Datu Utto of Buayan – The One Eyed Man Resistance Fighter of the River

Datu Utto of Buayan – The One Eyed Man Resistance Fighter of the River

Datu Uto (reigned: 1875-1888), also known as Sultan Anwarud-din Uto or Sultan Utto Anwaruddin, was the 18th Sultan of Buayan, one of the minor sultanates in Mindanao. He was a leader distinguished in many battles against the Spanish.

Early Life and Career

Datu Uto was born Anwarud-din Uto to Sultan Bangon Marajanun Sa Didagen and Tuan Bai Sa Buayan. During his father's reign as Sultan, Uto was made to lead a force of 500 sent as assistance to the Spanish against Talayan rebels in 1864. This included four guides which escorted the combined force headed by Colonel La Hoz, Governor of Cotabato. 

However, instead of helping the Spanish, he went against his father's orders and sided with the Talayan Datu. Although inferior in arms and troops (the Spanish had the advantage of possessing artillery), they triumphed and chased the Spaniards as far as Taviran. 

It was during this battle that he lost his eye, earning him the title "one-eyed man", but he became a recognized leader in Buayan as a result. Sultan Bayao, Bangon's brother, succeeded the throne upon his father's death in 1872. Nevertheless, Uto succeeds as sultan three years later.

Utto's Ancestry - Sultanate of Buayan

SHARIFF AHMAD of Makka is married to Putri Tammat, the daughter of Raja Hassim (King of Yemen). Their children are Shariff Raja Baginda, Shariff Alimuddin, Shariff Hassan, and Shariff Ali Zainal Abedin.

Then, SHARIFF RAJA BAGINDA, SHARIFF ALIMUDDIN, SHARIFF HASSAN, and SHARIFF ALI ZAINAL ABEDIN asked permission to their father Shariff Akmad and mother Putri Tammat, that they will go to the East. Shariff Akmad advised them to relay his Message of Thanks to the people of the east in the name of Islam, thru the usages of five  Pillars and six  Beliefs in Islam, and after his advises with message, a miracle had attained by the four Shariff brothers who had reached the east in a moment. When they are on the shore of Sumatra, the Shariff brothers had decided to go far away from the shore where they can use their means of travel-by-win thru their individual “vintas”. While on travel and reach the sea near of Ceylon, a very strong win approached them, that make them or their “vintas” separate from each other.

The “vinta” of SHARIFF RAJA BAGINDA had landed in Basilan. Not so long, Shariff Raja Baginda marries the Bai sa Basilan (Queen of Basilan). With this marriage, they raised two (2) children namely: Shariff Bidayon and Shariff Timbang, they live in Rampetan (now Lamitan) and they are the descendants of the Shariff’s in Basilan.

The “vinta” of SHARIFF HASSAN had landed in Bulunay (Brunei), then he married to the Bai sa Bulunay (Queen of Brunei) and their children are Shariff Makdum and Raja Sumakwel. These two brothers are the descendants of Shariff’s and Datu’s of Balunay.

Likewise, the “vinta” of SHARIFF ALIMUDDIN landed in Sulu and he married to the Bai sa Sulug (Queen of Sulu). Their children are Marhum Salahuddin and Maraja Upak, they are the descendants of the Shariff’s in Sulu.

Then, SHARIFF ALI JAINAL ABEDIN (son of Shariff Ahmad) is married to Putri Jusul Asikien (daughter of Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, the Sultan of Malacca), landed in Johore. Their children are Shariff Bonggo, Shariff Alawi, Shariff Mangendra, Shariff Kabunsuan and their last child had disappeared due to the Will of Allah upon her birth. With that miracle, Sultan Zulkarnain of Johore gave a Gold Ring to the disappeared child, but handed to the “Waliyan” (Midwife) who served the birth of said baby-girl. The Gold Ring is decorated at the center with a seven carats diamond and full of beauty with no comparison at all.

