Banguingui

Infobox Ethnic group
group = Banguingui
population = unknown
regions = Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga Peninsula
languages = Banguingui language, Chabacano, Cebuano, Filipino, English
religions = Predominantly Islam
related = other Moros, Lumad, Visayan, other Filipino peoples, other Austronesian peoples

Banguingui (Also Sama Banguingui, Sama Bangingi’, Bangingi, Samal Banguingui) is a distinct ethno-linguistic group dispersed throughout the Greater Sulu Archipelago and southern and western coastal regions of the Zamboanga peninsula in Mindanao. Although it is not officially recognized by law either in the Philippines (where there are no official ethnicities; see ethnic groups in the Philippines) or neighboring Malaysian State of Sabah; this can be attributed to their natural ability to culturally assimilate and their acceptance in either Tausug, Sama and Yakan societies. The Banguingui are part of the wider Moro ethnic group, who constitute the sixth largest Filipino ethnic group.

The Banguingui language has both written and oral traditions. Its written language is in Jawi script and is fast becoming a dying tradition. While oral traditions continues to be handed down by the "kamattoahan" (elders) to the "kaanakan" or "anak baha-u" (new generations), it is losing its appeal.

History

At the height of the Sulu Sultanate, the Banguingui forms the bulk of the Sultan's navy, leading retaliatory raids against Spanish controlled outposts in Mindanao, the Visayas and as far as Luzon to the north.

The Banguingui build and manage formidable "kuta" (forts) throughout the Sulu Archipelago.

They are respected as fierce "sundalo sin Sultan" (royal warriors), and akin to the French Chevaliers and Russian Cossacks, sworn to defend the Sultan.

They are builders of the fastest "vinta"or (bangka-bangka) boats that ever roam the vast Sulu-Sulawesi region.

Notable Banguingui

Maas Alidji- a mariner in the service of the Sultan who gain fame during a battle in Brunei Bay.

Maas Arola Tulawi- one time governor of the Province of Sulu and patriarch of the Tulawie Clan. His descendants include the some of the political leaders in the province. Their bailiwick is the Municipality of Talipao in the eastern region of Jolo Island.

Imam Jai Dionga - First cousin of Maas Arola Tulawi and headman (i.e barrio captain) of Buan Island in the Province of Tawi-Tawi for more than three decades. He is well respected by Tausug, Bajau and Sama alike. He was one time Vice Mayor of the Municipality of Balimbing (now Panglima Sugala).

The Nuño's, Timbang's, Abdurahim's, Abdurajak's, Buhaini's, Tahil's, Sahi's, etc. of Taluksangay - Several members of this respected Nuño's clan have distinguished themselves as political leaders in Zamboanga City. They are one of the few Muslim families that is well respected in a predominantly "sagrado catolico" City of Zamboanga.