(Photo source: University of Michigan Digital Library)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Year 1896
(Click here to view Bibliography for indicated reference)
July 5, 1896
The lieutenant of the Civil Guard of Pasig, Manuel Sityar, reports to Manila of preparations for an uprising by thousands of rebels in San Juan del Monte, San Felipe Neri, Pandacan, Marikina and Montalban who were taking oaths and signing documents with their own blood. (Cruz, 40). (The lieutenant was referring to members of the Katipunan , which was organized by Andres Bonifacio, together with Deodato Arellano, Ladislao Diwa and Teodoro Plata, in July 7, 1892 in Tondo, whose primary purpose was two-fold: (1) union of all Filipinos, and (2) separation from Spain by means of a revolution. Marcelo H. Del Pilar is credited with having directly inspired the establishment of the Katipunan, being the brother-in-law of Arellano, who became its first President) (Fernandez, 14)
August 5, 1896
Under orders of Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto disguises as a crewmember of the launch Caridad ferrying Rizal from the ship Espana which brought him to Manila from his exile in Dapitan. Jacinto asks Rizal if he is being held against his will and offers to rescue him. Rizal refuses the offer and says that he knows what he is doing. (Cruz, 42)
August 6, 1896
The Governor of Batangas sends a telegraph that a discovery of arms and ammunitions and republican flag had been made in Taal. (Sawyer, 84)
August 13, 1896
A Spanish friar-curate in a town near Manila write to the civil governor of Manila wherein he speaks of masons and separatists and, after asserting that what they needed was a little blood-letting, advises the disappearance of two or three of the more prominent citizens. (Fernandez, 23)
August 17, 1896
Andres Bonifacio, in a meeting of various balanghay or units of the Katipunan held at Kangkong, Kaloocan, agrees to begin the revolution with an attack on the city of Manila by end of the month. As a symbol of defiance against Spain, those in attendance tear their cedulas, or poll tax certificates, as a sign of their intention not to return to their homes and fight with Bonifacio. (Cruz, 41; Fernandez 23 )
August 19, 1896
The existence of the Katipunan was betrayed by a katipunero named Teodoro Patino to Fray Mariano Gil, friar-curate of of the suburb of Tondo. Bonifacio draws up a bogus list of contributors to the cause to make it appear that numerous wealthy Filipinos are supporting the revolution, and thus force them to his side. Mass arrests, torture and exile follow. Spanish authorities placed Manila and adjoining provinces under martial law. (Kalaw, 75)
August 20, 1896
In another meeting at Balintawak, Caloocan, Bonifacio and followers definitely decided to revolt and set August 30 as the date for the general assault of the city of Manila. (Fernandez, 23)
August 23, 1896
The conflict begins sooner when Spanish civil guards surprise the group of Katipuneros meeting in Pugad Lawin. The Katipuneros scamper for safety but many are shot dead or wounded and are left behind. (Ricarte, 5; Fernandez, 23)
August 30, 1896
At about 4:00 a.m., Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto with 800 men fight their first battle of the Philippine Revolution. They attack the Spanish arsenal at San Juan del Monte (now Pinaglabanan, San Juan, Metro Manila). The outnumbered Spaniards retreat to the water reservoir in Santolan. Encouraged by the Spaniards' retreat, the rebels advance towards Manila, but are met by the forces of Governor General Blanco and the rebels were driven back to Mandaluyong. Bonifacio and his men pull back leaving 150 dead and 200 captured or wounded. Among those captured were Sancho Valenzuela who, together with three other comrades were executed by firing squad at the campo de Bagumbayan at the Luneta. Licerio Geronimo, who would become one of the most able generals of the Filipino-American war, is one of the active participants in this battle.
August 31, 1896
Governor Blanco declares martial law in the neighboring provinces of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite and Batangas where signs of impending revolt manifested (Fernandez, 24)>
Fifty-seven leaders of the revolution in Manila are executed. (Fernandez, 26)
Aguinaldo, who was enlisted into the Katipunan by Bonifacio himself and given the secret name Magdalo, gets word that the Revolution has begun. He renounces his position as Capitan Municipal of Kawit, Cavite, disarms the civil guard, organizes a revolutionary government for Kawit, and calls on other capitanes municipales to start the revolution throughout the province of Cavite. Aguinaldo's Magdalo group, under Candido Tirona, captures the Spanish garrison while Aguinaldo and his men try but fail to intercept the Spanish reinforcements from Manila. The Madiwang group of Mariano Alvarez based in Noveleta, Cavite storms the municipal building of San Francisco de Malabon. The group also attacks the Spaniards at Noveleta.
September 1, 1896
Aguinaldo captures the Imus estate-house where 13 friars sought refuge.
September 3, 1896
Aguinaldo's forces defeat the Spanish troops under General Aguirre in the battle of Imus.
September 4, 1896
The captured leaders of the assault of San Juan del Monte arsenal, among them Sancho Valenzuela and Modesto Sarmiento, are executed at the Luneta. Unlike his three comrades who dropped dead after the first volley, Valenzuela stood erect, kneeling and needed a second volley to finish him. ( Foreman, 369; Sawyer, 85)
September 8, 1896
The rebellion spreads to Nueva Ecija under the leadership of Mariano Llanera.
September 30, 1896
Aguinaldo successfully takes complete control of the province of Cavite and prepares for its defence. Governor Blanco orders available troops in the south to concentrate in Manila and calls for volunteers and raises a force of 6,000 men. (Fernandez, 25)
October 1, 1896
Gov. Gen. Blanco begins a major offensive to put down the rebellion in Cavite but fails. He is recalled to Madrid upon instigation of the friars.
October 31, 1896
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, outlining the formation of a revolutionary government, republican in form patterned after the United States, urging the Filipino people to rally to the cause of the Revolution against Spain. This is the first attempt to break away from the authority of the katipunan which is an indication that the revolution is slowly leaving its Katipunan mould. (Fernandez, 28)
November 10, 1896
Spanish troops under Gov. Gen. Blanco attack Noveleta, Cavite.
November 11, 1896
Aguinaldo defeats the Spanish troops in the battle of Binakayan, Cavite. His victory incites thousands of Filipinos in the outer provinces to take up arms against the Spanish colonizers.