Next to that, is another travel of SHARIFF RAJA BAGINDA where he reached Selangan (now Kalanganan), not far away is a mountain at Selangan, called Tantawan. When the “vinta” landed at the shore, they chose to stay beside the bamboo tree found at the shoreline in western part of the mountain in Selangan (Kalanganan). At this time, Shariff Raja Baginda saw a Big-bird (identified as Bulah, a white bird almost a Parrot-alike) flying from west to east, and no other destination except the bamboo tree near them. When the Big-bird landed in that bamboo tree, Shariff Raja Baginda faced toward the bamboo tree and happen to focus his site to the Big-bird, he saw a girl carried by that Big-bird, then on that moment, he shouted very-very loud that made the Big-bird fly instantly due to shock. From there, the Big-bird leave the girl and she fall on the sea, then Shariff Raja Baginda jumped and dived to the sea in order to save the girl. When he got the girl, he bring it to the shore. When Shariff Raja Baginda ask questions to the girl, she answered that her father is Shariff Awliya of Madina and her name is Putri Paramisuli. When Shariff Raja Baginda heared the information, he said that by miracle, this is the first person landed in the area (now called Maguindanao).

Then, Shariff Raja Baginda, a Kuraysh tribe is married to Putri Paramisuli. With that marriage, they have children namely: Rajah Tabunaway and the girl is Sarabanon. The children of Sariff Raja Baginda from a woman came from the Cave is Mamalo, Abogantao, and a girl whose name is Pindao. Another children of Shariff Raja Baginda with the Bai na Maguindanao (Queen of Maguindanao) are Sambegan and Gampong, who stay at “Talakuku” (now Kabuntalan). Then, the children of Mamalo with a woman from Selangan (now Kalanganan) are Alamansa and Anop. And that they are now the descendants of Shariff Raja Baginda in Maguindanao.

Mainland Mindanao was ruled by the two powerful Datu’s, known as the Datu of the Upper Valley (sa Raya) and Datu of the Lower Valley (sa ilud). Their political boundary was defined naturally by the Pulangi River (Rio Grande de Mindanao). It was then divided by the effect of the high tide, wherein, Salty water went in, against the current of the Pulangi River, was the sovereign power of the Datu of Lower Valley while the fresh water started from that of the salty water was the sovereignty of the Datu of Upper Valley.

Local genealogy (Tarsila) said, before the two local powerful rulers stated above, there was a great ruler of the island lived in the upper valley named DATU MAMU (son of Andal-a-Kilat with the Bai sa Sugod-a-Buayan), married to a Bai sa Matutum (Bai na “Bidadali” [“Bidadali” is a woman/lady who is an Angel-alike]), the children is Dalimbang Giomla Alam (Rajah Buayan a Budtol). His powerful existence of ruling the entire Buayan was estimated in the middle part of 13th century. He was the first recorded datu/ruler of Buayan.

He was then followed by his son DATU BUDTUL, the second recorded datu/ruler of Buayan in the later part of the 13th century up to the early part of the 14th century. Datu Budtul is married to Bai Ampayok (daughter of the Datu sa Palao of Maguindanao). With these marriage, they raised children namely: Malang-sa-Inged, the Sultan Dalimbang sa Langeban, Amilil sa Pawas, and Omarmaya Poluwa. Another children of Budtol with the other woman is the Sultan sa Labu. Other children of Budtol with another woman are Datu sa Palaw, the first Datu of Matenggawanen, and the Sultan of Malasila who married with the Bai sa Matutum. Then, another children of Budtol with the Bai na Isulan are Dalimbang-a-Manebped, Sultan Padas, Omarmaya Midtimbang, and Rajah Batua. When Rajah Buayan a Budtol married to another forty women, one of them have five children, another have four  children, another have three children, another have two children, and some have no child at all. During the time of Rajah Buayan a Budtol, Shariff Kabunsuan did not yet arrived at the shore of Maguindanao. On this time, only Shariff Raja Baginda had arrived in Maguindanao from Basilan, where he first landed. Datu Budtol is the father of the two ruling brothers namely: Malang-sa-Inged and Datu Poluwa.

MALANG-SA-INGED, the 3rd ruler of Buayan, reigned on the 14th to 15th century. Rajah Buayan Malang-sa-Inged is the eldest son of Datu Budtol. He married Putri Ma’mor [daughter of Shariff Kabunsuan], their children are Putri Bulan and Putri Nuron. When Putri Ma’mor is a months old pregnant, together with her husband Malang-sa-Inged, in a day, they are very happy and had a joke by each other that made Putri Ma’mor use her knife and accidentally stabbed Malang-sa-Inged on his side below arm or armpit.

