The Spaniards organized groups called pueblos and divided these into sitios for easier proselytization and evangelization.

Because the Muslim were the champions of Islamic religion and because they considered war as an occupation and piracy as a hobby, they raided Christian pueblos along China Seacoast of the Philippines.

In 1602, Spain sent punitive expeditions to Zamboanga, Cotabato and other places to curb the rising tide of Moro depredations.

According to an old resident, Moro pirates entered the pueblo known today as Santiago in their return to Jolo.

The people rushed and got their available arms like bolos, bows and arrows and fought the pirates boldly.

As the battle went on, the missionaries stations=greater which they bought with them from Spain and held it high facing the seashore praying fervently the rosary with few people, for the safety and victory of his Christian followers, The Moros ran away and fled southward in their kumpits leaving behind their dead.