December 13, 1896
Gov. Gen. Camilo G. de Polavieja relieves Blanco and wages a veritable reign of terror. Slowly, de Polavieja recaptures about a third of Cavite.
December 30, 1896
Dr. Jose Rizal is executed at the Luneta.
Upon invitation of the katipuneros in Cavite, Bonifacio comes to the town of Imus to settle the rivalry between the Magdiwang group of Mariano Alvarez, a relative of the wife of Bonifacio, and the Magdalo group of Candido Tirona, the group identified with Aguinaldo. The convention also attempts to adopt a constitution but nothing is accomplished. The is the second attempt to replace the katipunan. (Fernandez, 28)
July 5, 1896
The lieutenant of the Civil Guard of Pasig, Manuel Sityar, reports to Manila of preparations for an uprising by thousands of rebels in San Juan del Monte, San Felipe Neri, Pandacan, Marikina and Montalban who were taking oaths and signing documents with their own blood. (Cruz, 40). (The lieutenant was referring to members of the Katipunan , which was organized by Andres Bonifacio, together with Deodato Arellano, Ladislao Diwa and Teodoro Plata, in July 7, 1892 in Tondo, whose primary purpose was two-fold: (1) union of all Filipinos, and (2) separation from Spain by means of a revolution. Marcelo H. Del Pilar is credited with having directly inspired the establishment of the Katipunan, being the brother-in-law of Arellano, who became its first President) (Fernandez, 14)
August 5, 1896
Under orders of Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto disguises as a crewmember of the launch Caridad ferrying Rizal from the ship Espana which brought him to Manila from his exile in Dapitan. Jacinto asks Rizal if he is being held against his will and offers to rescue him. Rizal refuses the offer and says that he knows what he is doing. (Cruz, 42)
August 6, 1896
The Governor of Batangas sends a telegraph that a discovery of arms and ammunitions and republican flag had been made in Taal. (Sawyer, 84)
August 13, 1896
A Spanish friar-curate in a town near Manila write to the civil governor of Manila wherein he speaks of masons and separatists and, after asserting that what they needed was a little blood-letting, advises the disappearance of two or three of the more prominent citizens. (Fernandez, 23)
August 17, 1896
Andres Bonifacio, in a meeting of various balanghay or units of the Katipunan held at Kangkong, Kaloocan, agrees to begin the revolution with an attack on the city of Manila by end of the month. As a symbol of defiance against Spain, those in attendance tear their cedulas, or poll tax certificates, as a sign of their intention not to return to their homes and fight with Bonifacio. (Cruz, 41; Fernandez 23 )
August 19, 1896
The existence of the Katipunan was betrayed by a katipunero named Teodoro Patino to Fray Mariano Gil, friar-curate of of the suburb of Tondo. Bonifacio draws up a bogus list of contributors to the cause to make it appear that numerous wealthy Filipinos are supporting the revolution, and thus force them to his side. Mass arrests, torture and exile follow. Spanish authorities placed Manila and adjoining provinces under martial law. (Kalaw, 75)
August 20, 1896
In another meeting at Balintawak, Caloocan, Bonifacio and followers definitely decided to revolt and set August 30 as the date for the general assault of the city of Manila. (Fernandez, 23)
August 23, 1896
The conflict begins sooner when Spanish civil guards surprise the group of Katipuneros meeting in Pugad Lawin. The Katipuneros scamper for safety but many are shot dead or wounded and are left behind. (Ricarte, 5; Fernandez, 23)
August 30, 1896
At about 4:00 a.m., Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto with 800 men fight their first battle of the Philippine Revolution. They attack the Spanish arsenal at San Juan del Monte (now Pinaglabanan, San Juan, Metro Manila). The outnumbered Spaniards retreat to the water reservoir in Santolan. Encouraged by the Spaniards' retreat, the rebels advance towards Manila, but are met by the forces of Governor General Blanco and the rebels were driven back to Mandaluyong. Bonifacio and his men pull back leaving 150 dead and 200 captured or wounded. Among those captured were Sancho Valenzuela who, together with three other comrades were executed by firing squad at the campo de Bagumbayan at the Luneta. Licerio Geronimo, who would become one of the most able generals of the Filipino-American war, is one of the active participants in this battle.
August 31, 1896
Governor Blanco declares martial law in the neighboring provinces of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, Cavite and Batangas where signs of impending revolt manifested (Fernandez, 24)>
Fifty-seven leaders of the revolution in Manila are executed. (Fernandez, 26)
Aguinaldo, who was enlisted into the Katipunan by Bonifacio himself and given the secret name Magdalo, gets word that the Revolution has begun. He renounces his position as Capitan Municipal of Kawit, Cavite, disarms the civil guard, organizes a revolutionary government for Kawit, and calls on other capitanes municipales to start the revolution throughout the province of Cavite. Aguinaldo's Magdalo group, under Candido Tirona, captures the Spanish garrison while Aguinaldo and his men try but fail to intercept the Spanish reinforcements from Manila. The Madiwang group of Mariano Alvarez based in Noveleta, Cavite storms the municipal building of San Francisco de Malabon. The group also attacks the Spaniards at Noveleta.
September 1, 1896
Aguinaldo captures the Imus estate-house where 13 friars sought refuge.
September 3, 1896
Aguinaldo's forces defeat the Spanish troops under General Aguirre in the battle of Imus.
September 4, 1896
The captured leaders of the assault of San Juan del Monte arsenal, among them Sancho Valenzuela and Modesto Sarmiento, are executed at the Luneta. Unlike his three comrades who dropped dead after the first volley, Valenzuela stood erect, kneeling and needed a second volley to finish him. ( Foreman, 369; Sawyer, 85)
September 8, 1896
The rebellion spreads to Nueva Ecija under the leadership of Mariano Llanera.
September 30, 1896
Aguinaldo successfully takes complete control of the province of Cavite and prepares for its defence. Governor Blanco orders available troops in the south to concentrate in Manila and calls for volunteers and raises a force of 6,000 men. (Fernandez, 25)
October 1, 1896
Gov. Gen. Blanco begins a major offensive to put down the rebellion in Cavite but fails. He is recalled to Madrid upon instigation of the friars.
