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Malabang
Malabang
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Malabang, officially the Municipality of Malabang (Maranao: Inged a Malabang; Tagalog: Bayan ng Malabang), is a municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 49,088 people.[6] The town is one of the two former capitals of the Sultanate of Maguindanao from 1515 until the Spanish conquered the land in 1888.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Malabang, in Lanao del Sur, is considered the oldest settlement in mainland Mindanao.

The Sultanate of T'bok was an established kingdom in present-day Malabang long before the Philippines became a country. The people of Malabang are mostly Maranaos, a southern Mindanao ethnicity; they are also often identified with the Iranuns because of Iranuns who live in some of the barangays in the southern part of Malabang, comprising what is now Balabagan. In March 1969, Executive Order 386, signed by President Carlos P. Garcia, reconstituted the southern part of Malabang as the Municipality of Balabagan. Thus, Iranuns are now residents of Balabagan rather than Malabang.

Malabang played a significant part in the early battles against invaders of the Philippines. During the defensive campaigns against Spain, Malabang became the headquarters of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat of Maguindanao. He used to spend time recuperating in Malabang throughout the period when he was fighting to defend Maguindanao against invasion. He later retired to Malabang when he fell ill. He eventually died and was buried there. In May 1977, Presidential Decree 1135 of President Ferdinand Marcos created the Municipality of Picong (formerly Sultan Gumander) out of the north-western portion of Malabang, where Sultan Kudarat's grave was located.

During the Second World War, when the Japanese invaded the Philippines, the Japanese military built a large camp in Malabang, including a network of tunnels around it. It was considered a major camp of the Japanese forces. In 1942, the Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice José Abad Santos was brought to this camp, after he was captured in Cebu while fleeing from Japanese forces. Chief Justice Abad Santos was executed in the camp for refusing to cooperate with the Japanese, and was buried in barangay Curahab. The place where the camp is situated and where Mr. Santos was executed was later on named Camp Jose Abad Santos (Camp JAS).

In 1945, United States and Philippine Commonwealth forces, working with Maranao guerillas, occupied Malabang after a siege. During the Siege of Malabang, the guerillas used weapons like the Maranao kris, barong and kampilan to fight the Japanese forces. The victorious American and Philippine Commonwealth troops, together with their Maranao guerrilla allies, eventually defeated the Japanese Imperial forces. When the built of the general headquarters and military camp base of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary was station's active in Malabang from 1945 to 1946 during and ended of World War II.

Malabang as a municipality was founded on March 1, 1893. The locals of the town celebrate the founding day, the Araw ng Malabang every March 1 annually.

Geography

[edit]

Malabang is one of thirty-nine municipalities comprising the province of Lanao del Sur in northern Mindanao. It lies on the south-west part of the province and belongs to the second district. It has 37 barangays with a total land area of 37,789.28 km2. The distance from Marawi City to Malabang is 71 kilometers. Malabang is bounded on the north by the municipality of Calanogas; on the north-west by the municipality of Picong (Sultan Gumander); on the east by the municipality of Marogong; and on the south by the municipality of Balabagan. To the west of Malabang is Illana Bay.

It is under the administrative supervision of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) since November 1989, pursuant to R.A. No. 6734 dated June 8, 1989, known as the "Organic Act of ARM M".

The municipality is a level plain in its central to southern portion. A slope in the north is bounded by the Municipality of Calanogas. There is also a slope in eastern Malabang.

Barangays

[edit]

Malabang is politically subdivided into 37 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

  • Bacayawan
  • Badak Lumao
  • Bagoaingud
  • Banday
  • Betayan
  • Boniga
  • BPS Village
  • Bunk House
  • Cabasaran (South)
  • Calibagat
  • Calumbog
  • Campo Muslim
  • China Town (Poblacion)
  • Corahab
  • Diamaro
  • Inandayan
  • Jose Abad Santos
  • Lamin
  • Mable
  • Macuranding
  • Madaya
  • Mananayo
  • Manggahan
  • Masao
  • Matalin
  • Matampay
  • Matling
  • Montay
  • Pasir
  • Pialot
  • Rebocun
  • Sarang
  • Sumbagarogong
  • Tacub
  • Tambara
  • Tiongcop
  • Tuboc

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Malabang, Lanao del Sur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30
(86)
30
(86)
31
(88)
31
(88)
30
(86)
30
(86)
29
(84)
29
(84)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
30
(86)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 24
(75)
24
(75)
25
(77)
25
(77)
26
(79)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 236
(9.3)
225
(8.9)
244
(9.6)
235
(9.3)
304
(12.0)
287
(11.3)
200
(7.9)
175
(6.9)
158
(6.2)
200
(7.9)
287
(11.3)
243
(9.6)
2,794
(110.2)
Average rainy days 24.3 22.3 26.0 27.2 28.3 27.2 25.8 24.8 22.2 25.4 27.2 25.8 306.5
Source: Meteoblue (modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)[7]

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of Malabang
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 164—    
1918 980+12.66%
1939 10,210+11.81%
1948 10,380+0.18%
1960 27,152+8.34%
1970 28,692+0.55%
1975 32,618+2.61%
1980 18,955−10.28%
1990 25,714+3.10%
1995 28,840+2.17%
2000 33,177+3.05%
2007 41,024+2.97%
2010 38,724−2.08%
2015 43,957+2.44%
2020 49,088+2.35%
2024 58,377+4.25%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[8][9][10][11][12]

Religions

[edit]
Religion in Malabang Lanao del Sur
Religion Percent
Islam
98.7%
Christianity
1.26%

Languages

[edit]

The languages spoken in Malabang vary by location and by barangay. Maranao is the most commonly spoken language in Malabang, as the native speakers are the original inhabitants of Malabang.