DATU POLUWA, the 4th ruler of Buayan, is first married to Bendong, a Tagimanun lady. With his brother Malang-sa-Inged, they are the known ruling datus of Buayan and then, the lineage chronology of the Sultanate of Buayan. When Datu Poluwa heard that his brother was died, he go downriver in Magindanaw to prove and will know the real case. When the case was already in order and days had passed-by, Datu Poluwa marry PUTRI MA’MOR. After marrying Putri Ma’mor and while at Magindanaw he was given a title of Omarmaya. With the foregoing story, it is very clear that Putri Ma’mor is fregnant when she was married by Datu Poluwa. Not so long, Putri Ma’mor give birth to a baby-boy and they named it as Rajah Silongan and not so long, also, Datu Poluwa or Omarmaya Poluwa leaved his wife Putri Ma’mor at Magindanaw and goes to Buayan, that made Putri Ma’mor suffer sickness resulting to her death. After the death of Putri Ma’mor, the first wife of Datu Poluwa whose name is Bai Bundong, a woman at Tagimanun, take care of Rajah Silongan. When Datu Poluwa was already in Buayan, he leaved his title as Omarmaya, instead he assumed as RAJAH BUAYAN POLUWA. The child of Rajah Buayan Poluwa with Bai Bundong is Datu Dikaya, who happened to marry in Kabuntalan. Datu Dikaya is the brother of Rajah Silongan, by father.

According to a Local Genealogy (Tarsila), he got Putri Tumanina or Putri Tonina in a young bamboo tree. The story is, when Tabunaway and Mamalo decided to make fish-cage that will be put-up in “Bucana” the mouth of Pulangi River (Spanish called Rio Grande de Mindanao) Tabunaway told Mamalo to get more bamboo’s for them to use as fish-cage. After complying the order of his brother, Mamalo presented the bamboo’s, then Tabunaway asked if he got the whole bamboo tree, Mamalo answered “yes” except the one young bamboo. With that, Tabunaway told to Mamalo to return and get the remaining bamboo because it is the tradition that whenever you need more catched-fish you have take the whole bamboo tree. Then Mamalo immediately complied the order of his elder brother. When he (Mamalo) was in the bamboo tree, immediately he cut the remaining bamboo, after cutting and the tree fall down, he noticed a baby-girl beside the bamboo. He bring home the baby-girl and presented to his brother Tabunaway. Tabunaway advised Mamalo to adopt the baby-girl for them to have a female child. The Mamalo take the baby-girl and named her as Putri Tumanina (Putri Tonina).

In 1475, (Dr. Najeeb Saleeby, quoted by Justice Jainal D. Rasul in his book, Struggle of Identity) there was a Muslim Missionary came in the lower valley who planted the Modern Sultanate Governance and Islam religion. He was SHARIFF MOHAMMAD KABUNSUAN, the youngest son of Shariff Ali Zainal Abeddin and Putri Jusul Asikien, daughter of the Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, Sultan of Malacca. But Shariff Kabunsuan could not immediately establish the Maguindanao Sultanate until about the year 1500’s where the form of government was somewhat based on a feudal system with some semblance of a sultanate. He married (first) Putri Sarabanun, the sister of Datu Tambunaway and Datu Mamalo but died early with no heirs. Then he married Putri Tumanina (Putri Tonina), the adopted daughter of Mamalo. With the marriage of Shariff Kabunsuan with Putri Tumanina, they produced three female children whose name are Putri Ma’mor, Putri Milagandi, and Bai Batola. One day Putri Tumanina went to her room and wear a Gold Ring decorated at the center with a seven carats diamond and full of beauty with no comparison at all. When her husband, Shariff Kabunsuan, saw the gold ring at the finger of Putri Tumanina, he asked his wife, where she got the gold ring, was it purchased or inherited, Putri Tumanina didn’t answer but felt sad and tears was fallen on her eyes. With the reaction of his wife, Shariff Kabunsuan also felt sad and said: We used to be separated as husband and wife because Allah said that if a brother and sister are accidentally married from each other, they have to be separated immediately upon notice that they are brother and sister. Putri Tumanina responsed Shariff Kabunsuan by saying that: Whatever is the revelation from Allah, as mentioned in the Qur’an must be followed because we have married only thru Rajah Batua and my father Mamalo. Shariff Kabunsuan answered that they should be separated because she is the daughter of his mother Putri Giosol Asikein of Johore, who had been disappeared after she was born and now came alive thru Mamalo.

