THE SINSUATS OF THE LOWER VALLEY Starting with the 19th century Datu Ayunan, followed by his younger brother Datu Balabaran followed by his sons Datu Sinsuat, Dattu Benito, Datu Untung etc.. the family was consistent with their support for colonial authorities. In the Spanish era, the age old war for power and position between the Sa Ilud and Sa Raya Datus of the south, and safeguarding territories and their people, prompted Datu Ayunan to seek support from the Spanish forces against their rival the Buayan strongman Datu Uttu and his allies. Datu Ayunan died in 1899, his brother Datu Balabaran was appointed Gobernador cillo by the Spaniards. Sensing defeat of the Spanish forces against the Buayan warriors led by Datu Ali, Datu Guiambangan, Datu Ampatuan and Datu Piang, He (Datu Balabaran) took the path of peace with the Buayan nobles. In the American period, the sons of Datu Balabaran, allied themselves with the Americans and Datu Sinsuat was appointed district president of their territories. During the common wealth period of 1935, Datu Sinsuat was also the first noble man who had ties with national leaders of the north. His close association with Manuel L. Quezon paved the way for his being appointed Senator representing Mindanao. During the Japanese occupation, Datu Sinsuat and did not side with the Americans but with the Japanese colonial authorities while his sons Datu Blah and Datu Duma were regular members of the army fighting the Japanese. The Sinsuat territories an evacuation sanctuary of muslims and christians during world war 2. After the war, Datu Sinsuat was charged with treason by the Filipino and American victors and was called a traitor, but was acquitted. Despite all the accusation, in 1953, the Sinsuats held the most powerful positions in the Province. Datu Duma Sisuat became governor, Datu Blah Sinsuat became congressman, Datu Mando, became mayor of Cotabato, Datu Odin Sinsuat became Mayor of their hometown Dinaig, Datu Mama was appointed Commisioner for National Integration. During Marital Law and the height of Muslim secessionist war, the Sinsuats who belong to Nationalista Party of President Marcos, and later Kilusan Bagong Lipunan, the Sinsuats again became the buffer between the Military and the rebels. Again, Dinaig became a sanctuary of civilians caught in the war. They also helped in the peace efforts of the government. At present, although not as powerful as before, due to internal power struggles and the nature of politics, the Politically, the Sinsuats survived the test of time. Image: From the Book The day we nearly lost Mindanao by Gen. Fortunato Abat. Left: The Sinsuats meeting with the general. Right: Surrender of Datu Kudanding Camsa, during the muslim secessionist war. Datu Mama Sinsuat looks on.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 05:25:27 +0000
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