Tarik Sulayman

Who is Tarik Sulayman?

Tarik Sulayman, also spelled Tarik Soliman, is the name attributed by Kapampangan Historians to the individual that led the forces of Macabebe against the Spanish forces of Miguel López de Legazpi during the Battle of Bankusay on June 3, 1571. The Spanish records do not identify that individual by name, so the attribution of the name Tarik Sulayman is based on genealogical records presented the leader's Kapampangan descendants during the 19th century. Tarik Sulayman was known as Bambalito by some historians.

The battle of Bangkusay happened because he refused to ally with the Spaniards as Rajah Lakan Dula had done, decided to mount an attack on the Spaniards, massing his forces at Bankusay Channel. López de Legazpi got word of the impending attack and launched a preemptive strike. The Macabebe forces were defeated, and Tarik Sulayman himself was killed.

The Spanish victory at Bangkusay and López de Legazpi's friendship with Rajah Lakan Dula enabled the Spaniards to establish themselves throughout the city and its neighboring towns.