After the decision of SHARIFF KABUNSUAN and his wife, he leaved going home to Johore passing or via Lanao area. When he arrived at Malabang, a place in Lanao area, he met the Imam, who is the grandson of Rajah Simban at Malabang. Rajah Simban asked him, where he go, Shariff Kabunsuan answered that he will be going home to Johore and relayed story about his marriage with Putri Tumanina. While in Malabang, Shariff Kabunsuan happened to see Angintabo, the daughter of said Apen, Datu of Imragaten, and he marry Angintabu and bigoted the first Shariff of Maguindanao, Shariff Maka-Alang (Saripada), the royal lineage of Maguindanao and the second ruler of Maguindanao.

The two Royal Sultanate lineage of Maguindanao and Buayan through intermarriage was the beginning and birth of the 3rd Royal Sultanate in Mindanao, the Sultanate of Kabuntalan in 17th century. And finally, these three equal known sovereign power and legitimate Sultanate in main-land Mindanao namely; the Sultanate of Buayan, the Sultanate of Maguindanao, and the Sultanate of Kabuntalan who happened to have sovereignty in the middle part of these two powerful sultanates.

As mentioned, Putri Ma’mor married for second time by Datu Pulowa (younger brother of Malang-sa-Inged), it is where a baby boy named Rajah Silongan was borned. RAJAH SILONGAN is the first Rajah Buayan of Buayan and he is the 5th ruler of Buayan. He was known as the Supreme Ruler of Buayan and mainland Mindanao in 1576 to 1599. Rajah Silongan is the father of Sultan Monkay (Datu Maputi), Datu Tambingag, Tangkuwag, Bai K’daw [married to Makadulo, the brother of Rajah Simban], Binitik, Libo, and Malibemben. Local Tarsila confirmed that Rajah Silongan is the son of Malang-sa-Inged.

Also and same with other local genealogy or “Tarsila” stated that Malang-sa-Inged is the father of Rajah Silongan, although he was borned when Datu Poluwa is the husband of Putri Ma’mor. Likewise, when Putri Ma’mor died with no issue (no child) with husband Datu Poluwa, again, DATU POLUWA (first husband of Putri Milagandi) married Putri Milagandi with the same faith (no child) until his death. During this time, the widow, Putri Milagandi was re-married to DATU K’BO (second husband) and have three children, named: Safie, Angkay and Kuyong. And after the death of Datu K’bo due to sickness.

Again, the widow Putri Milagandi was re-married again by Rajah Buayan-a-GANGGA (third husband of Putri Milagandi), the first Datu of Ibalaten and son of Rajah Buayan-a-Baratamay, where they have a menopause baby, named Penduma (the Mofat Hidaya sa-Balt). PENDUMA, is married to Limbo, sister of Dungklang [son of Tantong sa Kabalukan], the children of Penduma are TANTAW (Mofat Sabar sa-Balt), BAI KUDAM (Bai sa Libutan), and LINSAM (Datu sa Andavit).

TANTAW (Mofat Sabar sa-Balt and Datu sa Linantangan), his children with the first wife are Papanok (Mofat Batua), Tiwan-tiwan, and Bai Mandi [wife of Sultan Manman]. His children with other woman are Gemba, K’na, Taup, Lano, Saliba, Nayong, Dulian, Bai Limbay, and Kaya.

DATU LINSAM (the first Datu sa Andavit), his children are Datu Bandalat sa-Andavit, Budso, Datu Lukes Ampa, Simna, Igi-Kabigit, Ngeban, Makakua, Datuwata Dimalen, Kema, Bai Tayok [married to Shariff Tibongog], Payok, Kilag, and Mobpon.

BAI KUDAM is married to Shariff Guindaw, Datu of Balabagan. Their children is Salipada Musa or Shariff Musa.

SHARIFF MUSA is married first to Dapalas, daughter of Takulanga [Datu of Buayanun] and Pangyan, [a lady of Ibalaten]. The second wife of SHARIFF MUSA is Sayanu [grand-daughter of Sapi] and their child is Pagayao or Shariff Kayaw.

SHARIFF KAYAW is married to Bai G’mba [daughter of Datuwata Yusop]. One of their children is Gandawali.