October 31, 1896
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, outlining the formation of a revolutionary government, republican in form patterned after the United States, urging the Filipino people to rally to the cause of the Revolution against Spain. This is the first attempt to break away from the authority of the katipunan which is an indication that the revolution is slowly leaving its Katipunan mould. (Fernandez, 28)
November 10, 1896
Spanish troops under Gov. Gen. Blanco attack Noveleta, Cavite.
November 11, 1896
Aguinaldo defeats the Spanish troops in the battle of Binakayan, Cavite. His victory incites thousands of Filipinos in the outer provinces to take up arms against the Spanish colonizers.
December 13, 1896
Gov. Gen. Camilo G. de Polavieja relieves Blanco and wages a veritable reign of terror. Slowly, de Polavieja recaptures about a third of Cavite.
December 30, 1896
Dr. Jose Rizal is executed at the Luneta.
Upon invitation of the katipuneros in Cavite, Bonifacio comes to the town of Imus to settle the rivalry between the Magdiwang group of Mariano Alvarez, a relative of the wife of Bonifacio, and the Magdalo group of Candido Tirona, the group identified with Aguinaldo. The convention also attempts to adopt a constitution but nothing is accomplished. The is the second attempt to replace the katipunan. (Fernandez, 28)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Year 1897
(Click here to view Bibliography for indicated reference)
February 14, 1897
Governor Polavieja begins the offensive at Cavite which lasted 52 days, with 15 officers and 168 soldiers killed, and 56 officers and 900 men wounded. At the end of the campaign two-thirds of Cavite still remained in the hands of the revolutionaries. (Fernandez, 27)
February 17, 1897
Aguinaldo defeats the Spanish forces at the Battle of Zapote Bridge. In this battle, Edilberto Evangelista, a civil engineer graduate from Ghent, Belgium, the first Filipino professional to join the revolution, and the builder of trenches used by the Revolutionary Army, is killed.
March ??, 1897
Bonifacio writes Emilio Jacinto saying the enmity between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the Katipunan in Cavite is very great, at the same time, expressing dismay over the plan of the Magdalo faction to establish a government that will replace the Katipunan organization. ( Kalaw, 79)
March 1, 1897
Spanish troops assaults the town of Salitran, Cavite where Flaviano Yenko, a student who quit law school to join the revolution is wounded. [Two days later Yenko died.]
March 22, 189
The Filipino rebels hold the second convention at Tejeros and agree to create a revolutionary organization to replace the Katipunan. That same night the convention elects officers. Aguinaldo, who is out in the battlefield during the entire duration of the meeting is elected President while Bonifacio is elected Director of the Interior, the lowest position. Notwithstanding the prior understanding that the results of the elections will be respected, Tirona questions the election of Bonifacio, saying he is not qualified due to lack of higher education. Feeling slighted, Bonifacio storms out of the proceedings and declares the night's proceedings null and void. This is the third and successful attempt to replace the katipunan, notwithstanding the opposition from Bonifacio and his supporters. (Fernandez, 29)
March 23, 1897
Bonifacio and his followers, the Magdiwang faction of Mariano Alvarez from Noveleta, set up their own revolutionary government in Naic with Bonifacio as President. Aguinaldo sends his men to arrest Bonifacio for treason and sedition.
March 31, 1897
Miguel Malvar of Batangas is appointed General by Aguinaldo.
April 15, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Polavieja returns to Spain, broken in health, leaving behind an archipelago far from peaceful.
April 14, 1897
Aguinaldo writes to Gen.Miguel Malvar upon learning that the general is supporting Bonifacio and supplying him with arms. He requests Malvar to support the new government and tells Malvar that failure to do so could be seen as a sign of lack of patriotism, which the nation will punish with severity and without delay. (Kalaw, 83)
April 28, 1897
Brig. Gen. Mariano Noriel reports to Aguinaldo that Col. Agapito Bonzon with some men of the army was sent to investigate matters relating to the Supremo; that Bonifacio was hostile when approached and opened fire on the troops, resulting in the death of Ciriaco, a brother of Bonifacio, one rifleman and one boloman, and the wounding of Bonifacio, himself; that twenty riflemen, Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were taken prisoners. (Kalaw, 84 and PIR_v1, 304)
April 30, 1897
Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, who replaced de Polavieja, begins a campaign of 20 days against the rebels, which broke the organized resistance in Cavite. (Fernandez, 31)
May 3, 1897
Artemio Guevarra, a supporter of Bonifacio, writes to Emilio Jacinto narrating the incident about the visit of Col. Agapito Bonzon; that upon being asked what the purpose of the visit was, Col. Bonzon replied that he came to ask Bonifacio to meet with the government of Aguinaldo to prevent the separation between the two groups; that Bonifacio replied he will never go back to Cavite where he is treated a nobody; that thereupon Col. Bonzon took his leave and then a firefight ensued, Bonifacio was wounded. (Kalaw, 84)
May 4, 1897
Pantaleon Garcia submits to Aguinaldo a report on the result of the investigation that Aguinaldo has ordered. The report says that Bonifacio refused to recognize the Revolutionary government and its head, and that Bonifacio was recruiting people in Limbon, Cavite and putting to jail those who opposed him; that Bonifacio hired a certain Pedro Giron for ten pesos to kill Aguinaldo. The report recommended court martial be appointed to study more carefully and to determine if law and justice could be executed. (Kalaw, 85)
May 4, 1897
The appointed Court Martial meets at Maragondon, presided over by Mariano Noriel, and including Mariano Riego de Dios. Esteban Infante, Sulpicio de la Cruz, Crsostono Riel (?), Placido Martinez. and probably Tomas Mascardo. Placido Martinez acts as lawyer for Andres Bonifacio, and Teodoro Gonzales for Procopio Bonifacio; and Jose Elises acts as fiscal or prosecuting attorney. The fiscal maintains that Andres Bonifacio and his brother are guilty of conspiracy and sedition, and should, therefore, be sentenced to death. Placido Martinez seems to admit Bonifacio's guilt but seeks pardon for him. and his brother, Procopio. Bonifacio’s request for permission to speak is granted. The court martial finds that Bonifacio knew of a government in the locality where he was; that he was inducing officials and soldiers from the Revolutionary Government to join him; that he was recruiting and arming men at Limbon to overthrow the Revolutionary Government; and that he had fired the first shots against Col. Bonzon's troops. He is therefore guilty of conspiracy and sedition against the Revolutionary Government, and the Court sentences him to death. The death sentence is signed by Sulpicio de la Cruz, Crisostomo Riel, Mariano Noriel, Tomas Mascardo, Esteban Infante, and Placido Martinez.
