[1] He was a direct descendant of Shariff Kabungsuwan, a Malay-Arab noble from Johor who brought Islam to Mindanao between the 13th and 14th centuries.

[2] During his reign, he successfully fought off Spanish invasions and halted the spread of Catholicism on the island of Mindanao, much like the other Muslim rulers in the southern Philippines.

In a matter of months, the Spaniards were forced to leave the lands of the Maranaos for safer parts towards Zamboanga, (Fort Pilar), and never ventured to inland Lanao again.

Behold the condition of the Tagalogs and of the Visayans whose chief men are trampled upon by the meanest Castilian.

Do you think that too dear a price to pay for liberty?True to the speech, the Maranao after offering patient defense, thereafter enjoyed 250 years of peace during the whole duration of Spanish withdrawal in the archipelago in 1899.

By the end of 1639, an understanding was also reached between Kudarat and Datu Maputi for a united front against the Spanish invaders.