GANDAWALI is the first Amir-Ul-Mu’minin in mainland Mindanao but not become so pupolar. He married Bai Guiamila [daughter of Sultan Ugay]. One of their children is Datu Mengko.

DATU MENGKO is the successor of his father as the second Amir-Ul-Mu’minin. His children are Amiril a-Buisan, Amiril a-Ansid, Datukali Mangati, Aisa, Kabayan, and Hadji Lampak.

AMIRIL A-BUISAN is the third Amir-Ul-Mu’minin and known to others as “Matua na Amiril” (old Amiril). He is the very well-known Amir-Ul-Mu’minin in mainland Mindanao. During His time, He has no work except Praying five times a day and working the other Pillars of Islam, he never work for the consumption of his family, yet, they never miss foods and others in time of needs because majority of the people in the area gave “Zakat” (Almsgiving) to Him. Most people chose Him to be the recipient of Almsgiving because of His quality of being an Islam. Including His immediate family, they never do things against Islamic teachings. He has four wives with twelve children, namely: Talama, Ali, Sinalibo, Salilang, M’lang, Hadji Tahir, Sulaiman, Palampuan, Ayob, Nandong, Blah, and Husain. Almost all of His children have married with the Royal Families, one of this is ALI or Bapa ni Simpan who is married to Bai Tima, daughter of Sultan Utto Anwaruddin with the Bai of Iranun. Sinalibo is married by the grandson of Sultan Utto Anwaruddin. M’lang is married to Bai Kukang, daughter of Sultan Aman Barhaman, the Sultan of Bakat. And Solaiman who married the grand-daughter of Sultan Utto Anwaruddin. AMIRIL A-BUISAN died inside the Masjid Ul-Haram at Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

After Amiril a-Buisan died at Makkah, His brother AMIRIL a-ANSID of Linantangan assumed as the fouth Amir-Ul-Mu’minin. His children are Abdullah, Dayngala, Kasan, Mauya, Hadji Kusain, Kulsia, Hadji Esmail, Musalik, Hadji Abdulsatar, Aisa, Salem, and Kaliwanag [Amina].

The marriages of the famous Buayan rulers to the children of Shariff Kabunsuan, was the beginning of the Sultanate of Buayan. The youngest putri (Putri Bai Batola) was believed to be brought by his father Shariff Kabunsuan with her mother to Johore.

In other Tarsila, it was stated that PUTRI BAI BATOLA, the youngest daughter of Shariff Kabunsuan and Putri Tumanina (Putri Tonina) is married to Sambegan, son of Rajah Tabunaway with the Bai na Iranun. Their children are Dagansi, Deman, and Dakiran.

HRH SULTAN MONKAY, also known as Datu Maputi, a son of Rajah Silongan and is the first recorded Sultan of Buayan in 16th century. He is the 6th ruler of Buayan. His daughter Gawang was married by Datu Tapudi, the Datu of Tawlan and declared Sultan sa Bagu-a-inged.

The 7th recorded ruler of Buayan is HRH SULTAN TAMBINGAG he is known as Datu sa Barincol and also a son of Rajah Silongan. He is the second recorded Sultan of Buayan in 16th century. Tambingag is the father of Barahaman and Bai Sinal [wife of Sultan Kaharuddin Kuda].

Also on the local genealogy (Tarsila) DATU TAPUDI (Datu of Tawlan) is the 8th ruler of Buayan. He ruled on the later part of 16th century. He married Gawang, the daughter of Sultan Monkay or Datu Maputi.

One of the daughter of Rajah Silongan in the name of Bai K’daw is married by Datu Makadulo who happened to have the birth of RAJAH BUAYAN BARATAMAY, the 9th ruler of Buayan. He is also the second Rajah Buayan sa Buayan. Together with Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao Sultanate, they went to Sulu and he married with the daughter of Rajah Bunso of Sulu. Later on, went back to Buayan particularly at Bagu-a-inged to continue his sovereign power. Baratamay is married to the Bai na Bagu-a-ingeden and have children named: Datu Gangga (Datu-sa-Balt and married to Putri Milagandi, daughter of Shariff Kabungsuan), and Bai Munawal (Bai-sa-Agakan) married to Sultan Dipatuan Anwar, the Mufat Batua, children is Rajah Buayan a-Ma-anuk.