Cebuano is spoken in some barangays with significant Cebuano Visayan immigrant populations who are mostly Catholic Christians. Along with English, Cebuano is used in Catholic masses and religious services as Malabang is part of the Prelature of Marawi, subject to the Archdiocese of Ozamis.

Some descendants of Chinese settlers in China Town (Poblacion) speak Mandarin and to some degree, Hokkien.

English is also a commonly spoken language due to American settlers in Matalin and European missionaries, and is also the medium of instruction and working language of the municipal government. Arabic is used in madrassas and spoken by qualified local and visiting ustadz (Islamic scholar) and imams. Settlers from the Maguindanao, Samal and Tausūg ethnic groups in barangay Bunkhouse still use their tribal tongues.

Although there are no settlers from the Tagalog region in Lanao del Sur, Tagalog is still used in schools, being the national language of the Philippines through its national register Filipino. It is also the alternative language of the Maranao townsfolk when conversing with Visayans, since not all of them know how to speak Cebuano.

Other languages varyingly spoken include Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicolano, Higaonon, and Iranun.

Economy

[edit]

Poverty Incidence of Malabang

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2000
69.43
2003
46.84
2006
28.80
2009
37.72
2012
68.06
2015
61.60
2018
71.01
2021
10.81

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

Agriculture and fishery are the major resources of Malabang. They are also widely known for coconut production. Warehouses of coconut can be found along the major highways of Malabang. Mills in barangay Matalin produce cassava flour. Other agricultural products produced in Malabang include corn, vegetables and rice. Malabang also plays a major role in fishery production. They are known for puzan (a preserved fish product) and bakas (smoked dried fish). Malabang is central to commerce and trade activity in the coastal area of Lanao del Sur.

Government

[edit]

The municipality has a mayor, the head of the municipality of Malabang, a municipal vice mayor, and eight municipal councilors. The municipality also has one Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) representative and one ABC representative from the Punong Barangay (barangay captains).

Mayor of Malabang

[edit]
  • 1939–1942, Naguib Juanday (First elected mayor)
  • 1942–1944, Datu Sampiano (First appointed mayor)
  • 1944–1945, Gandamasir Diambangan (Appointed)
  • 1945–1946, Matling Darnang (Appointed)
  • 1946–1947, Datu Boloto Paramata (Appointed)
  • 1947–1948, Naguib Juanday (Appointed)
  • 1948-1952, Ismael Marohom
  • 1952–1956, Datu Macaorao Balindong
  • 1956–1960, Datu Macaorao Balindong
  • 1960–1964, Datu Macaorao Balindong
  • 1964–1968, Amir M. Balindong
  • 1968–1972, Amir M. Balindong
  • 1972–1976, Amir M. Balindong
  • 1976–1980, Macud Bangon Santican (Appointed)
  • 1980–1986, Macud Bangon Santican
  • 1986–1988, Anwar B. Balindong (Appointed)
  • 1988–1992, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 1992–1995, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 1995–1998, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 1998–2001, Amir-Oden S. Balindong
  • 2001–2004, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 2004–2007, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 2007–2010, Anwar B. Balindong
  • 2010–2013, Omensalam S. Balindong
  • 2013–2016, Omensalam S. Balindong
  • 2016–2019, Omensalam S. Balindong
  • 2019–2022, Mohamad Yahya B. Macapodi
  • 2022–2025, Alinader M. Balindong
  • 2025–present, Amin D. Balindong

Infrastructure

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]
Land Transport
Malabang is quite sufficient when it comes to land transportation to the nearby municipalities. Tricycles are the most-commonly-used transportation around the town. Usually, in the elevated part of Malabang, public transportation such as town ace and multi-cab are used. There are also public utility vans and jeepneys available to nearby cities and municipalities.
Air Transport
Malabang Airport is the small airport of Malabang in the province of Lanao del Sur. It has IATA code MLP, GPS Code RPMM, an elevation of 27 feet (8.2 meters), latitude 7.6172 and longitude 124.059. This airport is classified as a secondary airport, or a minor commercial airport, by the Philippine Air Transportation Office. Its runway is 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) long. Malabang Airport is the only airport in the province. As of 2015, no airlines serve this airport.
Sea Transport
Malabang has only a small seaport. Daily coastal launches connect Malabang with Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte. Privately owned boats and rental boats are available for sea travel.

Medical Services

[edit]

Dr. Serapio B. Montañer Memorial District Hospital or known to many as Mabul Hospital is the public hospital in Malabang, and is listed as a secondary hospital in the province. There are also several municipal private clinics in Malabang.

Telecommunications

[edit]

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company provides fixed line services. Wireless mobile communications services are provided by Smart Communications and Globe Telecommunications.

