The Tradition of Giba: A Legacy of Leadership and Valor

Calingalan H. Caluang

Author at MusliminPH

Published on 29 Oct, 2025

This paper explores the ancient Tausūg tradition of giba, a ceremonial act symbolizing the sacred transfer of authority within the Sultanate of Sulu. Originating from the time of Sayyid Sharif Balfaki Alawi, the giba ceremony embodies the union of Islamic governance and native heritage, upheld by the Bandahala–Caluang lineage.

The tradition of giba holds a significant place in the history and culture of Sulu, deeply rooted in the lineage of leadership and valor passed down through generations. This ancient practice, integral to the ceremonial succession of Sultans, reflects the strength and resilience of the Tausūg people and their dedication to preserving their heritage.

The Origins of Giba

The origins of giba trace back to the era when Shariah law was widely practiced in Sulu. According to the Salasilah sin Upat Apo (Tarsila of the Four Elders), the concept of giba began during the time of Sayyid Sharif Balfaki Alawi. It was during this transformative period that Tuan Sharef Mahadum Aminullah Amirilmuhminin emphasized the establishment of governance in line with Islamic principles. This led to the appointment of Tuan Sharef Shareful Hashim Amirilmuhminin as Sultan, with the giba ceremony instituted by Tuan Sharef Alawi Barfaki Amirilmuhminin.

The term giba itself signifies “to sit on the lap,” symbolizing the formal and sacred transfer of authority. The Salasilah sin Upat Apo narrates:

“Tuan Sharef Mahadum Aminullah Amirilmuhminin, pagka mahantap na in sarah agama islam pag tuhan natuh mag paaun na kita niyu pamarinta, amuna in kagulal kan Tuan Sharef Shareful Hashim Amirilmuhminin, gibha sin Tuan Sharef Alawi Barfaki Amirilmuhminin, liyangan sin Tuan Sharef Kimar Aminullah Amirilmuhminin, iban sin kaibanan kakasi limangan ampa liguh sin ayah, ubus liguh tiyamungan sin tamungun pamarinta ha waktu bihayaun, adlaw bihaun, bulan bihaun, tahun bihaun, kulang labi lisag 9:00 sin mainaat, isnin, Muharram, 758 Hijrah. Buansa Indanan, Sulu.”

The Stewards of Giba

Traditionally, the responsibility of performing the giba ceremony was entrusted to select families, ensuring its sanctity and continuity. Among these families, the Bandahala of Sulu and the Sharif Ligaddung of Tawi-Tawi were uniquely honored with this duty.

One of the earliest known stewards of the giba was Binatal Ara’ of Parang, who was a brother of Sattiya Munuh. After Binatal Ara’, the responsibility passed to Panglima Bandahala, then to his son, Panglima Caluang, and subsequently to Captain Kalingalan Caluang. This lineage underscores the enduring familial commitment to this sacred tradition.

The Lineage of Captain Kalingalan Caluang

Captain Kalingalan Caluang, a prominent figure in Sulu history, epitomized the valor and leadership associated with his lineage. He was the son of Panglima Caluang, who was the son of Panglima Bandahala, further tracing back to Sattiya Munuh and Sayyid Sharif Qasim/Kasim. Oral traditions suggest that Sayyid Sharif Qasim/Kasim descended from Apuh Barwa, one of the Lumpang Basih, with some accounts linking him to Sayyid Sharif Balfaki Alawi. It is believed that “Barwa” may have been a title for Sharif Balfaki Alawi.

The Last Sultan to Undergo Giba

The last Sultan to undergo the giba ceremony was Sultan Jainal Abirin, also known as Datu Tambuyong. A great-great-grandson of Sultan Shakirul-Lah, Sultan Jainal Abirin was trained in horsemanship and leadership by Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang, who also performed the giba ceremony for him. This close mentorship and the ceremonial affirmation of his rule highlight the enduring importance of giba as a cornerstone of legitimate succession. Many consider Sultan Jainal Abirin the last legitimate Sultan of Sulu, further solidifying the pivotal role of Captain Kalingalan Caluang in preserving this ancient tradition.