May 7, 1897
The court martial sends the death sentence document to the Commander-in-Chief, President Emilio Aguinaldo. This is referred to the Auditor of War and Adjutant General Baldomero Aguinaldo, who confirms the sentence, though he asks that an investigation be conducted regarding the alleged maltreatment of Bonifacio's wife by Col. Bonzon.
May 8, 1897
Bonifacio is handed a death sentence. Aguinaldo commutes the sentence to permanent exile, but recalls his order upon representation of his men, among them Gen Ignacio Pawa and Gen Pio del Pilar, that Bonifacio is better dead than alive for the sake of unity in the revolutionary movement.
May 10, 1897
Bonifacio and his brother Procopio are executed at Mt. Buntis, Maragondon Cavite by Filipino soldiers under the command of Lazaro Makapagal, following a written order signed by Col. Mariano Noriel.
June 10, 1897
Aguinaldo with a small band of devoted followers, elude Spanish forces within sight and hearing of Manila to the mountains of San Mateo, then to Biaknabato in Bulacan. (Fernandez, 31-32)
June 24, 1897
After the rebels lose several battles, Spanish troops retake Cavite as Aguinaldo and his men flee.
July 2, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Rivera issues an edict restricting travel and requiring approved passes for such.
July 05, 1897
From the mountain fastness of Biaknabato, Bulacan, Aguinaldo issues a proclamation appealing to all Filipinos to continue the fight and support the revolution. (Kalaw, 89)
August 9, 1897
Pedro Paterno, under authority of Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, submits a draft of a peace agreement known in history as the Pact of Biaknabato with $3 million Mexican dollars monetary compensation to the victims of the revolution and a promise of political reforms. ( Fernandez, 36)
August 13, 1897
Paterno presented the demands of the revolutionaries to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera who rejected it saying that only the Spanish Cortes can enter into such an agreement, and claiming the compensation asked is much too high. (Fenandez, 37)
September 6, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation - continue the fight, conduct guerilla warfare and prolong the conflict to wear out Spain. (Fernandez, 33)
September ??, 1897
After a relative lull in fighting during July and August conflict is renewed in Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija; guerilla warfare is extended to Principe, Tarlac and Pangasinan.
November ??, 1897
The thought of taking the Philippines if war is declared against Spain came to Dewey while in command of the Narrangansett as she lay anchored in the Gulf of California, whereupon he sought the command of the asiatic squadron and with Mr. Roosevelt's aid obtained it. (Storey,36)
November 1, 1897
The Constitution of Biaknabato is adopted by the revolutionaries at Biaknabato, Bulacan to take effect only for two years, with Aguinaldo as President, Mariano Trias as Vice President, Isabelo Artacho, Secretary of the Interior, Antonio Montenegro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Baldomero Aguinaldo, Secretary of Treasury and Emilio Riego de Dios, Secretary of War.(Kalaw, 91-92; Fernandez, 34)
Aguinaldo accepts Pedro Paterno's offer as mediator between the rebels and Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, and gives Paterno authority to negotiate for the insurgents, and states that the reforms which would be accepted by the revolutionists as a basis for peace were as follows: (1) Expulsion of the religious orders, or at least regulations prohibiting them from living together in cloisters, (2) Representation of the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes, (3) Application of true justice in the Philippines, the same for the native as for the Spaniard. The same laws in Spain and the Philippines. The natives to have a share in the higher offices of the civil administration, (4) Adjustment of property, of taxes and parishes, in favor of the native, (5) Proclamation of the individual rights of the native, as well as his liberty to combine with others in associations, and the liberty of the press. - ( Kalaw, 92-93)
November 2, 1897
The Hong Kong junta, a committee of expatriated Filipinos working for the cause of the revolution, is formally inaugurated.
November 3, 1897
Felipe Agoncillo approaches the American consul in Hongkong, Rounseville Wildman, proposing an alliance in case war breaks out between Spain and the United States. As reported by Consul Wildman to the U.S. State Department, Mr. Agoncillo holds a commission, signed by the president, members of cabinet, and general in chief of the republic of Philippines, empowering him absolutely with power to conclude treaties with foreign governments. Mr. Agoncillo offers on behalf of his government alliance offensive and defensive with the United States when the United States declares war on Spain, which, in Mr. Agoncillo's judgment, will be very soon. In the meantime he wishes the United States to send to some port in the Philippines 20,000 stand of arms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition for the use of his government, to be paid for on the recognition of his government by the United States. He pledges as security two provinces and the custom-house at Manila. He is not particular about the price- is willing the United States should make 25 per cent or 30 per cent profit.
November 10, 1897
Mamerto Natividad, Commander-in-Chief of the revolutionary forces of Central Luzon dies in an encounter with Spanish cazadores in San Fernando, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.
November 14, 1897
Pedro Paterno succeeded in extracting from the revolutionaries a reduced compensation package of $800,000 Mexican Dollars and submits the revised draft to the Spanish authorities . (Fernandez, 38)
November 18, 1897
Paterno presents the revised draft of peace agreement to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera who gives it his instant consideration. (Fernandez, 38)
November 20, 1897
Spanish authorities in Madrid give Gov. Gen. Rivera the full authority to conclude negotiations at once with the Filipino rebels. (Fernandez, 38)
November 30, 1897
Admiral Dewey takes passage to Japan to report to Rear-Admiral McNair on board flagship Olympia as his relief. The order, issued in October 27, gave Dewey one month in Washington which he spent studying maps and charts of the Philippine islands.
