Chamorro Chiefs

In a series of posting, I will be sharing the research of my former and late Chamorro teacher from John F. Kennedy High School (Guahan), Mr. Eddie Benavente. 

 Maga'Lahi Ka'isa

Maga'lahi Ka'isa was a respected leader in Sungharon, on the island of Tinian. According to history, it was Ka'isa and other Maga'lahis of Tinian who first declared that they would fight for their freedom against the Spaniards. In his letter of December 28, 1669, Father Diego Luis de San Vitores referred to Ka'isa as a "bad thief." (According to translation, "thief" is really a play words used then by missionaries in referring to natives of the Ladrones, which actually means, "bad native." Ka'isa led his people in many battles to defend their homeland. In one encounter, they drove the Spaniards out of Tinian, feeling to Guahan. The Spaniards, however, responded with repeated enforcement. Ultimately, the sophisticated weaponry of the Spaniards weakened Ka'isa and his people. In 1684, during their last stand to defend their island, a fully armed armada was sent to Tinian. It was then that the great leader Ka'isa knew that he had to make a decision -- either fight to the finish, or surrender. In order to save his exhausted warriors, the elderly and particularly the many women and children, Ka'isa chose the latter. The Spaniards knew that it would be dangerous to keep Ka'isa alive, because of his great influence over his people. He was killed immediately.

Reference

Eddie L.G. Benavente (2007) I Manmaga'lahi yan I 

    Manma'gas; Geran Chamorro Yan Espanot (1668-1695)