Usman Sarangani appointed Paramount Sultan of Mindanao

Sultan Usman Tantao Sarangani, Sr.

MARAWI CITY --- Sultan Usman Tantao Sarangani, Sr., a seasoned public official and traditional royal leader from Lanao del Sur, was recently appointed “Paramount Sultan of Mindanao” during a sponsored ceremony conducted by the Royal Sultanate Empire of Kapatagan Valley and Royal House Kingdom Empire of Maharadjah Tabunaway Kinship in cooperation with the Royal Society Groups.

Sarangani was enthroned at the Sultan’s Palace Polanco in Labrador, Zamboanga del Norte during the conduct of the first International Nobility and Royalty Summit.

Sarangani served for three terms as local chief executive of Madalum town in the province of Lanao del Sur and became president of the Lanao del Sur Mayors’ League.

He was also a former legislative representative at the Regional Legislative Assembly of of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and  served as cabinet secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-ARMM.

Sarangani said that among his top priorities as Paramount Sultan of Mindanao include collaborative efforts with other sultanates in the country in pursuit of nation building, peace and order, as well as supporting the Philippine government and the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte in the fight against corruption and illegal drugs.

“Firstly, it is my goal to cherish our rich culture and heritage for the benefit of our future generation. Secondly, it is of great honor to selflessly help President Duterte in his campaign against corruption and illegal drugs. Dangerous and prohibited drugs have slowly killed the lives of the young ones and have tainted our society,” he said.

Sarangani reiterated it is the noble concern of the traditional leaders and all stakeholders to be united in strengthening and the preservation of the rich culture and history of Mindanao.

“I am going to schedule meetings with other traditional leaders here in Mindanao. I know it is going to be tough, but I hope we will make it as we revisit the present concept of modernization. We will find ways on how to strengthen the functions of the royal houses,” he said.

Hadja Bai Putri Marieta Nor-Aisha P. Mindalano, who heads the MaharadjahTabunaway Descendants Council of the Philippines (MTDCP), greeted the new Paramount Sultan of Mindanao.

“This is truly a milestone for the Royal House. While promoting peace, we also accelerate the role of the Royal House because achieving peace is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

For one thing, traditional leaders of the Royal Houses have cited the importance of preserving customary laws and enhancing their usage as sources or reference to the administration of justice and promotion of peace and order in the Bangsamoro.

Mindalano said customary laws have been part of the Bangsamoro system of life that provide the maintenance of peace and welfare in communities. They define how traditional cultural heritage is shared, developed, and appropriately sustained within a community. They  also define rights and responsibilities of community members on the important aspects of their life and culture.

The MTDCP is composed of members belonging to the same clan and who trace their descent from Radjah Tabunaway and his brother Radjah Mamalu who led the Rajadom or royal leaders in Mindanao during the pre-colonial period.

Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, who was said to be the third Islamic missionary who came to the Philippines, was welcomed by Radjah Tabunaway, who was then the ruler in Mindanao. With consent, the people converted to Islam and began adopting the sultanate system of leadership. In the process, Tabunaway conferred Shariff Kabunsuan the honorary title of sultan.

Mamalu, on the other hand, chose to practice indigenous beliefs and moved upland. Non-Muslim indigenous people, now called the Lumads, thus, trace their ancestry to Mamalu while the traditional rulers who adopted Islam revere Tabunaway. Both brothers swore to live together in peace and to always help each other, a message that continues to resonate today.

Talking about the greatest challenge at present, Sarangani disclosed that the government is not so much concerned about the predicament of the Royal Houses.

“I appeal that we set a dialogue and discuss about the criteria or the selection process. I hope in the future this can be corrected. It is disappointing that sometimes the traditional way is being tainted by political system,” he said.

Sarangani said the Royal Houses have less power nowadays. He also cited that there were instances when three or more personalities had been enthroned as sultans in some places.

“How can you act nobly in communities with such kind of situation? It’s hard for the people whom to give their respect for they are confused on who is the real sultan,” he said

In this regard, Sarangani has appealed on these traditional leaders to sit down and discuss about the issue.

Moreover, Sarangani stressed he would exert effort to unify the Sultanate and the rest of traditional leaders.

“I have accepted the position, meaning, I am ready to take a big shift in my life with the new set of challenges to work with. I am thanking everyone in one way or another on my successful enthronement. We should always bear in mind that this is the legacy left by our forefathers. History tells us that before the arrival of the Spaniards in the 15th century, the sultanate system has already been established,” he said.

Sarangani was enthroned together with his royal wife, the newly appointed Baelabi of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan and the local chief executive of Madalum municipality in Lanao del Sur, as Baelabi Soraida Mindalano-Sarangani. (Gilmhar A. Lao and Anne B. Acosta - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)