Education

[edit]

Although listed as 4th class municipality, all levels of education are attainable in Malabang, a center of learning in the coastal area of Lanao del Sur. Multiple colleges are present, including the community branch of Mindanao State University. Arabic studies are also offered at all levels. Other notable secondary school in Malabang is Our Lady of Peace High School, a Catholic school and Malabang National High School

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Malabang is a third-class coastal municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines, historically serving as a seat of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. The municipality covers a land area of 198.10 square kilometers, borders Illana Bay, and consists of 37 barangays with a population of 49,088 as recorded in the 2020 census. Located at coordinates 7°36′N 124°4′E and an elevation of approximately 18 meters, Malabang's position along the coastline underscores its role in regional trade and Moro cultural heritage amid the province's predominantly Muslim demographics. It is currently led by Mayor Alinader M. Balindong.

History

Pre-Colonial and Sultanate Era

Prior to the arrival of , the area encompassing modern Malabang was part of the indigenous settlements in mainland , inhabited by with traditions rooted in and ancestral veneration, though specific archaeological evidence for the site remains sparse and largely undocumented beyond general regional dating to around 1500 BC. Islam reached Malabang in 1515 with the arrival of , a Sunni Muslim prince from , accompanied by a large group of followers including Sama warriors and traders, who established a foothold on the shores of Illana Bay. , leveraging marriages to local chieftains such as the daughter of Rajah Simbaan of Malabang, converted ruling families and expanded influence through military and diplomatic means, founding the around 1516 with Malabang as an initial seat of power. This marked the transition from localized datu-led communities to a centralized Islamic , integrating Malabang into broader networks of trade and governance with and Malay states. The , under Kabungsuwan (styled Sultan Aliwya, r. 1515–1543) and successors, controlled coastal and riverine territories of central , with Malabang serving as a key port and administrative hub facilitating alliances and resistance against external threats. By the 17th century, the sultanate's influence persisted amid emerging confederacies like the Lanao Sultanate formed by Maranao datus seceding from Maguindanao around 1640, though Malabang retained ties to Maguindanaon leadership. The era solidified Islamic jurisprudence, such as mosques, and maritime economy in the region, predating sustained Spanish incursions that began probing in the late 16th century but achieved limited control until the 19th.

Colonial Period

During the Spanish colonial period, Malabang—historically linked to the site of La Sabanilla and anciently called Tuboc after a local spring known as Puerto Tuboc—experienced intermittent Spanish incursions amid broader Moro resistance in the . Spanish forces established an early fortification at La Sabanilla in the , initially as a , to counter the expansion of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat of . In 1639, Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera and forces under Captain Almonte constructed a fort at the site, now identified with Malabang on Illana Bay, as part of repeated but largely unsuccessful campaigns to subdue Moro sultanates. These efforts faced fierce opposition from Maranao datus, who employed fortified kotas for defense, preserving de autonomy in inland Lanao areas despite coastal outposts. By 1892, Spanish engineers under Capitán Juan Gálvez y Delgado built Fort Corcuera in Malabang as a bastioned structure with watchtowers, aimed at pacifying southern , though effective control remained limited by ongoing attacks and . Following the Spanish-American War and the 1898 Treaty of Paris, American forces assumed control of the , incorporating Malabang into the established by Act No. 787 in 1903. In April 1902, the U.S. 22nd Infantry Regiment, under Frank D. Baldwin, landed in Malabang and set up headquarters adjacent to the repurposed Fort Corcuera, using it as a staging point for expeditions into resistant Moro territories around . This base facilitated the punitive Battle of Bayang (also known as Bayan) on May 2, 1902, where approximately 1,000 U.S. troops, including artillery and , engaged around 600 Maranao fighters under Datus of Bayang in retaliation for Moro killings of Americans in Malabang and ; the Americans suffered 11 killed and 45 wounded, while destroying several kotas but failing to capture key leaders. The clash exemplified early phases of the (1902–1913), characterized by against U.S. pacification, with Malabang serving as a logistical hub for subsequent operations like the Masiu expedition in 1902. American governance in Malabang emphasized and , but local datus continued sporadic resistance, including ambushes and slave raids, until broader subjugation under figures like Brigadier General John J. Pershing in the mid-1900s. The administration, headquartered initially in Malabang before shifting, imposed taxes and constabulary forces, gradually integrating the area into Philippine colonial structures by 1914, though cultural and religious autonomy persisted among Maranao communities.