Relatives of Sayyid Sharif Kalingalan Caluang

To underscore the lineage and relationship of Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang, the following notable relatives are highlighted:

2nd Lieutenant Imam Marajukin L. Ahad (also known as Imam Jamalul or Imam Illawwah): Born on April 9, 1918, in Tapian Bohey, Mantabuan, he was the fourth of seven siblings. His father, Sayyid Mohammad Ahad Sayyid Wahidun Bin Jalang, traced his lineage to the Ba Alawi family in Yemen. Imam Jamalul is a cousin of Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang, as confirmed by his descendant, Sayyid Nasser Misal Marajukin.
Panglima Mammah: The son of Panglima Mangummah (also known as Panglima Sakadudukan) and grandson of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul A’zam I, Panglima Mammah was the uncle of Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang. Hj Ayyub Mammah, Panglima Mammah’s son, was a cousin of Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang. Their close relationship is well-remembered, as narrated by Hj Ayyub Mammah’s daughter and his grandson, Sayyid John Mammah Manaligod.

Additionally, when Sultan Jamalul Kiram III met Hja Marma Caluang Hussin, daughter of Hji Yahya Caluang (son of Captain Kalingalan Caluang), he acknowledged their familial connection, stating that he and Hji Yahya Caluang were cousins.

The descendants of the renowned Sulu scholar, Tuan Bangsa Bahasuan Akip, also consistently addressed Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang and his descendants as “Sharif,” further affirming their esteemed lineage.

The Esteemed Family of Sattiya Munuh

The family of Sattiya Munuh, from whom the stewardship of giba descends, holds a revered position within Sulu’s history. Oral traditions passed down through the generations emphasize the family’s shared lineage with the Sultanate and their potential closer genealogical connection to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This shared ancestry underscored their equal, if not superior, standing, as reflected in the family’s practice of refraining from addressing the Sultan as “Ampun,” a term denoting deference. This distinction highlights their respected status as elder relatives of the Sultanate’s lineage.

Panglima Bandahala: A Trusted Advisor

Panglima Bandahala, a pivotal figure in Sulu history, was the most trusted adviser and right-hand man of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. Known for his unwavering loyalty and wisdom, Panglima Bandahala was the Sultan’s first point of consultation for any significant decision or agreement. His influence extended beyond the court, as he frequently accompanied Sultan Jamalul Kiram II on travels to various places, including Zamboanga, solidifying his role as a steadfast companion and counselor.

Oral Tradition and Legacy

The oral tradition of giba has been meticulously passed down through generations, preserving the essence of this cultural practice. Haji Yahya Caluang and his brother MNLF Field Marshal Al Hussein Caluang, sons of Captain Kalingalan Caluang, recounted the history of giba as shared by their father and elders. These narratives trace back to Sayyid Sharif Qasim/Kasim and emphasize the importance of giba as a ceremonial cornerstone in Sulu’s governance and culture.

The enduring legacy of giba reflects not only the historical continuity of Sulu’s leadership but also the profound respect for traditions that bind its people to their past. By safeguarding and honoring these practices, the people of Sulu continue to celebrate their rich heritage and the values of bravery and unity that define their identity.

References

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Ang tradisyon ng giba ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng kasaysayan at kultura ng Sulu, na malalim na nakaugat sa linya ng pamumuno at kagitingang naipamana sa bawat henerasyon. Ang sinaunang kaugaliang ito, na mahalaga sa seremonyal na pagpapamana ng kapangyarihan ng mga Sultan, ay sumasalamin sa lakas at katatagan ng mga Tausūg at sa kanilang dedikasyon sa pagpapanatili ng kanilang pamana.

