Lanao

Lanao was the lake-country of central Mindanao, with Maranao and Iranun settlements around Lake Lanao. Before Islam, local life was preserved in the Darangen epic, handed down before the 14th century.

Islam arrived with the missionary Sharif Kabungsuwan; his son Sharif Makaalang became the first native Maranao sultan. In 1616 four Lanao states seceded from Maguindanao after Datu Kudarat took its throne, but continued to fight Spain alongside it. Spanish expeditions built a lakeside garrison in 1639–1640; the Maranaos stormed it and expelled them.