22/08/2026
THE CREATION
Formerly an abandoned "ghost town" scarred by war and severe flooding from the Ala River, Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao del Sur was revitalized under the steadfast leadership of brothers descended from prominent lineage the sons of Datu Ishak Piang Ampatuan and Bai Puti Lumenda Ampatuan, and great-grandsons of Datu Piang and Shariff Ampatuan.
Driven by a shared vision to restore their ancestral home, the brothers spearheaded the political and social movement to carve out a new municipality from the original territory of Sultan sa Barongis. With key political backing and structural guidance from the late Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr.
Datu Jack Ampatuan successfully complete the needs/requirements for the passage of Muslim Mindanao Act No. 166, officially establishing the Municipality of Rajah Buayan and become the founding mayor in 2004.
Beyond the administrative milestone, their true legacy lay in community restoration they united local families, guaranteed peace and security, and rebuilt vital infrastructure.
Through their coordinated efforts, families who had fled the war and flood returned to rebuild their homes, transforming a once silent battlefield into a vibrant, thriving, and populated Bangsamoro community.
Late Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan wanted to name the municipality after their late father, Datu Ishak Ampatuan. However, Datu Zamzamin chose "Rajah Buayan" instead to honor the local people and the historic Sultanate of Buayan.
The creation of Rajah Buayan under Act No. 166 was a multi step process involving legislative action, executive backing, and direct local participation. Legislative Enactment (October 28, 2002)
The Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) authored and passed MMA Act No. 166. The act formally outlined the creation of a distinct municipality named "Rajah Buayan" in honor of the historical ruler of the Sultanate of Buayan.
Then Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. provided crucial political support, helping push the legislation through the ARMM regional government structure and allocating initial administrative funding.
Rajah Buayan was created by carving out 11 key barangays from its mother municipality, Sultan sa Barongis. These barangays included strategic areas like Baital, Zapakan (which became the seat of municipal government), Tabungao, and Sampao.
Ratification via Plebiscite (September 4, 2004)
As required by the Local Government Code and the ARMM Organic Act, the law only took full effect after a public vote.
On September 4, 2004, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a plebiscite in the affected areas. Residents overwhelmingly voted "Yes" to ratify MMA Act No. 166.
Following the successful plebiscite, Rajah Buayan was officially recognized as the 28th municipality of Maguindanao. The creation enabled the town to directly receive its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), establishing a localized police force, health offices, and basic public works that allowed the displaced population to return and permanently rebuild.