so many people have killed already in those feuds. Apparently, there was no resistance from the heirs of the late Sultanate of Maguindanao; they did not object to it because they knew the blood connections of Pangadapun Benito to their family line, and his rightful to claim as sultan (The Sultan of Maguindanao whom he succeeded was too old and stood in Sibogay now Pagadian). They were also persuaded by the datus of Lanao led by Senator “Domocao” Alonto not to interfere or not to object because they are pacifying a family war between two great clans.

Mayor Pangadapun Benito recognized as sultan by the royal sultanates of Sulu, Brunei, Johor and also recognized by the president of the Philippines (Ferdinand E. Marcos) and President Suharto of Indonesia as ruling sultan of Maguindanao. His Royal welcome in the Malacanag palace done thru Sultan Mohammad Ali Dimaporo his childhood friends and “BALAIYA”, more recognitions, citations have done local and International.

Sultan Pangadapun Benito is the most deserving among meranao to the throne as sultan of Maguindanao, comparing to other Meranao datus during those time. Aside from his lineage to claim the sultanate, his connections to other strong politicians and respected leaders in Maguindanao-Ranao has been established. *The wife of Sultan and mayor of Binidayan “Muliloda Datumulok” is his niece. *the wife of ex Mayor Macatanao Dalidig of Pagayawan is his niece. *His daughter Bae Monera Benito Maruhom married to the son of Sultan and Mayor of Marogong Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom, now the incumbent mayor Actor T. Maruhom. *His son Datu Otomama Benito married to Bae Sittie Raihanah Dimaporo Benito, daughter of Governor Sultan Ali Dimaporo. *His son Datu Masiding Benito married to the daughter of General Mamarinta Lao, first Muslim General in the Philippines. *The incumbent mayor of Calanogas is his son “Datu Macapado Benito”. *His son Datu Camad Benito was appointed mayor of Kapatagan LDS during the presidency of Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino. *One of his daughters married to Atty. Abdul Azis Amerol Padate son of Hon. Judge Macapandi Marohom Padate, Late Sultan of Tubok. *His son Datu Saipal married to the daughter of Director Mambuay of Wato and more connections to mentions.

In addition to the mentions connections, *Datu Pangcoda former mayor of Pagayawan is his first cousin. *the Sultan and Mayor of Pagayawan “Dirangarun Benito” is his younger brother. *The Mayor of Calanogas “Moktar” is his first cousin. *One of his wives is niece of Sultan and Senator Alauya Alonto (the mother of late Governor Mamintal Adiong first married to him). *His first wife was the sister of Mayor of Wato-Balindong “Datu Epi Mangurun” and Mayor of Kapai LDS. *His son Datu H. Fahad "Kamilo" Balindong Benito married to Dr H. Faida “Edna” Ogka Benito, the incumbent mayor of Balabagan LDS. *His son Atty. Boning Benito was former mayor of Balabagan and father In-law of Hon Jalal Langlang Asum, the incumbent mayor of Lumbayangue LDS. *His daughter Bae Saida Benito Dagalangit married to the son of Mayor Mangayao Dagalangit of Lumba a Bayabao LDS. That mentions connections are not to raises his chair but to show and defined him as strong leader. Being a leader and Sultan you need strong connections to be able to take the stability and peace in the leadership.

Before as a Sultan and politician

Datu Pangadapun Benito grown up in a humble way with an ordinary life, he grew as potential leader, highly trained for the Igma and Taritib in the royal court of Pagayawan which is one of the 16 royal sultanates of pangampong a Ranao. During the American occupation in Ranao, massive education and socio economic campaign movement had been introduced and even distribution of relief goods all over the country, his parents failed to send him in school because they were thinking for the Christianity conversion if he study for the western education.

At his young age; Pangadapun Benito became active guerilla fighter to defend western Unayan from the Japanese resistance and others intruders who are trying to grabs Iranun’s land in the coastal area. He met 2 others respected and feared datus, Sultan Amer “Macaorao” Balindong and Sultan Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom. The 3 Datus including him, agreed to forms their own guerrilla comrades fighters to protect western Unayan for any possible crimes. Datu Abdulmadid “Titingalupa” Panondiongan Maruhom stayed at the upper of east Unayan and chose Marogong as his own camp with his more than 300 loyal comrades’ guerrilla fighters. Datu Pangadapun Benito stayed at the center of west Unayan, he chose Kodongan in Kalanogas as his own camp with his more than 350 guerrilla fighters. Datu Amer “Macaorao”Balindong stayed at coastal areas and chose Tanaoan in Picong as his own camp with his more than 400 royal comrades’ guerrilla fighters. The three datus became allied, close friends and ‘BABALAIYA” they finally controlled their areas, sometimes they were called 3 Rebel’s commanders of Unayan and labeled most wanted for the Japanese government of the Philippines.

Before as guerrilla commander; he was offered as mayor of Pagayawan, instead; he let his younger brother Sultan Dirangarun Benito to the mayorship of Pagayawan. That time, half of Kalanogas was part of Municipality of Malabang and genealogical part of Pagayawan sultanate, that the reason and made him to run as mayor of Malabang against Kakay Dilana Maruhom and his cousin Sultan Amer “Macaorao” Balindong, but he did not succeed. Balabagan was created regular municipality from mother town Malabang LDS, and he was appointed first mayor and unopposed in the next election.

