page_title: Datu
section_title: The Moro societies of Mindanao and Sulu
hierarchical_section_title: Datu / History / Datu in Moro and Lumad societies in Mindanao / The Moro societies of Mindanao and Sulu
caption_attribution_description: English: President Taft and the Sultan of Sulu in Jolo, Sulu, March 27, 1901
context_page_description: Datu is a title which denotes the rulers variously described in historical accounts as chiefs, sovereign princes, and monarchs of numerous indigenous peoples throughout the Philippine archipelago. The title is still used today, especially in Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan, but it was used much more extensively in early Philippine history, particularly in the regions of Central and Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
context_section_description: In the traditional structure of Moro societies, the sultans were the highest authority followed by the datus or rajah, with their rule being sanctioned by the Quran. The titles Datu and Rajah however, predates the coming of Islam. These titles were assimilated into the new structure under Islam. Datus were supported by their tribes. In return for tribute and labor, the datu provided aid in emergencies and advocacy in disputes with other communities and warfare through the Agama and Maratabat laws.
caption: Sultan Jamalul Kiram II of Sulu with William Howard Taft (1901)
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