The Sama - Who are they?

The Sama of the Philippines are traditionally around the Sulu Archipelago; although the northernmost Sama community, the Abaknons, can be found in the areas of Samar and Leyte.

Linguists and language researchers have conveniently lumped all Philippine Sama under three (3) broad categories:

1. The southern Sama of Tawi-Tawi
2. The central Sama of Siasi and Laminusa
3. The northern Sama of Pangutaran

However, upon closer scrutiny, the Sama of Tawi-Tawi are very diversified too, falling into the following sub-categories:

1. The Sama of Sibutu and Sitangkai Islands
2. The Sama of Simunul and Nusa Islands
3. The Sama of Kapoan (Sapa-Sapa, Tandubas, Bellatan and Balimbing, South Ubian and Northern region of Mainland Tawi-Tawi)
4. The Sama of Buan (Boan) Island in Panglima Sugala are Sama Bangingi

Similar sub-categorization can also be undertaken for the Central and Northern Sama.