Jolo – Sulu – The second day of our successful hike Bud tumantangis (See Hiking Question #801), this time we did another hike Bud Dajo (also spelled Daho), a mountain that is sacred to the Tausug and very historical, being the site of many battles including the First Battle of Bud Dajo in 1906. This infamous battle is described by many historians as a massacre given the scale of barbarity perpetuated by invading American colonial forces, who killed an estimated 800-900 locals, including women and children, even taking pictures of the brutality as 'war trophies'. On the other hand, some writers say it should be called “fighting” to emphasize the fact that Tausug's troops fought in all the struggles. Apart from its historic importance, it is also a natural, forest shelter, a pleasant hiking destination while consistently thinking about the representatives of the mountains.
Najib is a reliable Najib seeking blessings and valuable support for the 1101th Infantry Brigade, which accompanied us on foot. After a polite call at their headquarters, we headed to one of the many trails on the hill, the city of Talipo. As we were preparing to take a hike around 0915H, I reflected the fact that the possibility of being able to climb Bud Dajo surprised both locals and tourists. Even the captain we met at the headquarters told us: “A few years ago, the trail you were going to climb was the battlefield.”
The hike is mostly steep but has been densely forested, with impressive forest trees playing in the surroundings. We arrived at the edge of the crater in 1044 – just over 1.5 hours
We then descend to the crater itself, a site of historical warfare, now marked with memorial signs. Then we reached the highest point, which was marked by a wooden bench! There is a military outpost on the top, although in the symbol of the times, it is not actively used.
The decline was very simple, and at 1300h, we returned to the path. Thanks to No. 1101 IB, Najib and everyone who took the trek. Overall, it is very inspiring to see the outdoor enthusiasm rooted in Sulu, with its mountains turning from war zones to hiking destinations. InshallahMay peace prevail in Sulu and other parts of the Philippines!