Post-Independence Developments

After Philippine independence on July 4, 1946, Malabang retained its status as a municipality within the undivided province of Lanao, which encompassed areas of present-day Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. The province underwent subdivision on July 4, 1959, through Republic Act No. 2228, establishing Lanao del Sur with Malabang as one of its component municipalities; this division aimed to address administrative efficiencies amid growing populations and distinct cultural identities in the region. Post-war reconstruction efforts in the area focused on basic infrastructure, including the maintenance of Malabang Airport, initially constructed by Japanese forces during World War II as a military airfield but repurposed for civilian use thereafter. The municipality became embroiled in the Moro insurgency starting in the late 1960s, as Muslim armed groups such as the emerged in Lanao provinces in response to land policies encouraging Christian migration from and the , leading to communal tensions and displacement. By 1972, the conflict had intensified in , including Malabang, with sporadic clashes between Moro rebels and government forces exacerbating local ridos ( feuds) and contributing to through disrupted and . These events prompted cycles of internal displacement, with Malabang experiencing vulnerability to conflict-driven migrations, as documented in provincial protection assessments highlighting histories of violence in select barangays. Economic development remained agrarian-focused, centered on production and trading, with no major industrial refineries established locally; collected in Malabang was typically shipped to external processors. Recent initiatives under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), formed in 2019, have targeted agri-industrial growth in Malabang, including proposals for ecozones leveraging its coastal and productive lands, alongside efforts to integrate historical agricultural cooperatives—dating to the early —into modern banking networks for improved financial access. In January 2023, the BARMM Regional assumed landside operations at Malabang Airport, signaling potential enhancements in connectivity and to support regional trade. These measures reflect ongoing attempts to mitigate conflict legacies through autonomous governance and targeted investments, though persistent clan disputes continue to challenge stability.

Contemporary Events

In September 2024, a violent feud, or rido, erupted in Malabang between the Abdul and Macud families, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries, which led authorities to deploy nine police units to contain the escalation and avert further bloodshed ahead of local elections. Such incidents reflect persistent rido dynamics in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where familial disputes over land, honor, or politics frequently disrupt community stability and complicate electoral processes. Military-led interventions have aimed to resolve these feuds; on November 23, 2024, the Philippine Army's 64th Infantry Battalion facilitated between warring clans in Malabang, emphasizing community to reduce recurring violence. Complementing this, the Malabang Station organized a Unity Walk and Peace Covenant Signing on March 27, 2025, involving local stakeholders to foster and prevent election-related unrest. The May 2025 local elections in Malabang unfolded amid heightened security measures due to rido risks and historical electoral violence in , with a registered voting population of approximately 33,585; partial results were reported shortly after, followed by oath-taking ceremonies for elected officials, including Vice Mayor Yacob D. Balindong, on June 19, 2025. Infrastructure advancements tied to regional rehabilitation include the Malabang Road project, a 2.20-kilometer costing 2.13 billion, initiated in March 2024 under efforts to recover from the 2017 spillover effects, enhancing connectivity in the area. These developments occur within BARMM's broader peace framework, though clan tensions continue to challenge sustained progress.

Geography

Location and Topography

Malabang is a coastal situated in the southwestern portion of province, within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, on the southern island of in the . Its municipal center lies at approximately 7°36′ North and 124°4′ East . The area borders Illana Bay to the west, providing direct access to the Moro Gulf. The municipality encompasses a total land area of 198.10 square kilometers, characterized primarily by low-lying coastal plains along the bayfront that gradually rise into undulating hills and foothills toward the interior. Elevations remain modest, with an average of about 37 meters above and variations typically not exceeding 143 meters within localized areas near the center. This topography supports a mix of alluvial deposits near the coast and more rugged terrain inland, influenced by proximity to the broader Moro Gulf coastal zone and the of the surrounding mountain systems in central . The flat to gently sloping coastal margins facilitate settlement and , while the slight inland elevations contribute to drainage patterns feeding into the .

Administrative Divisions

Malabang is administratively subdivided into 37 barangays, which function as the primary units responsible for basic services and community governance within the . These barangays vary in , with Matalin recording the highest at 4,037 residents and several smaller ones under 500, based on the 2020 of and conducted by the . The barangays of Malabang are:
  • Bacayawan
  • Badak Lumao
  • Bagoaingud
  • Banday
  • Betayan
  • Boniga
  • BPS Village
  • Bunk House
  • Cabasaran
  • Calibagat
  • Calumbog
  • Campo Muslim
  • China Town
  • Corahab
  • Diamaro
  • Inandayan
  • Jose Abad Santos
  • Lamin
  • Mable
  • Macuranding
  • Madaya
  • Mananayo
  • Manggahan
  • Masao
  • Matalin
  • Matampay
  • Matling
  • Montay
  • Pasir
  • Pialot
  • Rebocun
  • Sarang
  • Sumbagarogong
  • Tacub
  • Tambara
  • Tiongcop
  • Tuboc

Climate and Natural Features

Malabang exhibits a typical of western , with consistently high temperatures and rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, classified under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's Type IV regime, featuring no pronounced . Average annual temperatures hover around 25.4°C, with daily highs ranging from 30°C in cooler months like to peaks of 32°C during and , and nighttime lows stabilizing near 23°C across seasons. The hottest periods occur in and May, when daytime temperatures often exceed 32°C, while levels frequently surpass 80%, contributing to a muggy feel. Precipitation averages substantial volumes, with wetter months like recording approximately 320 mm of rain over about 23 days, supporting lush vegetation but occasionally leading to flooding in low-lying areas. The region's southerly position shields it from most typhoons affecting northern , though southwest monsoons from June to bring heavier downpours, and localized thunderstorms are common year-round. Geographically, Malabang occupies narrow coastal plains along Illana Bay in the Moro Gulf, transitioning into rolling hills and low plateaus inland, with an average elevation of 61 meters above sea level. The Malabang River, a key waterway, originates in the hinterlands and flows westward through the municipality into the bay, facilitating irrigation for rice and corn fields while shaping alluvial deposits along its course. Surrounding terrain includes fault-influenced hills and flatlands suited to agriculture, with no dominant peaks within municipal bounds but proximity to volcanic-influenced ranges eastward near Lake Lanao. Coastal features encompass sandy beaches, such as Mabul Beach, and fringing mangroves, vulnerable to erosion and tidal influences.

