The Cultural Forms of The Dibarosan Structures in Lanao: Prof. Ben J. Kadil
The Cultural Forms of The Dibarosan Structures in Lanao: Prof. Ben J. Kadil
The Cultural Forms of The Dibarosan Structures in Lanao: Prof. Ben J. Kadil
IN LANAO
A Paper Presented to
Presented to the
School of Graduate Studies
Mindanao State University
Marawi City
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements of the Subject
History 212 (Socio-Cultural History of Mindanao)
Submitted by:
Raihanah M. Gote
There are many existing Dibarosans in Lanao but the Dibarosan structure located
in Taraka, Lanao del Sur served as a reflection for the structure of the political system
in the place. It serves as a stone head for purposes of meeting the death penalty on
condemned criminals.
During the Sultanate system, the constituents follow the Sultanate system. The
Sultanate system involves death penalties for heinous crimes. An individual was judged
and punished for transgressions of Islamic percepts on murder, adultery, and other
grave offences. The punishment was public to instill in the minds of Maranao Muslims
to infidelity. While it may be said that there could have been Dibarosans in other
settlements in Lanao, it is only in Taraka where a proof of death penalty and public
stands on a ground next to Taraka River, between Torogan and Maidana at Maruhom
The Dibarosan of Bayang existed since 16 CE, since the sultanate of Sultan
Kudarat. It was established after Sultan Kudarat visited the place to encourage
The stone (shown in the image) was exactly where Sultan Kudarat stood and
delivered his message in the entire land. Though it do not have any political
implications for the place, they preserved it for they treasure Sultan Kudarat for hhis
At the back of the Dibarosan structure was Masjid of Imam Diwan. It was the
first Masjid built in the place. Consequently, it was considered as one of the most
significant Masjids in Lanao because it served as one of the first Madrasah (Arabic
school in Lanao) where numerous Muslims studied and learned Arabic after its arrival in
the Philippines.
The presence of the Masjid of Imam Diwan was considered one of the reasons
why Sultan Kudarat chose to deliver his speech. It was believed that it was after he
performed Sambayang (prayer) together with the residents of the place that he was
able to stand bravely, convincing people to embrace Islam and spread it all over
Mindanao.
DIBAROSAN SA PAGAYAWAN
The Dibarosan of Pagayawan
The place of Pagayawan has a different view of the Dibarosan. They perceived
the Dibarosan to be of great power and magic. It served as a place for solemnity and
purity of intentions.
According to the residents who have preserved the historical significance of the
structures, the Dibarosan of Pagayawan was part of the rituals for Sultan
enthronements because the new elected Sultan was believed to become more efficient
As such, if the newly elected Sultan was not able to seat in the Dibarosan and
perform the associated rituals and ceremonies associated with it, he might easily lose
his power because the Dibarosan has a supernatural power of strengthening ruling and
leadership.
Meanwhile, the significance of the Dibarosan started after a resident in the place
dreamt of a stone structure brought down by Allah (s.w.t) to serve as a stone of power
and compassion for Sultans. That is why, those who neglect to sit in the Dibarosan is
believed to suffer from extreme illness that can even cause death.
There are also associated traditional prayer granting just by praying in front of
the Dibarosan such as, recovering from illness, wishing for a child, wishing for another