The 10th ruler of Buayan is SABARABA/Balaba/Kayab, otherwise known as Dalumabi sa Buayan. He is the son of Datu Tapudi (Datu na Tawlan) and Gawang, daughter of Sultan Monkay.

Records shows that RAJAH BUAYAN A KABAN or MALANG-SA-INGED II is the 11th ruler of Buayan. He is the son of Sabaraba-Dalumabi sa Buayan and Bai Poyo (grand daughter of K’bo and Putri Melagandi). Kaban or Malang-sa-Inged II is the brother of Mening (Datu sa Buayan).

When Dipatuan Anwar (Mofat Batuwa), the 11th Sultan of Maguindanao married Bai Monawal (Bai sa Agakan and daughter of Rajah Buayan Balatamay), they give birth to RAJAH BUAYAN MA-ANUK (Rajah Buayan sa Bagu-a-Inged), the 12th ruler of Buayan. He married to Mayay, daughter of Rajamuda Bulagas, and had children named: Sultan Manman sa Bagu-a-inged and Rajamuda Tapudi sa Matenggawanen.

HRH SULTAN SACANDAR is the 13th ruler of Buayan. He is also known as Jumla Alam Dalimbang sa Buayan and at the time, Sultan sa Lacungan. He is the son of Kaban or Malang-sa-Inged II and Bagemba, Bai na Tawlanen. Sultan Sacandar is married to Bai Sinal, Bai-a-Labi sa-Lacongan and daughter of Guindulongan and Mofat Sidiek (Datu na Tawlanan).

The 14th recorded ruler of Buayan is HRH SULTAN MOHAMMAD ALIMUDIN PAKI MAULANA, otherwise known as Sultan Wata. He is the son of HRH Sultan Sacandar and Bai Sinal (Bai-a-labi sa-Lacongan). And he is also the father of HRH Sultan Maitum.

In the early part of 18th century, the son of HRH Sultan Mohammad Alimudin Paki Maulana occupied his throne as a ruler of Buayan. He is HRH SULTAN MAITUM or Sultan Maguindanao, the 15th ruler of Buayan. Local genealogy (Tarsila) says that during his term, HRH Sultan Maitum is the King of three sovereign places (Datu na T’lo-ka-inged). He married to Bai Mayong (Bai sa Bagu-a-inged) with the children, namely: Saripa Pidog (Bai-a-Labi sa Kabuntalan); HRH Sultan Bangon (HRH Sultan Mohammad Iskandar Bangon sa Buayan); Bagutaw (Bai-a-Labi sa Maguindanao); Guindulongan (Bai-a-Labi sa Linantangan); and Rajah Bayaw (Sultan sa Kudarangan sa-Buayan).

To succeed his father, the eldest son, HRH SULTAN BANGON ruled as the 16th ruler of Buayan. He is also known as Marajanun Bangon and reigned as Sultan sa Didagen (Now Sultan sa Barongis). HRH Sultan Bangon is married to Bai Nano / Tuanbai (Bai-a-Wata sa Maguindanao) and had a child known as Rajah Anwaruddin or Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin, (also known as Datu “Utto” or Datu sa Zapakan) Thomas M. McKenna – 1952. The Sultan (Bangon) had married also a Buayan lady and happened to the birth of Rajamuda Dalgan, Gugo-a-Daranda, Datu Udas, Kentayog, Sangeban and Nano.

After HRH Sultan Bangon, his youngest brother RAJAH BAYAW succeeded him as the 17th ruler of Buayan. He is also known as Sultan Bayaw (Sultan sa Kudarangan sa Buayan). His children are Datu Guiambangan, Sultan Tambilawan, Rajah Muda Ali, Manalinding, Bai Popoyu, Bai Kayumang, Bai Malapinggan, Malagonoy, Bai Amina and Bai Tondi/Gandingan.

