Capt. Kalingalan Caluang, the son of Panglima Caluang and grandson of Panglima Bandahala, was an instrumental figure in the history of the Turtle Islands and the Sultanate of Sulu. As the Governor of Sulu during the 1940s, Capt. Caluang played a pivotal role in the historic transfer of the Turtle Islands - Taganak, Bakkungan, Bayaua, Sibauang, and Lihiman Islands - from British North Borneo to the Philippines. This monumental event marked a turning point in the region's governance and was commemorated by the unveiling of a marker on Taganak Island on June 26, 1948.

The Historic Transfer of the Turtle Islands

On October 16, 1947, the British North Borneo government officially transferred the sovereignty of the Turtle Islands to the Philippines, a move that underscored the nation's growing influence over its maritime territories. These islands - Taganak, Bakkungan, Bayaua, Sibauang, and Lihiman - are located in the waters of Borneo, and their strategic importance had been long recognized by both local and international stakeholders.

The unveiling of the commemorative marker on Taganak Island, held on June 26, 1948, brought together key figures from the Philippines, the Sultanate of Sulu, and Great Britain. Capt. Caluang, who served as the Governor of Sulu at the time, represented the local leadership. He stood alongside former President Diosdado Macapagal, Princess Tarhata Kiram for the Sultanate, and M.G. Combe, who represented Great Britain. The event was not only a celebration of the transfer of the islands but also a recognition of Capt. Caluang's leadership in Sulu.

Capt. Kalingalan Caluang's Legacy in the Sultanate

Capt. Caluang's deep ties to the Sultanate of Sulu were evident in his relationship with key figures like Dayang-Dayang Putli Tarhata Kiram and Dayang-Dayang Inda Taas Jainal Abirin. His connection to the Sultanate was not merely symbolic; it was steeped in tradition and responsibility. One of Capt. Caluang's most significant roles was overseeing the Giba ceremony, a pivotal ritual associated with the enthronement of Sulu's Sultans. This sacred responsibility had been passed down through his family lineage, with his grandfather, Panglima Bandahala, having previously held the position of overseeing the Giba ceremony after Binatal Arah. The Giba ceremony itself was of immense importance in the Sultanate's governance, signifying the legitimacy and power of the Sultan. Capt. Caluang's role in conducting this ceremony for Sultan Jainal Abirin, the last legitimate Sultan of Sulu, was not just ceremonial. He had a close relationship with Sultan Jainal Abirin, having personally trained him in horsemanship and horseback riding - a skill that was highly valued among the Sulu nobility and crucial for their military traditions.

A Legacy of Leadership and Tradition

As Governor of Sulu, Capt. Kalingalan Caluang was instrumental in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region. His leadership was deeply intertwined with the traditions of the Sultanate of Sulu, and his influence extended far beyond his time as governor. Capt. Caluang's role in overseeing the Giba ceremony and his active participation in the landmark event that transferred the Turtle Islands to the Philippines cemented his place in the history of Sulu. His legacy is not only tied to these significant historical events but also to the ongoing cultural and political identity of the Sultanate of Sulu. As the grandson of Panglima Bandahala, who had held the position of overseeing the Giba ceremony, Capt. Caluang's actions ensured that the traditions of the Sultanate were preserved for future generations.

Final Reflection

Capt. Kalingalan Caluang's life and leadership were marked by a commitment to the Sultanate of Sulu, its traditions, and its people. His involvement in the historic transfer of the Turtle Islands to the Philippines, coupled with his role in overseeing the Giba ceremony for the last legitimate Sultan of Sulu, ensures his place as one of the most important figures in the history of Sulu. His contributions, both as a political leader and as a custodian of the Sultanate's traditions, continue to resonate in the cultural memory of the region. For more information on the Turtle Islands and their historical significance, visit the Wikipedia page on Tawi-Tawi.

References

 Philippine Bureau of Local Government. The Symbols of the State. 1975, pp. 258–259. https://archive.org/details/SymbolsOfTheStateRepublicOfThePhilippines/page/n269/mode/2up.

 Wikipedia - Tawi-Tawi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawi-Tawi