He was enthroned 24th Sultan of Maguindanao in 1960 from the line of Sharif Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao who was a son of 18th Sultan QUDRATULLAH MUHAMMAD ZAMAL UL-AZAM the 18th sultan of Maguindanao, who was a son of Sultan Alamansa Dolkarnain of Maguindanao and that Alamansa controlled the sultanate of Maguindanao exclusive to his descendants and his brother Sultan Kawasa Anuwaroden.

The life of Sultan Pangadapun Benito brought inspiration, courage and hope in many of people in the province of Lanao. He became popular locally and even internationally for his charismatic personality to depend and to help people of whatever it may be in good and bad times, he became adorable and most feared datu, due to his leadership style, very brave and respectable person, Icon in term of leadership. One of his direct descendants told me in a humble way that his grandfather Pangadapun married two ladies in the same day. In the early morning married to a lady in the following afternoon married to another one, he is handsome and courted many ladies, more than 25 out of hundred ladies he courted were married to him, not to be exact and some time he married the lady and divorced early, the sultan bore 37 children and thousand of grandchildren.

Genealogy!

In Upper Unayan connection; His father Macabalang “Amai Pangadapun” from the line of Arobero the ruler of west Unayan Pangampong. Arobero married to his first cousin Mamolawan of Tubok Malabang, daughter of Sultan Barasi of Tubok, begot *Maruhom Adel and *Maruhom Sharif who was married to Dabolawan of Tubok his first cousin and begot Maruhom Mamowalas, Maruhom Jaman and Datu Dumak in Maguindanao. Maruhom Jaman is the ascendant of Amai Pangadapun while Maruhom Mamowalas married to Olan daughter of Ongkini of Tubaran one of the 9 nine royal baes of Unayan begot Bolawan (grandmother of Sultan Pangadapun) and Angkod (Santican’s ascendant).

Bolawan married to Sultan Barat of Ganassi begot Tutop and Kundang. Tutop married to the daughter of Abdulsalam of Binidayan begot Lango that was the connection of Sultan Pangadapun Benito, Sultan Abdulmadid “Panondi” Maruhom, Sultan Muliloda Datumulok and Sultan Santican of Tubaran.

*Maruhom Adel married to Apipa granddaughter of Ulok of Ramain begot Saroden, Andar and Dumak. Datu Saroden became the sultan of Pagayawan with the specific title as TAMPOGAO ADEL SA PAGAYAWAN ruler of whole west Unayan married 4 ladies, one of his direct descendants from bae Maputi sa Macadar were Guro sa Linindingan, Pinky (Sultan Ali Dimaporo ascendant) and Salaginto married to Tumbangan of Buribid begot Talicop and Amai Amai Diranggarun and Amai Pangdapun Benito.

*Maguindanao to Ganassi; Accordingly, Sultan Untong went to Ranao and married to Mala a Bae sa Taraka begot Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra sa Maguindanao a Datu Mulok sa Sulog. Sharif Maupaat has several children; one of them was Datu Elian Sharif Maupaat Amerol Omra of Maguindanao.

*Sultan Barat of Gannasi married to Omon of Ramain begot, Dipatuan and Balindong of Ganassi who was married to Bae Bondayo daughter of sultan Arobero of Pagayawan to Olan of Wato begot 6 children with Maruhom Salic begot Bae sa Ganassi, her name was OKAL married to Sharif Maupaat Amerol Umra of Maguindanao begot Datu Elian.

Datu Ilian begot several children including Komayong and Kaorip were parents of Datu Benito Amerol the first Congressman of undivided Lanao during the American period in 1945, Datu Benito has served as member of the 4th National Legislature from 1916 to 1919 representing Mindanao and Sulu. Komayong begot P’ki mother of Sultan Pangadapun Benito while Kaorip married Datu Toroganan and begot Datu Benito, Luman, Bae Mampay (grandmother of Bae Omen Sarip Balindong, Incumbent mayor of Malabang), Bae Sapero, and Dayang. The descendants however of Komayong and Kaorip they brought the name of late Congressman Benito as family name in honor of him and to tie their family.

P’ki, a Bae sa Maguindanao married to her first cousin Macabalang “Amai Pangadapun” of Pagayawan in Upper Unayan bore Sultan Pangadapun Benito of Maguindanao, Lumna Radiamoda sa Maguindanao, Orangotan (amai H. Omensalam Benito Datumulok) and more siblings. He married several royal baes and got hundred of professionals, politician’s children and thousand of highly profiles grandchildren. Sultan Pangadapun Benito is one of our top 50 model Sultans to inspire the meranao youth for his good records during his time. Datu Ontay Marogong

References

1) Salsila sa Unayan

2) Datu Mohammad Al Sharif Mohammad Al-Sharief

3) Datu Maruhom Benito Ahmad (one of his grandson)

4) Al Alem Salic Benito

5) The Influence of the National Question and the Revival of Tradition

6) Ontay & Marogong.Net

7) Datu Ontay Research

note: Giyaya e riaot a re-search e Datu Ontay Marogong sa o adun a daon katarotopi na pm niyobo ka anon mioman, ago insha Allah na maka tuona kami Paroman ki Amadatu Al Alem Salic benito na pangingisaan akun Paroman ko daon katarotopi.

Source : Datu Ontay Marogong