f the opinion that there is not sufficient evidence to
justify such a classification and that for the present we must consider
them as distinct from the Manobo of the northern district as are the
other tribes of Davao Gulf.

According to their own tales, the Kulaman once held all the coast from
the Padada River to Sarangani Bay, but did not extend far back from the
sea, since in the mountains lived the Tagakaolo and Bila-an with whom
they were constantly at war. When the Moro appeared on their coasts and
offered help against the hill tribes in return for land, they were
gladly received and were given several village sites near to the mouths
of various rivers. Aside from a few minor quarrels, the Kulaman have
always lived on friendly terms with these later comers, and not a few of
the tribe have been converted to Mohammedism.

Influenced by their new allies they organized under several petty rulers
who were subservient to the datu at Kulaman, and with this superior
organization they were able to carry on such successful warfare against
the hill tribes that the Tagakaolo were, for a time, partially under
their rule.

When the Spaniards arrived and undertook to subdue the Moro, the Kulaman
cast their lot with their Mohammedan allies, and even after the power of
the Moro was broken, they remained irreconcilable and frequently raided
the settlements under the care of the Spanish priests.

The recent history of the tribe, as told by Datu Bongkalasan of Padada,
as is follows: "About a hundred years ago when Gogo became _datu_, he
left Kulaman and settled at Piapi, not far from Padada, and planted the
cocoanut trees which can still be seen there. He was a man with a very
small head, but his arms were as large as a man's legs. He lived until
very old, and during his lifetime never did any work but was always a
great warrior. Under him the tribe became strong and all the other
_datu_ feared him. When he died his son Kolatau my uncle, succeeded him.
Like his father, he was a great warrior and all the neighboring tribes
paid him slaves and other tribute. His two sons died during his
lifetime; so upon his death the leadership fell to me, Bongkalasan."

By the time Bongkalasan became ruler, the influence of the Spaniards was
strong enough to break the power of any coast _datu_, and after a
hostile demonstration by the new ruler his town was destroyed and his
following scattered. A part of the people took to the hills while others