Demographics

The population of Malabang has exhibited significant long-term growth since early 20th-century censuses, rising from 164 residents in 1903 to 49,088 in 2020, reflecting broader demographic expansion in the Philippines amid improvements in healthcare, agriculture, and migration patterns. However, this trajectory includes notable fluctuations, particularly a post-1970s decline followed by recovery, likely influenced by regional conflicts in Mindanao that prompted internal displacement and out-migration.
Census YearPopulation
1903164
1939980
194810,210
196010,380
197027,152
197528,692
198023,602
199018,955
199525,714
200028,840
200733,177
201041,024
201543,957
202049,088
Post-1990 recovery accelerated, with the population increasing by over 160% from 18,955 in 1990 to 49,088 in 2020, driven by a return of families and natural increase exceeding national averages in some periods. The most recent interval (2015–2020) recorded an annualized growth rate of 2.35%, adding 5,131 persons, which outpaced the provincial rate for (approximately 2.9% for 2015–2020). This growth has elevated to about 568 persons per square kilometer by 2020, straining local resources in a spanning 86.46 km².

Ethnic Composition

The ethnic composition of Malabang is overwhelmingly Maranao, the predominant indigenous Moro group in the Lanao provinces of . As a within , Malabang shares the province's demographic profile, where the 2000 Census of Population and Housing reported that 91.04% of the household population identified as Maranao. This high concentration reflects the historical settlement patterns of Maranao clans in the region, centered around and its surrounding lowlands, with Malabang serving as a coastal hub for Maranao communities. Subsequent censuses, such as 2010 and 2020, have not published granular ethnic breakdowns at the municipal level, but provincial trends indicate sustained Maranao dominance amid limited . Smaller ethnic minorities in Malabang include other Moro subgroups, such as , Samal, and Tausug, primarily from historical trade and settlement along coastal areas. These groups represent migrants from adjacent regions like province and the , though their numbers remain marginal compared to the Maranao majority. Provincial data from 2000 also notes about 1.9% Cebuano and 2.5% Hiligaynon/Ilonggo affiliations, likely stemming from post-World War II Christian programs in , but these are underrepresented in core Moro areas like Malabang due to cultural and security dynamics favoring ethnic homogeneity. No recent surveys quantify shifts, but clan-based social structures reinforce Maranao preeminence, with inter-ethnic interactions often mediated through Islamic networks rather than assimilation.

Languages and Religion

The primary language spoken in Malabang is Maranao, an Austronesian language used by the , who constitute the predominant ethnic group in the municipality and broader province of , where they accounted for 91.04% of the household population as of the 2000 census. Filipino, a standardized form of Tagalog, and English serve as official languages nationwide and are employed in formal settings such as education, administration, and business transactions within Malabang. Islam, particularly in its Sunni form, is the prevailing religion among Malabang's residents, deeply embedded in the daily practices, governance, and traditions of the local Maranao population, as evidenced by adherence to Islamic principles in property ownership and community structures. This religious dominance aligns with the municipality's location in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a region established to affirm Muslim cultural and .

Economy

Primary Sectors

Agriculture and fisheries constitute the primary economic sectors in Malabang, supporting livelihoods in this coastal municipality of . These extractive activities align with the broader region's emphasis on agrarian and aquatic resource utilization, where farming and fishing form the backbone of rural employment amid limited industrialization. In , and corn are principal crops, supplemented by high-value commodities such as cacao, , and coconuts, with land suitability assessments indicating potential for expanded cultivation of these staples and perennials. Government programs, including the distribution of rice reapers to cooperatives, aim to enhance productivity in rainfed and irrigated paddies. Fisheries, centered on Illana Bay, involve small-scale marine capture, bolstered by like solar-powered ice plants and boats provided to local fisherfolk in 2017 to improve post-harvest handling and . Processed , though not quantified at the municipal level, underscore the sector's role in local trade.

Trade and Development Initiatives

Malabang functions as a commercial center for coastal , with trade activities primarily involving agricultural products, fish, and local goods transported via land and water routes. The municipality's economy benefits from a historic milling plant, one of the few industrial facilities in the province, supporting processing of local grains. In recent years, integration into national banking networks has facilitated financial services for traders, including remittances and loans, as part of broader connectivity efforts linking Malabang with an established . Key development initiatives emphasize infrastructure to bolster trade accessibility. The (ADB) financed farm-to-market roads under the Agrarian Reform Communities Project, allowing truck transport of harvests from Malabang's rural areas to urban markets and reducing post-harvest losses. Complementing this, the Malabang Viaduct project, a component of the Project supported by ADB and executed by the Department of and Highways (DPWH), targets improved road connectivity across flood-prone zones, with site inspections and updates conducted as of July 2024 to expedite construction and enhance goods movement. Aviation upgrades form another pillar, with coordinated efforts by the Bangsamoro Airports Authority (BAA) and of the Philippines (CAAP) advancing the rehabilitation of Malabang Airport. Meetings in July and August 2025 focused on runway clearance, perimeter fencing, and operational readiness to reopen the facility, originally a private airstrip, aiming to stimulate cargo and passenger traffic for regional trade. Proposals for river rehabilitation target the Malabang River, which underpins 50% of the local coastal economy through and transport, though implementation remains in planning stages via partnerships for cleanup and restoration. These projects align with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) priorities for poverty reduction and peace-building via economic integration.

