An exploration into the political background of the maguindanao ‘piracy’ in the early eighteenth century

Abstract

The first decades of the eighteenth century witnessed the rise of two competing political factions in the sultanate of Maguindanao. The ambitious raja muda (heir apparent) Manamir led the opposition against the rule of his halfbrother Sultan Bayan. Although Manamir and Bayan both relied on outside political connections to strengthen their influence, the former’s extensive commercial ties in the Indonesian archipelago and the political support from the Spaniards eventually turned the contest towards his favour.Maguindanao ‘piracy’ or what was interpreted as such in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) sources points primarily to the trading and raiding activities associated with Manamir. These activities were labelled ‘piratical’ not only because they were against the Dutch commercial system but also because they challenged the ruling Maguindanao sultan. This chapterexplores the relationship between internal political conflict, regional politics and overseas commerce.