The indigenous race forms the settlement of Isabela de Basílan, consisting of some eight hundred souls.
Further sixteen families of Christian Indians reside in the visita called San Pedro de Guibáuan distant six leguas from Isabela. Their absolute lieutenant in chief is Pedro Cuévas.
The Moro race is now greatly degenerated, for many are coming down from the Bisayas who were formerly captives.
The Moros of the interior of the island are called Yácanes,[10] and are employed, although but little, in the cultivation of palay, sweet-potatoes, cacao, etc.
The Moros of the coast are called Sámales Laút. They are employed, although little, in fishing. They are pirates, and whenever they can do so with impunity, they capture the Christians, or the Moros of the interior themselves, or those of distant Sámal rancherías, or those of other islands. On that account there is a certain hostility between the Sámales and the Yácanes. At present, Pedro Cuévas, so far as he is able, executes justice upon those who exercise such boldness, and applies the law to them.
Among the Sámales Laút, there are Joloan Moros, and Malays.
The total number of the Moros of this island is ten or twelve thousand.[11] Their skin is of a deep bronze color, and they have black eyes, rather meager eyebrows, thin beard and their cranium is flattened on the occipital part.
Religion
They are not very observant in their ceremonies.
They omit many of the rules of their false prophet Mahomet, add others which are not prescribed, and observe some, but in the time and manner that appears best to them. For example, they do not pray even at least once a day, almost never observe Friday, and it is never seen that any of them has gone to Meca.[12]