Pinagmulan ng Giba

Ang tradisyon ng giba ay nagmula noong panahon kung kailan malawak na ipinatutupad ang batas ng Shariah sa Sulu. Ayon sa Salasilah sin Upat Apo (Tarsila ng Apat na Nakatatanda), nagsimula ang konsepto ng giba sa panahon ni Sayyid Sharif Balfaki Alawi. Sa panahong ito, binigyang-diin ni Tuan Sharef Mahadum Aminullah Amirilmuhminin ang pagtatatag ng pamahalaan na naaayon sa mga prinsipyo ng Islam. Dahil dito, itinalaga si Tuan Sharef Shareful Hashim Amirilmuhminin bilang Sultan, at isinagawa ang seremonya ng giba sa pangunguna ni Tuan Sharef Alawi Barfaki Amirilmuhminin. Ang salitang giba ay nangangahulugang “umupo sa kandungan,” na sumisimbolo sa pormal at sagradong paglipat ng kapangyarihan. Nakasaad sa Salasilah sin Upat Apo: “Tuan Sharef Mahadum Aminullah Amirilmuhminin, pagka mahantap na in sarah agama islam pag tuhan natuh mag paaun na kita niyu pamarinta, amuna in kagulal kan Tuan Sharef Shareful Hashim Amirilmuhminin, gibha sin Tuan Sharef Alawi Barfaki Amirilmuhminin, liyangan sin Tuan Sharef Kimar Aminullah Amirilmuhminin, iban sin kaibanan kakasi limangan ampa liguh sin ayah, ubus liguh tiyamungan sin tamungun pamarinta ha waktu bihayaun, adlaw bihaun, bulan bihaun, tahun bihaun, kulang labi lisag 9:00 sin mainaat, isnin, Muharram, 758 Hijrah. Buansa Indanan, Sulu.”

Ang mga Tagapangalaga ng Giba

Tradisyunal na iniatang ang responsibilidad ng pagsasagawa ng seremonya ng giba sa piling mga pamilya upang mapanatili ang kasagraduhan at pagpapatuloy nito. Sa mga pamilyang ito, natatangi ang Bandahala ng Sulu at ang Sharif Ligaddung ng Tawi-Tawi bilang mga kinikilalang tagapangalaga ng giba. Isa sa mga unang kilalang tagapangalaga ng giba ay si Binatal Ara’ ng Parang, na kapatid ni Sattiya Munuh. Pagkatapos ni Binatal Ara’, nailipat ang responsibilidad kay Panglima Bandahala, kasunod ang kanyang anak na si Panglima Caluang, at sa huli ay kay Captain Kalingalan Caluang. Pinatutunayan ng linyang ito ang matibay na panata ng bawat henerasyon sa pagsunod sa banal na tradisyon.

Ang Linya ng Lahi o Tarsila ni Captain Kalingalan Caluang

Si Captain Kalingalan Caluang ay isang tanyag na pigura sa kasaysayan ng Sulu, na sumasalamin sa kagitingan at pamumuno na nauugnay sa kanyang angkan. Anak siya ni Panglima Caluang, na anak naman ni Panglima Bandahala, at sumusunod sa linya nina Sattiya Munuh at Sayyid Sharif Qasim/Kasim. Ayon sa tradisyong pasalita, si Sayyid Sharif Qasim/Kasim ay nagmula kay Apuh Barwa, isa sa mga Lumpang Basih, at may mga ulat na nag-uugnay sa kanya kay Sayyid Sharif Balfaki Alawi.

Ang Huling Sultan na Sumailalim sa Giba

Ang huling Sultan na sumailalim sa seremonya ng giba ay si Sultan Jainal Abirin, na kilala rin bilang Datu Tambuyong. Siya ay apo sa tuhod ni Sultan Shakirul-Lah at tinuruan ng kasanayan sa pangangabayo at pamumuno ni Sayyid Captain Kalingalan Caluang, na nagsagawa rin ng seremonya ng giba para sa kanya.

Mga Kamag-anak ni Sayyid Sharif Kalingalan Caluang

Upang bigyang-diin ang lahi at ugnayan ni Sayyid Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang, ang mga sumusunod na kilalang kamag-anak ay itinatampok:

1. 2nd Lieutenant Imam Marajukin L. Ahad (kilala rin bilang Imam Jamalul o Imam Illawwah): Ipinanganak noong Abril 9, 1918, sa Tapian Bohey, Mantabuan, siya ang ika-apat sa pitong magkakapatid. Ang kanyang ama, si Sayyid Mohammad Ahad Sayyid Wahidun Bin Jalang, ay may lahing Ba Alawi mula sa Yemen. Si Imam Jamalul ay pinsan ni Sayyid Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang, ayon sa pahayag ng kanyang inapo, si Sayyid Nasser Misal Marajukin.