Rajah Tambilawan is recorded as Sultan of Buayan but in reality he is the Sultan sa Kudarangan sa Buayan, the real Sultan of this time is HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin. Kudarangan is the sultanate within the Sultanate of Buayan Darusslam. Installing Tambilawan (first cousin of Datu “Utto” and a husband of Bai Limbang [daughter of Datu “Utto”]) as the alleged Sultan of Buayan is the strategy of Datu “Utto” to hide his identity from the Spaniards as the real Sultan, in order to avoid the enemies from penetrating him. HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin is the incomparable ruler who happened to the rise of Buayan, popularly known as Datu “Utto” or Datu sa Zapakan, (married to Rajah Putri [daughter of Qudratullah Untung, the 18th Sultan of Maguindanao]), In the mid-nineteenth century, Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin, the effective Sultan of Buayan and the most powerful man in the Cotabato Valley for much of his rule, was reported to have four to five thousand slaves (Gayangos cited in Ileto 1971) quoted by Thomas M. McKenna – 1952 . 

HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin is the Sultan/Head of all Sultan’s, Datu’s, Shariff’s, trained Pandita’s, and Hadji’s by Nobility and Authority in the Sultanate of Buayan and mainland Mindanao (Nieto-1894). Moreover, Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin had close ties with several Muslim principalities such as Ilanuns in the northeast and to Sulu’ (Tausugs) further beyond. Each of the areas in and out of Maguindanao where Datu Utto’s influence was felt, had an important part to play in the waxing and wanning of his power (Ileto-1971). One quality of Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin which explains his rise in prestige and power was his personal valor coupled with a certain amount of physical prowess. Montero-1894 acknowledged that Datu Utto’s character traits made him truly superior to all the Moros of the river. Pastells-1888 said that Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin had a certain air of glory about him which made him a “Feared Idol”.

Datu Utto's Ancestry

The attractiveness of Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin to others must have been due to his personal qualities, his possession of power recognized by other people. Francia and Parrado (1898) said that, Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin represented “resistance”. He stood at the head of a group of Datu’s hostile to Spain, who battled against the advancing Spanish-Filipino forces in Talayan, Pagalungan, Buayan, Bakat, and Kudarangan. In fact, it was the defense of Pagalungan in 1861 that Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan Utto Anwaruddin lost his right eye, thus gaining the nickname “One Eye Man”. Historians described Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin as “A King with many Tyrannical Rivals”. He reigned in 1862 to 1898.

The local genealogy (Tarsila) of Maguindanao Sultanate indicates that from year 1888 to 1896, their sultanate was vacant due to the fact that Datu “Utto” or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin wanted his brother-in-law (Datu Mamaku) to become the Sultan of Maguindanao, a clear indication that Datu Utto or HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin is being respected even outside Buayan Sultanate. HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin is the 18th ruler of Buayan and also a ruler of other areas beyond Buayan. HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin, the last independent Sultan of Buayan, with an irresistible incentive. He and his datus ignored the centuries (Thomas M. McKenna – 1952).

The followings were the children of HRH Sultan “Utto” Anwaruddin, to wit:

I - The original listings are:-

1. Limbang 17. Dang

2. Mapia-a-Babi 18. Ayao

3. Diloyuden 19. Kokuyan

4. Bayang 20. Balapit

5. Alongan 21. Tindos

6. Datu-sa-Buayan 22. Kamunggui

7. Guiomla 23. Naditalan

8. Mamantal 24. Mailangka

9. Simpal 25. Sitti

10. Alay 26. Maunanek

11. Mama-sa-Buayan 27. Tima

12. Malmalangkay 28. Pinagawang

13. Salakeb 29. Zubaika

14. Usman 30. Kalimendeng

15. Mangindat 31. Guiamalon

16. Camsa

Sultan

Utto ruled Buayan from the inland town of Zapakan. He married the daughter of Maguindanao's Sultan Qudratullah Untong, Rajah Putri Bai-labi. In 1874, he joined forces with Sultan Jamal ul-Azam, the Sultan of Sulu, in taking the offensive against the Spanish. Evidently, Sulu needed the slave shipments Uto had been able to provide. In the same year, he stated in a letter to the Governor of Mindanao (Colonel Carraga) that he has a large contingent to accompany him, which included at least 18 datus and 600 men. At the peak of his power, he had as many as 5,000 slaves. In turn, the Spanish attacked Bakat, Buayan's major stronghold (cota or kuta), and occupied it. 

