What was a cabeza a datu a sultan?

Answer 1

A "cabeza de barangay" was a local leader or chief in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, while a "sultan" refers to a Muslim ruler in certain regions, particularly in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. The cabeza de barangay was responsible for governing a barangay (a small community or village) and collecting taxes for the Spanish authorities. In contrast, a sultan held significant political and religious authority, often leading a larger territory and maintaining Islamic traditions. Both positions reflect the diverse governance structures present in the Philippines prior to and during colonization.