2. Panglima Mammah: Anak ni Panglima Mangummah (kilala rin bilang Panglima Sakadudukan) at apo ni Sultan Muhammad Jamalul A’zam I, si Panglima Mammah ay tiyuhin ni Sayyid Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang. Si Hj Ayyub Mammah, anak ni Panglima Mammah, ay pinsan ni Sayyid Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang. Ang kanilang malapit na ugnayan ay matibay na naaalala, ayon sa salaysay ng anak na babae ni Hj Ayyub Mammah at apo niyang si Sayyid John Mammah Manaligod.

Bilang karagdagan, nang makatagpo ni Sultan Jamalul Kiram III si Hja Marma Caluang Hussin, anak ni Hji Yahya Caluang (anak ni Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang), inamin niyang may kaugnayan sila sa pamilya, at sinabi niya na sila ni Hji Yahya Caluang ay magpinsan.

Ang mga inapo ng kilalang iskolar ng Sulu na si Tuan Bangsa Bahasuan Akip ay patuloy na tinatawag si Sayyid Kapitan Kalingalan Caluang at ang kanyang mga inapo bilang “Sharif,” na higit pang nagpapatibay ng kanilang marangal na lahi.

Ang Pamilya ng Sattiya Munuh

Ang pamilya ni Sattiya Munuh, mula sa kanino nagmula ang pangangalaga ng giba, ay may mataas na posisyon sa kasaysayan ng Sulu. Ang mga tradisyong pasalita na ipinasa-pasa sa mga henerasyon ay binibigyang-diin ang magkasanib na lahi ng pamilya sa Sultanato at ang kanilang posibleng mas malapit na ugnayan sa lahi ni Propeta Muhammad (sumakanya nawa ang kapayapaan). Ang magkasanib na ninuno na ito ay nagpatibay ng kanilang pantay na, kung hindi man mas mataas, na kalagayan, tulad ng makikita sa kasanayan ng pamilya na hindi tawaging “Ampun” ang Sultan, isang termino ng paggalang. Ang pagkakaibang ito ay nagpapakita ng kanilang iginagalang na katayuan bilang matatandang kamag-anak ng lahi ng Sultanato.

Panglima Bandahala: Isang Pinagkakatiwalaang Tagapayo at Kanang kamay

Si Panglima Bandahala, isang mahalagang tauhan sa kasaysayan ng Sulu, ang pinagkakatiwalaang tagapayo at kanang kamay ni Sultan Jamalul Kiram II. Kilala sa kanyang tapat na paglilingkod at karunungan, si Panglima Bandahala ang unang pinupuntahan ng Sultan para sa anumang mahalagang desisyon o kasunduan. Ang kanyang impluwensiya ay umabot pa sa labas ng korte, at madalas siyang sumama kay Sultan Jamalul Kiram II sa mga paglalakbay patungong iba’t ibang lugar, kabilang ang Zamboanga, na nagpapalakas sa kanyang papel bilang isang matatag na kasamahan at tagapayo.

Pamana ng Tradisyong Pasalita

Ang tradisyon ng giba ay maingat na naipasa sa bawat henerasyon, pinapanatili ang diwa ng kulturang ito. Sina Haji Yahya Caluang at ang kanyang kapatid na si MNLF Field Marshal Al Hussein Caluang, mga anak ni Captain Kalingalan Caluang, ay nagbahagi ng kasaysayan ng giba mula sa kanilang ama at mga nakatatanda. Ang pamana ng giba ay sumasalamin hindi lamang sa patuloy na pamumuno sa Sulu kundi sa matinding paggalang sa mga tradisyong nag-uugnay sa mga tao sa kanilang nakaraan. Sa pag-iingat at paggalang sa mga kaugaliang ito, patuloy na ipinagdiriwang ng mga Tausūg ang kanilang mayamang pamana at ang mga pagpapahalagang naglalarawan sa kanilang pagkakakilanlan bilang isang matapang at nagkakaisang bayan.

References