Historical Evidence &
Indigenous Proof

Cartographic, genealogical, and scholarly documentation of the Iranūn Ancestral Maritime Domain

Carta Indigena Filipina - 18th century Iranūn-Ugi portulan

Fig 1.1 — The Carta Indigena Filipina

The Carta Indigena Filipina

The only known indigenous Filipino map, this 18th-century Iranūn-Ugi portulan (AMN-58-16) depicts the entire South China Sea with remarkable accuracy.

Red markings highlight Iranūn haunts and forward bases, including Palawan, Sulawan (Spratlys), and Panakot (Scarborough Shoal). This demonstrates active use and intimate knowledge of these waters centuries before modern territorial claims.

"This map proves that the Iranūn people navigated and controlled these waters as their ancestral domain, not as raiders, but as sovereign maritime power."

— Dr. Samuel K. Tan, Philippine Historical Association

Murillo Velarde Map (1734)

The first European cartographic record to document "Panacot" (Scarborough Shoal) using its native Iranūn name, meaning "offering to the Gods" (panakot sa déwata).

This Jesuit map, created by Pedro Murillo Velarde, acknowledges indigenous toponyms, proving that European cartographers recognized Iranūn sovereignty and cultural landmarks in the region.

Key Evidence

  • ✓ Indigenous name "Panacot" predates all modern claims
  • ✓ Religious significance shows deep cultural connection
  • ✓ European acknowledgment of Iranūn sovereignty
Murillo Velarde Map (1734) showing Panacot (Scarborough Shoal) with indigenous Iranūn naming

Fig 1.2 — Murillo Velarde Map (1734)

Timeline of Historical Records

3rd-6th Century CE

Ancient Trade Routes Established

Iranūn maritime networks connecting Mindanao, Sulu, Palawan, and mainland Southeast Asia through Sulawan.

1734

Murillo Velarde Map Published

First European map to record 'Panacot' using indigenous Iranūn naming.

18th Century

Carta Indigena Filipina Created

Indigenous portulan map (AMN-58-16) documenting Iranūn maritime domain with red-marked bases.

1898

Treaty of Paris Exclusion

Iranūn territories beyond the treaty coordinates remain indigenous sovereign waters.

Scholarly References

Peer-reviewed research supporting indigenous sovereignty claims

Warren, J. F. (1981). The Sulu Zone 1768-1898: The Dynamics of External Trade, Slavery, and Ethnicity. Singapore University Press.

Majul, C. A. (1973). Muslims in the Philippines. University of the Philippines Press.

Tan, S. K. (2008). A History of the Philippines. University of the Philippines Press.

Explore Further

Deep dives into specific aspects of the Iranūn Ancestral Maritime Domain