Tarik Sulayman

Tarik Sulayman, also spelled Tarik Soliman (from Arabic طارق سليمان Tāriq Sulaiman), is the name attributed by Kapampangan Historians to the individual that led the forces of Macabebe against the Spanish forces of Miguel López de Legazpi during the Battle of Bankusay on June 3, 1571. The Spanish records do not identify that individual by name, so the attribution of the name Tarik Sulayman is based on genealogical records presented the leader's Kapampangan descendants during the 19th century. Tarik Sulayman was known as Bambalito by some historians.

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Tarik Sulayman Monument (Macabebe, Pampanga)

The battle of Bangkusay happened because he refused to ally with the Spaniards as Rajah Lakan Dula had done, decided to mount an attack on the Spaniards, massing his forces at Bankusay Channel. López de Legazpi got word of the impending attack and launched a preemptive strike. The Macabebe forces were defeated, and Tarik Sulayman himself was killed.

The Spanish victory at Bangkusay and López de Legazpi's friendship with Rajah Lakan Dula enabled the Spaniards to establish themselves throughout the city and its neighboring towns.

Sulayman Controversy

Some controversy exists about whether Tarik Sulayman of Macabebe, and Rajah Sulaiman III of Manila were the same person. This is presented to be the case in some versions of the Battle of Bangkusay, but Kapampangan historians insist that the two were different individuals who are often confused with one another because of their names. Some have even suggested that the two men were related.

In any case, the Spanish records do not identify the leader of the Macabebe forces by name, but they do record that he died during the Battle of Bangkusay, resulting in a Macabebe retreat and a Spanish Victory. Rajah Sulaiman of Manila, on the other hand, is clearly recorded as participating in the 1574 Manila Revolt.