December 12, 1897
Pedro Paterno, accompanied by two Filipino rebel leaders, returns to Manila from Biaknabato, with authorization from Aguinaldo to enter into a peace agreement with the Spanish authorities on his behalf. (Fernandez, 38)
December 15, 1897
Washington replies to American Consul in Hongkong, Mr. Wildman, advising him to tell Agoncillo that the United States does not negotiate such treaties and that it is not possible to send the arms and ammunitions. Mr. Wildman is told to refrain from encouraging Agoncillo to make any advances and should courteously decline to communicate with the department regarding Agoncillo's mission.
December 20, 189 The peace pact, signed by the Filipino rebels and Spanish authorities in December 14 and 15, is ratified by the revolutionary council. Among the numerous reforms the Spanish authorities promised to make are: representation in the Spanish Cortez, freedom of the press, general amnesty for all insurgents, and the expulsion or secularization of the monastic orders. The document also provides for the surrender of Aguinaldo and his followers and for full amnesty for them. The rebellion is to be ended and arms surrendered. The monetary consideration provides for the sum of 800,000 pesos, to be paid in three installments, one of which, a check for 400,000 pesos, is to be given Emilio Aguinaldo upon his departure for Hongkong.(Kalaw, 94) [It is claimed that the peace documents did not make reference to promised reforms. Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera insisted that the peace agreement covered only an act of surrender for money. Aguinaldo, however, claimed Rivera verbally committed to the reforms but requested not to put these in writing as this will put the Spanish government in an embarassing position. The reference to promised reforms is very evident in the parting words of Aguinaldo to Gov Gen Primo de Rivera before the exile-rebels left for Hongkong: "Those who were Filipino rebels, on leaving the land of their birth, send their farewell greetings, not without profound emotion and with tears in their eyes, leaving in the hands of Your Excellency the guardianship of their homes and the protection of the soil where they first saw the light of day. All are confident that Spain, impelled by right and justice, will grant the reforms without bloodshed or combat, since so much blood has already stained the soil of Luzon ..." (Fernandez, 42-43)
December 23, 1897
Spanish Generals Tejeiro and Ricardo Monet arrive in Biaknabato, there to remain as hostages for the safe passage of the Filipino rebel leaders as provided for in the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)
December 27, 1897
Aguinaldo and 35 other Filipino rebel leaders leave for Hong Kong on exile aboard the steamer Uranus, an option which some of the rebel leaders were allowed to exercise. Those who will remain in the country will take it upon themselves to monitor the faithful implementation of the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)The rebel leaders who left for Hongkong with Aguinaldo are: Mariano Llanera, Tomas Aguinaldo, Vito Belarmino, Antonio Montenegro, Escolastico Viola, Lino Viola, Valentin Diaz, Dr. Anastacio Francisco, Benito Natividad, Gregorio H. del Pilar, Manuel Tinio, Salvador Estrella, Maximo Kabigting, Wenceslao Viniegra, Doroteo Lopez, Vicente Lukban, Primitivo Artacho, Tomas Mascardo, Joaquin Alejandrino, Pedro Aguinaldo, Agapito Bonson, Carlos Ronquillo, Teodoro Legazpi, Agustin de la Rosa, Miguel Valenzuela, Antonio Carlos, Celestino Aragon, Jose Aragon, Pedro Francisco, Lazaro Makapagal y Lakang-dula, Silvestre Legazpi, Vitaliano Famular, Vicenter Kagton, Francisco Frani and Eugenio de la Cruz.
December 31, 1897
As provided in the peace agreement, the surrender of arms of the Filipino rebels begins [and continues until February the following year. According to the inventory signed by Baldomero Aguinaldo, Pio del Pilar and Urbano Lacuna for the rebels and Miguel Primo de Rivera for the Spanish government the following armaments were surrendered: 458 rifles, mostly Remington and Mauser, 724 Muskets and other firearms, 120 lantakas (small native cannon); 20 revolvers; 796 sabers, bolos and spears; and 13,992 rounds of ammunitions]. (Fernandez, 43)
February 14, 1897
Governor Polavieja begins the offensive at Cavite which lasted 52 days, with 15 officers and 168 soldiers killed, and 56 officers and 900 men wounded. At the end of the campaign two-thirds of Cavite still remained in the hands of the revolutionaries. (Fernandez, 27)
February 17, 1897
Aguinaldo defeats the Spanish forces at the Battle of Zapote Bridge. In this battle, Edilberto Evangelista, a civil engineer graduate from Ghent, Belgium, the first Filipino professional to join the revolution, and the builder of trenches used by the Revolutionary Army, is killed.
March ??, 1897
Bonifacio writes Emilio Jacinto saying the enmity between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the Katipunan in Cavite is very great, at the same time, expressing dismay over the plan of the Magdalo faction to establish a government that will replace the Katipunan organization. ( Kalaw, 79)
March 1, 1897
Spanish troops assaults the town of Salitran, Cavite where Flaviano Yenko, a student who quit law school to join the revolution is wounded. [Two days later Yenko died.]
March 22, 189
The Filipino rebels hold the second convention at Tejeros and agree to create a revolutionary organization to replace the Katipunan. That same night the convention elects officers. Aguinaldo, who is out in the battlefield during the entire duration of the meeting is elected President while Bonifacio is elected Director of the Interior, the lowest position. Notwithstanding the prior understanding that the results of the elections will be respected, Tirona questions the election of Bonifacio, saying he is not qualified due to lack of higher education. Feeling slighted, Bonifacio storms out of the proceedings and declares the night's proceedings null and void. This is the third and successful attempt to replace the katipunan, notwithstanding the opposition from Bonifacio and his supporters. (Fernandez, 29)
March 23, 1897
Bonifacio and his followers, the Magdiwang faction of Mariano Alvarez from Noveleta, set up their own revolutionary government in Naic with Bonifacio as President. Aguinaldo sends his men to arrest Bonifacio for treason and sedition.
March 31, 1897
Miguel Malvar of Batangas is appointed General by Aguinaldo.
April 15, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Polavieja returns to Spain, broken in health, leaving behind an archipelago far from peaceful.