Economic Constraints

Malabang, as part of province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), faces severe , with the province recording a 71.9% incidence rate in 2015, the highest nationwide, driven by persistent and limited economic diversification. Although BARMM-wide declined by 40% between 2018 and 2021 amid accelerated growth, the region remains the ' poorest, with average incomes just 40% above the poverty line and vulnerability to shocks like conflict persisting. In Malabang specifically, clan feuds known as rido disrupt local commerce and investment; for instance, a September 2024 clash between the and Macud clans resulted in fatalities, underscoring ongoing security risks that deter business activity and exacerbate unemployment. Structural limitations compound these issues, with Malabang lacking major industries beyond a single flour milling plant, leaving the economy heavily reliant on and fisheries vulnerable to adoption and . Conflict dynamics, including rido interactions with broader insurgencies, further inflate by curtailing production and informal coping mechanisms like systems, while high vulnerable rates in BARMM—coupled with weak job generation—limit escape from traps. These constraints reflect causal links between insecurity, underinvestment, and stalled growth, as evidenced by province-level data showing modest agricultural output amid persistent disruptions.

Government and Administration

Local Governance Structure

The local governance of Malabang follows the standard structure for municipalities in the under Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, with executive authority vested in the municipal and legislative functions handled by the . The serves as the chief executive, responsible for implementing policies, managing , and representing the locality in intergovernmental affairs. The , the municipal council, consists of eight regularly elected members who enact ordinances, approve budgets, and oversee development plans, presided over by the vice mayor who also assumes the mayoral duties in cases of vacancy. Ex-officio members include the president of the and the president of the Pederasyon ng mga , ensuring representation from barangay-level governance. As of the 2025 local elections, holds the position of , while Rusty Balindong serves as vice mayor. The municipality is divided into 37 , each governed by an elected and a seven-member that addresses local issues such as peace and order, basic services, and community development. Barangay officials are elected every three years concurrently with municipal elections and play a crucial role in grassroots administration, including the enforcement of local ordinances and mobilization for municipal programs. Although situated within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Malabang's structure aligns with national LGU frameworks, with coordination through the BARMM's Ministry of the Interior and for regional policies, but retains in routine operations and fiscal management under national oversight. Appointive positions, such as the municipal administrator, , and assessor, support the elected officials in administrative functions, ensuring compliance with auditing and standards.

Political Dynamics

Local politics in Malabang are dominated by clan-based alliances and dynasties, with the Balindong exerting significant influence through successive generations of leaders. Sultan Amer Macaorao Balindong previously served as mayor, while his son, Ali Pangalian Macaorao Balindong, held positions including Speaker of the until his death on October 2, 2025. In the May 2025 elections, Amin D. Balindong, another member running as an independent, secured the mayoral position with 21,978 votes, equivalent to 65.44% of the total, defeating rivals including Dagar Balindong of Lakas-CMD. Clan feuds, or rido, frequently intersect with electoral competition, escalating violence in this election hotspot. A September 24, 2024, clash between the Abdul and Macud clans resulted in two deaths and four injuries, prompting deployment of additional police forces amid pre-election tensions. Malabang's history of such incidents led to its placement under Commission on Elections (Comelec) control in April 2022 following multiple killings, a measure aimed at curbing armed rivalries during campaigns. Unlike provinces with singular hegemonic clans, Malabang's dynamics reflect fragmented competition among multiple groups, contributing to persistent despite BARMM's framework. Recent mitigations include a November 2024 peace pact between the Balindong and Montañer , resolving a decades-old via Qur'anic oaths, and military-hosted forums like the April 2025 security dialogue led by the 64th . These efforts seek to reduce , though underlying clan loyalties continue to shape candidate selection and voter mobilization.

Security and Conflicts

Clan Feuds and Rido

Rido, a customary of -based retaliation among Maranao communities in , typically arises from triggers such as personal insults, land disputes, political competition, or unresolved killings, perpetuating cycles of violence that can span generations and involve high-powered firearms. In Malabang, a coastal with a predominantly Maranao population, rido has manifested recurrently, undermining local stability and frequently intertwining with electoral tensions due to affiliations influencing political loyalties. A prominent eruption occurred on the night of September 23, 2024, when members of the Abdul and Macud clans exchanged gunfire in Pudway , Malabang, killing two individuals and wounding four others; the incident, linked to longstanding political animosities, prompted authorities to deploy nine police units and designate Malabang as an election hotspot for the May 2025 midterm polls. In April 2022, another clash between rival political families in Malabang injured eight people during a weekend , highlighting how rido often escalates around campaign periods as align with competing candidates. Earlier ambushes, such as the February 2021 killing of Malabang Amina Macapodi's uncle, were attributed by relatives to deliberate efforts to provoke a and disrupt her reelection bid. Resolutions have occasionally succeeded through mediated peace covenants; for instance, on April 14, —coinciding with observances—leaders of two feuding Maranao clans in Malabang formalized an end to a 20-year rido, facilitated by local religious and civic figures, averting further bloodshed. Despite such interventions, persistent rido in Malabang reflects deeper challenges in enforcement and cultural adherence, with data indicating overlaps between clan violence and broader armed group activities in the region.

