Raiders of the Sulu Sea

Summary

The documentary 'Raiders of the Lost Seas', produced by Author Films in 1996 and directed by Eastman Oatman, explores the brutal slave raiding activities by Muslim tribes in the southern Philippines. It delves into the conflict with the Spaniards, who sought to control economic activities and propagate Christianity. The tribes, known for their maritime skills and fierce resistance, attacked the Spanish stronghold in 1720 but were unsuccessful. Despite their failure, they killed their own families to prevent enslavement, highlighting their fight for culture and religion. The film, televised by Discovery and History Channel in 2008, provides insight into the historical struggle and the tribes' military prowess.

Takeaways

• 🎥 **Documentary Background**: 'Raiders of the Solution' is a documentary produced by Author Films in 1996, directed by Eastman Oatman, and was internationally televised by Discovery and History channels in 2008.
• 🏺 **Slave Raiding Activities**: The film discusses the slave raiding activities by Muslim tribes in the southern Philippines, highlighting the brutality of these actions.
• 🤺 **Conflict Origins**: It explores the conflict between Muslim tribes and Spaniards, stemming from the Spaniards' attempts to control economic activities and propagate Christianity in the region.
• 🌊 **Tactics of Slave Raiding**: The tribes would pretend to be fishermen to capture innocent people and then enslave them, marking them by boring a hole in their captives' palms to tie them up.
• 🛡️ **Types of Tribes**: Three main tribes are identified in the conflict: the Illanun with 3,000 men and 100 boats led by Raha Dalasi, and two other tribes known for their maritime skills and slaving expertise.
• 🗡️ **Weapons and Skills**: The tribes showcased various weapons and maritime skills, demonstrating their expertise in naval warfare.
• ⏳ **Historical Battle**: On December 8, 1720, the tribes, led by Raha Dalasi, attacked the Spanish fort of Fort Pilar, fighting with swords against the Spaniards' firearms and cannons.
• 🏰 **Fort Pilar**: Fort Pilar, a 10-meter high and two-acre wide concrete structure, served as a military territory defense in the south, making it difficult to attack.
• 🚢 **Spanish Advantage**: The Spaniards, with the help of a faster and bigger steamship from England, were able to cut the boats of the Muslims, gaining an advantage in the conflict.
• 🏳️ **Cultural and Religious Fight**: The Muslims' resistance was not just for economic reasons but also to protect their culture and religion, as evidenced by their actions to prevent their families and tribes from becoming slaves.

Q & A

What is the documentary film 'Raiders of the Lost Solution' about?

The documentary discusses the slave raiding activities in the southern Philippines by Muslim tribes, the brutality involved, and the conflict between these tribes and the Spaniards.

Who produced and directed the documentary 'Raiders of the Lost Solution'?

The film was produced by Author Films and directed by Eastman Oatman in 1996.

On which channels was 'Raiders of the Lost Solution' televised internationally?

The documentary was televised internationally by Discovery Channel and History Channel in 2008.

How did the Muslim tribes capture slaves during the time period depicted in the documentary?

The Muslim tribes would pretend to be fishermen and then capture people, declaring them as slaves. They would bore a hole in the captives' palms to insert a string to tie them, preventing escape.

What was the cause of the conflict between the Muslim tribes and the Spaniards?

The conflict arose from the Spaniards' attempts to control economic activities and propagate Christianity in the southern Philippines.

What were the three tribes involved in the resistance against the Spaniards?

The three tribes involved were the Illanons, the Sambal Balangini, and the Usual tribe.

Who led the combined forces of the three tribes against the Spaniards?

The combined forces were led by Raha Dalasi.

What was the significance of the Illanons tribe in piracy history?

The Illanons were an important tribe in piracy history and were known for their maritime activities and traditional sailing skills.

What was the date of the attack on the Fourth Pillar by the Muslim tribes?

The attack on the Fourth Pillar took place on December 8, 1720.

What was the outcome of the attack on the Fourth Pillar by the Muslim tribes?

The attack was unsuccessful. The Spaniards, with the help of a faster and bigger steamship from England, were able to cut the votes (boats) of the Muslims.

Why did the Muslim tribes kill their own women, children, and tribes after the failed attack?

The Muslim tribes killed their own to prevent them from suffering and becoming slaves under the Spaniards, showing they fought not only for economic value but also for their culture and religion.