April 14, 1897
Aguinaldo writes to Gen.Miguel Malvar upon learning that the general is supporting Bonifacio and supplying him with arms. He requests Malvar to support the new government and tells Malvar that failure to do so could be seen as a sign of lack of patriotism, which the nation will punish with severity and without delay. (Kalaw, 83)
April 28, 1897
Brig. Gen. Mariano Noriel reports to Aguinaldo that Col. Agapito Bonzon with some men of the army was sent to investigate matters relating to the Supremo; that Bonifacio was hostile when approached and opened fire on the troops, resulting in the death of Ciriaco, a brother of Bonifacio, one rifleman and one boloman, and the wounding of Bonifacio, himself; that twenty riflemen, Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were taken prisoners. (Kalaw, 84 and PIR_v1, 304)
April 30, 1897
Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, who replaced de Polavieja, begins a campaign of 20 days against the rebels, which broke the organized resistance in Cavite. (Fernandez, 31)
May 3, 1897
Artemio Guevarra, a supporter of Bonifacio, writes to Emilio Jacinto narrating the incident about the visit of Col. Agapito Bonzon; that upon being asked what the purpose of the visit was, Col. Bonzon replied that he came to ask Bonifacio to meet with the government of Aguinaldo to prevent the separation between the two groups; that Bonifacio replied he will never go back to Cavite where he is treated a nobody; that thereupon Col. Bonzon took his leave and then a firefight ensued, Bonifacio was wounded. (Kalaw, 84)
May 4, 1897
Pantaleon Garcia submits to Aguinaldo a report on the result of the investigation that Aguinaldo has ordered. The report says that Bonifacio refused to recognize the Revolutionary government and its head, and that Bonifacio was recruiting people in Limbon, Cavite and putting to jail those who opposed him; that Bonifacio hired a certain Pedro Giron for ten pesos to kill Aguinaldo. The report recommended court martial be appointed to study more carefully and to determine if law and justice could be executed. (Kalaw, 85)
May 4, 1897
The appointed Court Martial meets at Maragondon, presided over by Mariano Noriel, and including Mariano Riego de Dios. Esteban Infante, Sulpicio de la Cruz, Crsostono Riel (?), Placido Martinez. and probably Tomas Mascardo. Placido Martinez acts as lawyer for Andres Bonifacio, and Teodoro Gonzales for Procopio Bonifacio; and Jose Elises acts as fiscal or prosecuting attorney. The fiscal maintains that Andres Bonifacio and his brother are guilty of conspiracy and sedition, and should, therefore, be sentenced to death. Placido Martinez seems to admit Bonifacio's guilt but seeks pardon for him. and his brother, Procopio. Bonifacio’s request for permission to speak is granted. The court martial finds that Bonifacio knew of a government in the locality where he was; that he was inducing officials and soldiers from the Revolutionary Government to join him; that he was recruiting and arming men at Limbon to overthrow the Revolutionary Government; and that he had fired the first shots against Col. Bonzon's troops. He is therefore guilty of conspiracy and sedition against the Revolutionary Government, and the Court sentences him to death. The death sentence is signed by Sulpicio de la Cruz, Crisostomo Riel, Mariano Noriel, Tomas Mascardo, Esteban Infante, and Placido Martinez.
May 7, 1897
The court martial sends the death sentence document to the Commander-in-Chief, President Emilio Aguinaldo. This is referred to the Auditor of War and Adjutant General Baldomero Aguinaldo, who confirms the sentence, though he asks that an investigation be conducted regarding the alleged maltreatment of Bonifacio's wife by Col. Bonzon.
May 8, 1897
Bonifacio is handed a death sentence. Aguinaldo commutes the sentence to permanent exile, but recalls his order upon representation of his men, among them Gen Ignacio Pawa and Gen Pio del Pilar, that Bonifacio is better dead than alive for the sake of unity in the revolutionary movement.
May 10, 1897
Bonifacio and his brother Procopio are executed at Mt. Buntis, Maragondon Cavite by Filipino soldiers under the command of Lazaro Makapagal, following a written order signed by Col. Mariano Noriel.
June 10, 1897
Aguinaldo with a small band of devoted followers, elude Spanish forces within sight and hearing of Manila to the mountains of San Mateo, then to Biaknabato in Bulacan. (Fernandez, 31-32)
June 24, 1897
After the rebels lose several battles, Spanish troops retake Cavite as Aguinaldo and his men flee.
July 2, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Rivera issues an edict restricting travel and requiring approved passes for such.
July 05, 1897
From the mountain fastness of Biaknabato, Bulacan, Aguinaldo issues a proclamation appealing to all Filipinos to continue the fight and support the revolution. (Kalaw, 89)
August 9, 1897
Pedro Paterno, under authority of Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, submits a draft of a peace agreement known in history as the Pact of Biaknabato with $3 million Mexican dollars monetary compensation to the victims of the revolution and a promise of political reforms. ( Fernandez, 36)
August 13, 1897
Paterno presented the demands of the revolutionaries to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera who rejected it saying that only the Spanish Cortes can enter into such an agreement, and claiming the compensation asked is much too high. (Fenandez, 37)
September 6, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation - continue the fight, conduct guerilla warfare and prolong the conflict to wear out Spain. (Fernandez, 33)
September ??, 1897
After a relative lull in fighting during July and August conflict is renewed in Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija; guerilla warfare is extended to Principe, Tarlac and Pangasinan.