Ties to Regional Insurgencies

Malabang's strategic location in province has linked it to the broader Moro insurgency, particularly through the (MILF) and (MNLF), which have historically operated in the region as part of the push for Moro . In 1996, Malabang National High School hosted key negotiations between the Philippine government and MNLF leader , underscoring the municipality's role in early efforts to resolve the conflict that began in the 1970s. These talks aimed to implement the but highlighted persistent divisions, as the MILF later emerged as a splinter group rejecting the MNLF's accommodation with . The establishment of a Joint Coordinating, Monitoring, and Assistance Center (JCMAC) office in Malabang under the of the Philippines- Peace Corridor initiative reflects ongoing influence and the need for monitoring in the area. Operationalized to facilitate coordination between government forces and combatants, the Malabang JCMAC—alongside one in —supports de-escalation in insurgency-prone zones, with activities including intelligence sharing and rapid response to violations. This presence indicates Malabang's integration into the post-2014 , where forces have transitioned toward normalization, though residual armed elements persist amid clan-based ridos involving former rebels. Recent developments affirm 's continued footprint, as evidenced by high-level gatherings in Malabang, such as a July 2024 assembly advocating for sustained peace processes post-2025 elections. Provincial-level coordination between the military and in , including Malabang, focuses on securing elections and countering splinter threats like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which have exploited -government fault lines. While mainstream integration into the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has reduced active hostilities, Malabang's proximity to —site of the 2017 ISIS-affiliated siege—exposes it to spillover from extremist offshoots, necessitating joint operations informed by local Moro networks.

Mitigation Efforts and Outcomes

Mitigation efforts in Malabang primarily involve collaborative interventions by the Philippine Army, local government units, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) institutions to resolve rido through mediation and ceasefire agreements. The 64th Infantry Battalion facilitated reconciliation in a long-standing rido in Malabang on November 23, 2024, emphasizing community peacebuilding and support for ending clan feuds. Similarly, the 6th Infantry Battalion mediated a settlement between the Montañer and Masacal clans, resolving an 11-year conflict that had claimed lives, with the agreement reinforcing commitments to total peace. Provincial officials, including Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., have actively supported these processes, as seen in a 2021 rido settlement in Malabang credited to multi-stakeholder involvement. The BARMM's Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) coordinates broader peacebuilding, including community-based identification of rido hotspots and promotion of culturally grounded dispute resolution mechanisms under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. In 2017, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Process proposed a "Peace Corridor" in Malabang to ensure safe passage for civilians amid ongoing insurgencies and feuds, providing humanitarian access and zones, though details remain limited in . units like the 103rd Brigade and provincial police have extended efforts to , resolving decades-old ridos through trust-building dialogues, as demonstrated in a November 2024 mediation. These initiatives draw on Islamic principles and norms to codify guidelines for feud settlement, aiming to break cycles of retaliation. Outcomes have been mixed, with notable successes in specific cases but persistent challenges from entrenched loyalties and external insurgent ties. Successful mediations, such as the 2024 clan reconciliations, have restored community stability in affected barangays and reduced immediate , fostering economic recovery in mediated areas. However, rido incidents continue, exemplified by a October 2025 clash in Malabang barangays Tobok and between a town mayor's group and a faction, highlighting incomplete deterrence. BARMM-wide data indicate rido impedes development, with levels in 2025 reaching the worst in seven years, underscoring the need for sustained enforcement beyond ad-hoc settlements. Despite these, institutional frameworks like MPOS have institutionalized , contributing to incremental declines in feud escalation when combined with security presence.

Infrastructure

Transportation Networks

Malabang's road network primarily consists of national and provincial roads connecting it to regional centers. The Marawi-Malabang Road links the municipality directly to Marawi City, facilitating intra-provincial travel. Segments of the Maharlika Highway, also known as the Cotabato-Malabang-Lanao del Norte Road, pass through Malabang, integrating it into the broader system (AH26) for connectivity to southern ports and northern routes. These roads support the transport of agricultural goods and passengers, though maintenance challenges persist due to the region's terrain and security issues. Air transportation is provided by Malabang Airport (IATA: MLP, ICAO: RPMM), a small civil airfield located north of the town center with a paved measuring 1,500 meters in length and an elevation of 13 meters. The airport currently lacks scheduled commercial flights and serves primarily needs on its 16-hectare site. In August 2025, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Transportation and Communications coordinated with stakeholders to advance the airport's development, aiming to enhance infrastructure for future operations. Public transport within Malabang relies on multi-cabs, tricycles, and buses operating from the Malabang Bus Terminal, which serves as a hub for routes to nearby municipalities and cities like . Inter-city buses and vans connect Malabang to broader networks via the aforementioned highways, though travel times are extended by road conditions and occasional disruptions from local conflicts. No major seaports operate directly in Malabang, with coastal access limited to small-scale fishing and local watercraft rather than formal harbor facilities.

