Maga’Låhi Ka’isa - Sungharon, Tinian

Maga’Låhi Ka’isa was a gwell respected leader in Sungharon, on the island of Tinian.

According to history, it was Ka’isa and other Maga’Låhis 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 of words used then by the missionaries in referring to natives of the Ladrones, which actually means, “bad people.”)

Ka’isa led his people in many battles to defend their homeland.

In one encounter, they drove the Spaniards out of Tinian, fleeing to Guåhan.

The Spaniards however, responded with repeated reinforcement.  Ultimately, the sophisticated weaponry of the Spaniards weekend 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…

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Ginen I Lepblu: I Manmañaina-ta, Geran Chamoru yan Españot: 1668-1695.

Tinige’ as: Eddie L.G. Benavente,

Pinentan as: Siñot Raphael J.N. Unpingco

Inilao as: Siñot Ronald T. Laguaña yan si Señora Janice S.N. Furukawa

Ayudånte para Kulot: Siñot John Taisipic

Ayudånte: Siñot Joey G. Leon Guerrero

Ayudånte: Señora Aleine V. Balasta

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