The Sulu Archipelago and its people, by Sixto Y. Orosa ...

4 SULU ARCHIPELAGO AND ITS PEOPLE

The most important mountains on the island of Jolo
are Tumantangis, about 2893 feet above sea level, the
highest point in the province and the last point to be
seen by departing watercraft; Bud (or Mount) Sinumaan, 2766 feet high; Bud Daho, 2349; and Bagsak,
2264. The two last are remembered as the scenes of
important battles between Moros and American forces,
including Philippine Constabulary and Philippine
Scouts. The name of Mount Tumantangis is derived
from the native word "magtangis," to cry. "The name,"
says Major Livingstone, in a constabulary monograph,
"casts an interesting sidelight upon the character of
a people popularly supposed to be utterly without
tender sentiment. Although a polygamist, the Moro,
especially the landsman, feels strongly attached to
all who in any way are related to him, and is, in consequence, fond of his hearthstone, such as it is. Formerly, when the Moros embarked on journeys, raids, or
trading expeditions, leaving their families behind,
Tumantangis with its memories was the last point they
could see- hence its name."
The town of Jolo, according to Foreman, is one of
the prettiest places on earth. It is the only municipality
in Sulu that is regularly organized. Its site is a beautiful
little bay on the north of the island, formed by the
points Dangapic and Candea. About four or five miles
outside the bay there are several low-lying islets, well
wooded and with hills jutting out here and there.
From these islands the town of Jolo may be seen,
lying low on the shore of the bay. In the foreground
there is a short stone and brick sea wall, with several
bends pleasantly relieving the monotony of a straight
line.