Healthcare Services

The Malabang Rural Health Unit serves as the primary facility for basic healthcare delivery in the municipality, offering services such as consultations, immunization, maternal and child health care, and disease surveillance under the Department of Health's framework. The Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Jr. Al-Haj Memorial Hospital, located in Barangay Mabul, functions as the main secondary-level , upgraded to a Level II facility in June 2022 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11870, providing general medical and surgical care, emergency services, laboratory examinations, chest X-rays, and maternal-newborn support for Malabang and adjacent areas. In August 2025, the approved an expansion increasing its bed capacity from 25 to 100 beds to address growing demand. In May 2025, the Autonomous Region inaugurated Lanao del Sur's first government-operated dialysis center in Malabang, offering free treatments to improve access for patients with in the region. The municipal government periodically conducts outreach programs, including free medical and dental missions targeting farmers and residents. Limited private clinics and telemedicine options supplement public services, with general practitioners available for consultations.

Utilities and Telecommunications

Electricity distribution in Malabang is managed by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO), a member-owned utility under the National Electrification Administration serving 51 municipalities across Lanao del Sur province, including Malabang. Power supply relies on transmission lines such as the Basak-Malabang 69kV line operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which has experienced multiple outages requiring restoration, including incidents on October 22, 2025, and September 30, 2025, due to overcurrent limits and other faults. Water supply infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with reliance on localized projects funded by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) . A notable initiative includes the 2017 construction of a Level II system in Bakayawan, aimed at providing communal access points for potable . Broader provincial efforts, such as the 2022 Special Development Fund allocation of P167,955,500 for systems in Lanao del Sur's second (encompassing Malabang), indicate ongoing but fragmented improvements to address limited access. Telecommunications in Malabang primarily consist of mobile services from major providers (PLDT subsidiary) and , with LTE expansion reaching select areas in since 2020 to enhance access in BARMM regions. Fixed-line and limited options are available through , though rural constraints limit widespread high-speed penetration. Regional initiatives, including BARMM's 2025 plan for 1,010 digital towers, aim to bolster connectivity, but coverage remains inconsistent in remote barangays.

Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Primary education in Malabang is delivered through public elementary and primary schools under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) in the . Key institutions include Malabang Central Elementary Pilot School, Calimodan Village Elementary School, Madaya Primary School, and Montay Primary School. These schools serve Grades 1 through 6, aligning with the national K-12 curriculum adapted for the region. Enrollment in BARMM elementary education reflects a participation rate of 69 percent as of recent assessments, compared to 89 percent nationally, influenced by factors including geographic isolation and alternative systems. Secondary education encompasses junior high (Grades 7-10) and senior high (Grades 11-12) levels, primarily via public national high schools such as Malabang National High School, Mananayo National High School, and Pindolonan National High School. These offer specialized tracks including STEM, TVL, HUMSS, and sports for senior high students. Private options include High School (HUMSS track) and Felix A. Panganiban Academy (ABM and GAS tracks), alongside the MSU-Malabang Community High School, which emphasizes leadership development within the system. Regional secondary participation lags, with BARMM's overall basic rate at 81 percent—the lowest in the —attributable to persistent security issues and infrastructure gaps. For school year 2023-2024, BARMM secondary enrollment totaled 63,565 students across the region, indicating limited access in areas like Malabang amid ongoing mitigation efforts.

Literacy and Challenges

The literacy rate in Malabang, situated within province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reflects the broader regional trends of low educational attainment exacerbated by socioeconomic and security factors. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA) data, BARMM records the lowest basic rate in the at approximately 81.5% for individuals aged 10 and older, with functional literacy—encompassing comprehension, , and problem-solving—standing at 64.7%. specifically exhibits elevated functional illiteracy rates, with about 13% of the population affected, translating to roughly 64,000 individuals struggling with practical reading, writing, and computation skills. These figures lag significantly behind the national basic literacy average of 90% and functional literacy of 70.8%, highlighting disparities driven by limited access to quality instruction. Key challenges to in Malabang include ongoing clan feuds (rido) and insurgent activities, which frequently lead to school closures, teacher absences, and student dropouts due to displacement and safety concerns. In , rido has been documented to hinder consistent attendance and exacerbate learning gaps in foundational skills like among elementary pupils. Attacks on educational facilities in , including BARMM areas, rose in recent years, with at least 23 incidents reported in 2022-2023, further disrupting formal . Poverty and inadequate compound these issues, resulting in overcrowded classrooms, shortages, and reliance on informal madrasah systems that prioritize religious instruction over functional skills. In BARMM, high rates contribute to out-of-school and labor, perpetuating cycles of low , while madrasahs face shortages of classrooms, libraries, and integration with secular curricula. Enrollment remains low, with historical net rates in the former ARMM at 75.6% for primary and 29.6% for secondary levels, limiting exposure to standardized programs. Efforts to address these through curriculum reforms like MATATAG encounter implementation hurdles, including resource gaps and cultural resistance to secular emphases.

References

  1. https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Lanao_del_Sur
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