Well to go with this, according to documents and research there were Muslim contacts with Southern Luzon up to Manila (which therefore includes Bicol region) since before Spanish contact. So it is possible. But to be clear the minisbad hilt is in that of a deity I believe. Therefore it may be a mix of styles local and Arab that result in the minisbad hilt form.
Also don't forget that there is the possibility of independent origination of these forms.
Just looking at all options..............
BTW - great minisbad - where do you get your stuff?
