What is the origin of the Moro?

The Moro people are an ethnic group primarily found in the southern Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Their origins trace back to the arrival of Islam in the region during the 14th century, which established a distinct cultural and religious identity. The term "Moro" was historically used by Spanish colonizers to describe Muslim inhabitants of the Philippines, drawing parallels to the Moors of Spain. The Moro's rich cultural heritage includes its own languages, traditions, and social structures, shaped by centuries of resistance to colonial rule and external influences.