November ??, 1897
The thought of taking the Philippines if war is declared against Spain came to Dewey while in command of the Narrangansett as she lay anchored in the Gulf of California, whereupon he sought the command of the asiatic squadron and with Mr. Roosevelt's aid obtained it. (Storey,36)
November 1, 1897
The Constitution of Biaknabato is adopted by the revolutionaries at Biaknabato, Bulacan to take effect only for two years, with Aguinaldo as President, Mariano Trias as Vice President, Isabelo Artacho, Secretary of the Interior, Antonio Montenegro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Baldomero Aguinaldo, Secretary of Treasury and Emilio Riego de Dios, Secretary of War.(Kalaw, 91-92; Fernandez, 34)
Aguinaldo accepts Pedro Paterno's offer as mediator between the rebels and Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, and gives Paterno authority to negotiate for the insurgents, and states that the reforms which would be accepted by the revolutionists as a basis for peace were as follows: (1) Expulsion of the religious orders, or at least regulations prohibiting them from living together in cloisters, (2) Representation of the Philippines in the Spanish Cortes, (3) Application of true justice in the Philippines, the same for the native as for the Spaniard. The same laws in Spain and the Philippines. The natives to have a share in the higher offices of the civil administration, (4) Adjustment of property, of taxes and parishes, in favor of the native, (5) Proclamation of the individual rights of the native, as well as his liberty to combine with others in associations, and the liberty of the press. - ( Kalaw, 92-93)
November 2, 1897
The Hong Kong junta, a committee of expatriated Filipinos working for the cause of the revolution, is formally inaugurated.
November 3, 1897
Felipe Agoncillo approaches the American consul in Hongkong, Rounseville Wildman, proposing an alliance in case war breaks out between Spain and the United States. As reported by Consul Wildman to the U.S. State Department, Mr. Agoncillo holds a commission, signed by the president, members of cabinet, and general in chief of the republic of Philippines, empowering him absolutely with power to conclude treaties with foreign governments. Mr. Agoncillo offers on behalf of his government alliance offensive and defensive with the United States when the United States declares war on Spain, which, in Mr. Agoncillo's judgment, will be very soon. In the meantime he wishes the United States to send to some port in the Philippines 20,000 stand of arms and 200,000 rounds of ammunition for the use of his government, to be paid for on the recognition of his government by the United States. He pledges as security two provinces and the custom-house at Manila. He is not particular about the price- is willing the United States should make 25 per cent or 30 per cent profit.
November 10, 1897
Mamerto Natividad, Commander-in-Chief of the revolutionary forces of Central Luzon dies in an encounter with Spanish cazadores in San Fernando, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.
November 14, 1897
Pedro Paterno succeeded in extracting from the revolutionaries a reduced compensation package of $800,000 Mexican Dollars and submits the revised draft to the Spanish authorities . (Fernandez, 38)
November 18, 1897
Paterno presents the revised draft of peace agreement to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera who gives it his instant consideration. (Fernandez, 38)
November 20, 1897
Spanish authorities in Madrid give Gov. Gen. Rivera the full authority to conclude negotiations at once with the Filipino rebels. (Fernandez, 38)
November 30, 1897
Admiral Dewey takes passage to Japan to report to Rear-Admiral McNair on board flagship Olympia as his relief. The order, issued in October 27, gave Dewey one month in Washington which he spent studying maps and charts of the Philippine islands.
December 12, 1897
Pedro Paterno, accompanied by two Filipino rebel leaders, returns to Manila from Biaknabato, with authorization from Aguinaldo to enter into a peace agreement with the Spanish authorities on his behalf. (Fernandez, 38)
December 15, 1897
Washington replies to American Consul in Hongkong, Mr. Wildman, advising him to tell Agoncillo that the United States does not negotiate such treaties and that it is not possible to send the arms and ammunitions. Mr. Wildman is told to refrain from encouraging Agoncillo to make any advances and should courteously decline to communicate with the department regarding Agoncillo's mission.
December 20, 189 The peace pact, signed by the Filipino rebels and Spanish authorities in December 14 and 15, is ratified by the revolutionary council. Among the numerous reforms the Spanish authorities promised to make are: representation in the Spanish Cortez, freedom of the press, general amnesty for all insurgents, and the expulsion or secularization of the monastic orders. The document also provides for the surrender of Aguinaldo and his followers and for full amnesty for them. The rebellion is to be ended and arms surrendered. The monetary consideration provides for the sum of 800,000 pesos, to be paid in three installments, one of which, a check for 400,000 pesos, is to be given Emilio Aguinaldo upon his departure for Hongkong.(Kalaw, 94) [It is claimed that the peace documents did not make reference to promised reforms. Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera insisted that the peace agreement covered only an act of surrender for money. Aguinaldo, however, claimed Rivera verbally committed to the reforms but requested not to put these in writing as this will put the Spanish government in an embarassing position. The reference to promised reforms is very evident in the parting words of Aguinaldo to Gov Gen Primo de Rivera before the exile-rebels left for Hongkong: "Those who were Filipino rebels, on leaving the land of their birth, send their farewell greetings, not without profound emotion and with tears in their eyes, leaving in the hands of Your Excellency the guardianship of their homes and the protection of the soil where they first saw the light of day. All are confident that Spain, impelled by right and justice, will grant the reforms without bloodshed or combat, since so much blood has already stained the soil of Luzon ..." (Fernandez, 42-43)
December 23, 1897
Spanish Generals Tejeiro and Ricardo Monet arrive in Biaknabato, there to remain as hostages for the safe passage of the Filipino rebel leaders as provided for in the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)
December 27, 1897
Aguinaldo and 35 other Filipino rebel leaders leave for Hong Kong on exile aboard the steamer Uranus, an option which some of the rebel leaders were allowed to exercise. Those who will remain in the country will take it upon themselves to monitor the faithful implementation of the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)The rebel leaders who left for Hongkong with Aguinaldo are: Mariano Llanera, Tomas Aguinaldo, Vito Belarmino, Antonio Montenegro, Escolastico Viola, Lino Viola, Valentin Diaz, Dr. Anastacio Francisco, Benito Natividad, Gregorio H. del Pilar, Manuel Tinio, Salvador Estrella, Maximo Kabigting, Wenceslao Viniegra, Doroteo Lopez, Vicente Lukban, Primitivo Artacho, Tomas Mascardo, Joaquin Alejandrino, Pedro Aguinaldo, Agapito Bonson, Carlos Ronquillo, Teodoro Legazpi, Agustin de la Rosa, Miguel Valenzuela, Antonio Carlos, Celestino Aragon, Jose Aragon, Pedro Francisco, Lazaro Makapagal y Lakang-dula, Silvestre Legazpi, Vitaliano Famular, Vicenter Kagton, Francisco Frani and Eugenio de la Cruz.
