The Battle of Bud Dajo, also known as the Moro Crater Massacre, remains one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, particularly for the Bangsamoro people. It was a tragic event that unfolded from March 5 to 8, 1906, during the Moro resistance against American colonial rule. This massacre saw the indiscriminate slaughter of hundreds of Tausug men, women, and children by the United States military.
Historical Background
Following the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), the United States extended its control over the southern islands, including the Sulu Archipelago. The Moro people, primarily Muslims, had long resisted foreign rule, first against Spanish colonization and later against American forces. The U.S. military sought to impose governance and policies, including the disarmament of the Moros, which was met with strong opposition.
By 1906, tensions escalated as a group of around 1,000 Tausugs, including warriors and civilians, took refuge in the crater of Bud Dajo, an extinct volcano standing 2,100 feet above sea level in Jolo, Sulu. This group, mostly unarmed or lightly armed, was composed of families who refused to submit to American authority and feared military reprisals.
The Massacre at Bud Dajo
On March 5, 1906, U.S. forces, led by Major General Leonard Wood, launched an assault on Bud Dajo with a force of approximately 750 soldiers, including elements from the 6th Infantry Regiment, the 19th Infantry Regiment, and the Philippine Constabulary. Over the next three days, American troops relentlessly attacked the encampment using rifles, artillery, and even machine guns.
By March 8, nearly all of the Tausugs in the crater had been killed. Reports vary on the exact number of casualties, but estimates suggest that between 600 to 1,000 people perished. According to some accounts, only six individuals survived the massacre. The dead included women, children, and elderly individuals, many of whom had little means to defend themselves. Despite the overwhelming loss of civilian life, the U.S. military framed the operation as a victory over an insurgent group.
Aftermath and Legacy
The massacre sparked outrage both in the Philippines and in the United States. American newspapers and political figures criticized the excessive use of force, questioning the ethical and moral implications of the attack. President Theodore Roosevelt, however, defended the military’s actions, arguing that it was necessary to establish order in the region. Nonetheless, the Bud Dajo Massacre intensified resistance among the Moro people and reinforced their resolve in the struggle for self-determination.
To this day, the Battle of Bud Dajo remains a painful memory for the Bangsamoro people. It symbolizes not only the brutality of colonial rule but also the resilience of the Moro people in the face of oppression. The event is commemorated every year as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by their ancestors.
As the Bangsamoro Government marks Bangsamoro History Month, the tragedy of Bud Dajo serves as a lesson for future generations, emphasizing the importance of remembering history, honoring the struggle for self-determination, and ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
