Ansar El Islam (Helpers of Islam)
The history of the Bangsamoro battle for self-determination is replete with examples of bravery, resilience, and leadership. One such example is that of Ansarul Islam, a vital force in the preservation of Islam in the Philippines that provided the groundwork for what became the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Sayyid Captain Kalingalan "Apuh Inggal" Caluang was a crucial player in the formation of Ansarul Islam, and his genealogy, achievements, and legacy have sometimes been misconstrued or, worse, rejected by others. This page aims to correct the record and highlight the significance of Sayyid Capt. Caluang in the context of the Bangsamoro fight and the history of Islam in the Philippines. The Formation of Ansarul Islam Following the Jabidah Massacre in 1968, where Tausūg recruits were slain for refusing to participate in the Marcos regime's secret operation to reclaim Sabah, the Moro people mobilized. This massacr...