However, Uto was able to regain the stronghold and force the Spanish to sign a peace accord in May 1875. The leaders of the Pulangi River Basin gravitated towards Uto's leadership, and this made them able to keep the Spanish at bay. Included in the areas wherein Uto's influence grew were Talayan, Buluan, and Tumbao. The Spanish saw his "ingenuity in manipulating friendships and debt relationships to suit his ends." He solidified his alliances by friendship and marriage. For instance, he had a total of 60 wives. While keeping his administration small, mainly composed of a council, it was his personality which built a coalition with the neighboring leaders. His domain extended from Lake Buluan to Sarangani Bay. However, to conceal his true rank as sultan, Sultan Tambilawan (Sultan Bayao's son and Uto's cousin) was installed as the titular "Sultan of Buayan," even though Tambilawan was Sultan of Kudarangan, a sultanate within Buayan. This made him retain the title of datu, a strategy aimed to confuse the Spaniards on who was the real ruler of Buayan.

However, peace did not last long. The new Governor-General of the Philippines, José Malcampo, 3rd Marquis of San Rafael, renewed the military campaigns in Mindanao. In 1876, the Spanish captured Jolo. The following year, the Spanish were able to convince the sultans of Cotabato and Tumbao to make an alliance against Buayan. Nevertheless, due to the signed peace accord, the Spanish did not dare to venture into Buayan itself. Due to this success, Malcampo was granted the victory titles of Count of Jolo and Viscount of Mindanao. On 20 July 1878, Sultan Jamal ul-Azam signed a treaty recognizing Spanish sovereignty, but the Tausug made an issue by testing the limits of the treaty. By 1880, other sultanates began to emerge in the Pulangi River Basin. With this development, Uto made plans to defend the area against the Spanish. The Tausug and the Chinese began to supply him arms in exchange of slaves. In particular, Buayan began to receive Enfield and Spencer rifles, as well as assorted pistols. Meanwhile, the Spanish began to see in him the making of the next Muhammad Kudarat.

Therefore, in 1885, the succeeding Governor-General Emilio Terrero y Perinat launched yet another military offensive in Mindanao, with himself personally leading the Spanish forces. This prompted Federico Roldan, Governor of Cotabato, to attack Buayan. In 1886, two Spanish corps under General Serina razed Bakat to give way to the construction of a new fort and a railway from Iligan to Lake Lanao. However, the project was abandoned as Uto's forces harassed the Spanish, gathering the metal used in construction to produce krises.

Nevertheless, it was apparent that Uto would not dare to take the offensive. Attempting to break Buayan's defenses, the Spanish utilized artillery. While managing to destroy some strongholds, it was not enough to open up Uto's territory. Nevertheless, his followers began to fall to the Spanish offensive. Among them were Datu Kambing, Datu Kaliz, and the Sultan of Talayan. Meanwhile, Sultan Tambilawan pledged loyalty to the Spanish thereafter. On 10 March 1887, Uto signed a peace treaty made by the Spanish. By 1888, his allies defected and his prestige lost.  Nevertheless, while the military campaigns of the Spanish ended, Uto remained "unconquered."

Later Life and Death

While he lost most of the influence he possessed prior to 1888, Uto remained strong in local politics and tried to gain the title of sultan (a title he never used at the peak of his power). For instance, from 1888 to 1896, the Sultanate of Maguindanao had no sultan. While it is apparent that Uto wanted to be sultan of two sultanates (Buayan and Maguindanao), he backed his brother-in-law, Datu Mamaku, to take the vacant position in Maguindanao. 

Meanwhile, the Spanish wanted to place as sultan a Sibugay datu allied to them. Sultan Mangigin succeeded as sultan in 1896. Despite the American occupation of the Philippines, Uto remained a powerful figure in the area until 1899. Since he would disappear in the political scene by 1900, and his wife marrying Mangigin in 1906, it may probably be estimated that Uto have died anytime within this period. Nevertheless, he was able to meet with William Howard Taft, then Governor-General of the Philippines (1901-1903).

Meanwhile, his unofficial successors continued their resistance, this time against the Americans. Among his former companions who would resist American rule in Mindanao include Datu Ali and Datu Djimbangan. Another successor, Datu Piang, would prefer to cooperate with the Americans. In the process, he crowned himself Sultan of Mindanao, much to the dismay of Uto. Piang formerly served as a minister of Datu Uto.

Source : Wikipedia

Note : "Vinta" - The Vinta (locally known as Lepa Lepa or Sakayan) is a traditional boat from the Philippine Island of Mindanao are made by Sama Bajau and Moros living in the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga.