— The Department of Mindanao and Sulu consists of the entire Island of Mindanao, excluding only the Provinces of Misamis and Surigao, together with the Sulu Archipelago, and including the i slands known as the Jolo Group, the Tawi Tawi Group, and all other islands pertaining to the Philippine Archipelago south of the eighth parallel of north latitude, excepting therefrom the Island of Balabac, and the immediately adjacent islands, but includi ng the Island of Cagayan Sulu with adjacent islands. 

[2408-2.] 

SECTION 45 . Situs of Provinces of Department of Mindanao and Sulu . — The general location of the provinces of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu and the principal subdivisions contained in them is as follows: 

The Province of Agusan  consists of territory in the northern part of the Island of Mindanao, west of Surigao. It contains the municipalities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, and Talacogon. 

The Province of Bukidnon  consists of territory in the northern part of the Island of Mindanao between the Province of Agusan, to the east, and the Provinces of Misamis and Lanao to the west, with Cotabato to the south. 

The Province of Cotabato  lies east and south of the Province of Lanao, south of the Province of Bukidnon and west of the Province of Davao. It contains the municipalities of Cotabato and Parang. 

The Province of Davao  consists of territory in the southeastern corner of the Island of Mindanao, with appurtenant islands, including the Sarangani Islands. Its territory is indented by the waters of the Gulf of Davao. 

This province contains the municipalities of Baganga, Caraga, Cateel, Davao, Manay, Mati, and Santa Cruz. 

The Province of Lanao  lies east of the Province of Zamboanga and west of Bukidnon, being washed on the southwest by the waters of Illana Bay. It contains the municipalities of Dansalan, Ilagan, and Malabang. 

The Province of Sulu  includes all the islands of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu situated in the Celebes Sea and in the Sulu Sea between the fourth and eighth parallels of north latitude lying southwest of a line running northwest and southeast and pas sing at a point two miles due east of the northeast extremity of Tatalan Island. It contains the municipality of Joló. 

The Province of Zamboanga  is located upon the western part of the Island 

