Tarik Sulayman

Biography

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.

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.

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.

Controversy

Some controversy exists about whether Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe, and Rajah Sulayman of Manila were the same person. This is presented to be the case in some versions of the Battle of Bangkusay, but Kapampangan historians insist that the two were different individuals who are often confused with one another because of their names. 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. Rajah Sulayman 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 Sulayman of Manila, and that they did not use his name when writing about Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe.

Sources

References

1. "'Battle of Bangkusay' vs 'Battle of Mactan' - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos".
2. Tantingco, Robby. (October 24, 2006). "First Filipino martyr for freedom". Sun Star Pampanga.
3. (16 June 2009). "The Warrior and Mercenary Culture of the Macabebes".
4. (17 July 2016). "Historical error corrected: Rajah Soliman out, nameless hero in".
5. Dery, Luis Camara. (2001). "A History of the Inarticulate: Local History, Prostitution, and Other Views from the Bottom". New Day Publishers.
6. Piedad-Pugay, Chris Antonette. (6 June 2008). "The Battle of Bangkusay: A Paradigm of Defiance against Colonial Conquest". National Historical Institute (now [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]]).
7. [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/philippines/manila/history History of Manila]. Accessed September 08, 2008.
8. San Agustin, Gaspar de. (1998). "Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas 1565–1615". Pedro Galende, OSA.