Marawi sites receive historical markers
A hundred and twenty-three years ago, more than 1,200 troops under Governor General Valeriano Weyler attacked Marawi and burned down the fort used by its residents as defense against intruders and enemies.
The leader of the Maranao community then, Amai Pakpak, defended Marawi from the attacking Spanish forces who retreated for fear of retaliation from a much larger local contingent. This attack lasted for about two hours.
Pakpak, together with many of his troops, however, perished when the Spanish troops under Governor General Ramon Blanco returned and attacked Marawi in 1895.
Also known as Datu Akadir Akobar, Pakpak, born in what was then Dansalan, established Kota Marawi, an indigenous fortification surrounded by portable cannons called lantakas for the defense of what is now Marawi from attackers.
When the kota fell in 1895, it became a Spanish camp until 1898.
In 1903, it became an American camp and named Camp Keithley after American soldier Guy Furnando Keithley in 1905.
During World War II, it was conquered by the Japanese forces, who made it a camp from 1942 to 1945.
Renamed
In 1953, it became a military reservation and in 1982, was renamed Camp Amai Pakpak.
Parts of it were donated to the local government in 1991, in what is now the Marawi City Hall complex.
In recognition of Kota Marawi and the heroism of Pakpak and his men, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) unveiled four historical markers in the city recently, the first in Lanao del Sur’s capital.
It is also the first group unveiling done by NHCP in a particular area in years.
The marker unveiling, done during the 84th cityhood anniversary of Marawi, was attended by NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., Mayor Majul Gandamra, Anna Zenaida Unte of the city schools division and Pakpak’s kin Drieza Lininding.
These markers are the “Labanan sa Marawi” and “Pagtatanggol sa Marawi,” installed at the Lanao People’s Park and Public Library, “Amai Pakpak” at the Amai Pakpak Central School, and “Kota Marawi” at the Marawi City Hall.
