Around 800 – 1,000 Tausug villagers were massacred on March 6, 1906 inside the 50-foot crater of Bud Dajo – a dormant volcano six to seven kilometers away from Jolo, Sulu. The victims were a community of Tausugs who fled to the volcano in defiance of the United States’ occupation of Mindanao. [Photo courtesy of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)]
Member of Parliament Amilbahar S. Mawallil introduced BTA Bill No. 88 entitled “An act declaring March 6 of every year as Bud Dajo Day in commemoration of the Tausug’s resistance to foreign occupation and their continuing quest for peace and self-determination.”
According to Mawallil, around 800 – 1,000 Tausug villagers were massacred on said date inside the 50-foot crater of Bud Dajo – a dormant volcano six to seven kilometers away from Jolo, Sulu. The victims were a community of Tausugs who fled to the volcano in defiance of the United States’ occupation of Mindanao.
“Despite being out-gunned and overpowered, the freedom-loving Tausugs chose to fight, and sacrifice their lives, rather than submit to American rule by paying taxes or surrendering their weapons,” Mawallil stated on the bill’s explanatory note.
Under the bill, Bangsamoro Government’s different ministries, offices, and agencies shall organize and implement annual activities designed to raise public awareness on the events in Bud Dajo.
The Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), in partnership with non-governmental organizations advocating for human rights, shall lead public and private school communities at all levels in the BARMM in organizing consciousness-raising activities on Bud Dajo Day.
“Mr. Speaker it was a story that needs to be retold over the next generation, so that the next generation will never forget the sacrifices of our ancestors to resist US colonial domination,” said MP Mawallil during his sponsorship speech on Wednesday, March 24.
The bill was also authored by MP Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, with co-authors including Minority Floor Leader Atty. Laisa M. ALamia, Deputy Minority Floor Leaders Engr. Baintan A. Ampatuan, Atty. Suharto M. Ambolodto, Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug Jr., and MP Rasul E. Ismael. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