December 31, 1897
As provided in the peace agreement, the surrender of arms of the Filipino rebels begins [and continues until February the following year. According to the inventory signed by Baldomero Aguinaldo, Pio del Pilar and Urbano Lacuna for the rebels and Miguel Primo de Rivera for the Spanish government the following armaments were surrendered: 458 rifles, mostly Remington and Mauser, 724 Muskets and other firearms, 120 lantakas (small native cannon); 20 revolvers; 796 sabers, bolos and spears; and 13,992 rounds of ammunitions]. (Fernandez, 43)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Year 1898
January 3, 1898
Aguinaldo deposits $400,000 in Hongkong and Shanghai Bank at 2% interest per annum. The self-exiled revolutionaries agree to keep the principal in the bank as a trust fund, and "…in case the Spaniards did not live up to the agreement, the … not be divided but would be destined to purchase arms to renew the war.”. (Fernandez, 48)
January 4, 1898
Aguinaldo withdraws $200,000 from Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and deposited the same with Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China at 4% interest per annum, with privilege to withdraw $50,000 every quarter. (Fernandez, 48)
January 23, 1898
A solemn Te Deum is sung in the Cathedral at Manila, in thanksgiving for the coming of peace. (Fernandez, 45)
January 24, 1898
The U.S. battleship Maine is ordered to proceed to Havana, Cuba.
January 27, 1898
A cable message is sent by the Navy Department to Commodore Dewey, who commands the American Asiatic Squadron, directing him to retain all of his men whose enlistments had expired.
February ??, 1898
Emilio Jacinto, the right hand man of the slain Bonifacio, issues his Sangguniang Hukuman, revealing that he is still very busy "katipunizing" the province of Laguna. (Fernandez, 50)
February 10, 1898
A group of influential Filipinos residing in Madrid issues a manifesto asking the Spanish government for reforms in the administration of the Philippine islands, preferring assimilation, instead of revolution, separation, or independence. (Fernandez, 46)
February 15, 1898
The U.S. battleship Maine is blown up in Havana harbor, Cuba under mysterious circumstances. The Americans blamed the explosion as a work of the Spaniards. (Published research by History Channel shows that the protrusion of the metal of the hull of the ship was outward, indicating that the explosion originated from the inside.)
February 22, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, sends a dispatch to Washington saying that conditions in the Philippines are almost like Cuba's - war exists, battles are of almost daily occurrence, ambulances bring in many wounded and hospitals are full. Prisoners are brought to Manila and shot without trial, and Manila is under martial law. The Spanish forces have not been able to dislodge a rebel army within 10 miles of Manila, and last Saturday, February 19 a battle was there fought and 5 dead left on the field. (Storey, 30)
February 25, 1898
Dewey, commanding the Asiatic squadron of the United States Navy, while laying in Hongkong, receives a cable from the Assistant secretary of the Navy to prepare his fleet in case war with Spain is declared. His duty was to prevent the Spanish fleet from leaving the Asiatic coast and to commence offensive operations in the Philippine islands. (Storey, 36)
February ??, 1898
Dewey sent one of the captains ashore upon three different occasions to endeavor to make arrangements and terms with Filipino leaders then residing in Hongkong. This officer, who was dressed in civilian clothes, was suspected of being a Spanish spy and his overtures were rejected by Filipinos. (Sheridan, 41)
March 1-7, 1898
Unmistakable signs of impending danger showed. The outward calm was broken and disorders reported in place after place. Several factors contributed to the situation, namely: (1) failure of the Spanish authorities to fully pay the agreed imdemnity, (2) general amnesty was never fully implemented and persons implicated in the rebellion were rearrested on trumped up charges, and (3) failure of the administration to implement reforms. (Fernandez, 49)
The fresh disturbances was first raised in Northern Zambales where the natives beseiged the cable station at Bolinao and seized the telegraph lines connecting this town and Manila, holding positions successfully until reinforcements arrived from Manila. (Fernandez, 50)
March 17, 1898
The newspaper, Diario de Manila, publishes an article demanding autonomy and carrying out reforms provided for by the Pact of Biacnabato
.
March 19, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington that a Spanish battle ship, the Don Juan de Austria, was sent this week to the northern part of Luzon to cooperate with a land force of 2,000 dispatched to succor local forces that was overwhelmed by rebels.
March 24, 1898
Elements of Seventy-fourth Spanish Regiment, recruited among the Visayans, refuse to obey orders to attack the Tagalog rebels in Cavite. Eight corporals are called out and shot to death in the presence of the regiment. Again orders to advance are given and disobeyed, when death to all was threatened. The regiment express willingness to fight the foreign enemies of Spain, but said they would all be shot rather than fight their friends. All were sent to barracks to be punished later, but the next morning all took arms and deserted to the rebels.
March 25, 1898
Serious outbreak is reported in various parts of the country, some at the instigation of former Filipino rebel leaders who were not satisfied with the terms of the peace pact. Feliciano Jocson, an avid katipunero and head of gobierno departmental of Central Luzon, and who openly opposed the peace treaty, refused to abide by the peace agreement and attempts to attack Manila. His men are surprised at their staging area in Binondo and most of them are killed. Jocson flees but is captured by Aguinaldo's men under Venancio Cueto and is placed under house arrest. Upon request of Gen. Pio Del Pilar, Jocson is taken from the Cueto's house and according to Artemio Ricarte he "mysteriously disappeared"
March 31, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington saying: "A recent uprising at Cape Bolinao, on the northwest coast of this island (Luzon), about 300 miles from Manila, was crushed by united action of two regiments of infantry aided by the battle ship Don Juan de Austria. A British shipmaster there at the time reports about forty killed and forty wounded. After surrender, the Spaniards put dead and wounded together in a house and by burning it cremated all."
April ??, 1898
Former Filipino rebel leaders are starting to regroup. The Constitution of the General Executive Committee of Central Luzon is adopted and signed by 45 persons among whom are Francisco Macabulos Soliman, former officer of Aguinaldo, and Valentin Diaz, one of the six founders of the supreme council of the Katipunan, which attempted to establish a government to operate in the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Union and Nueva Ecija. (Fernandez, 51)
April ??, 1898
Filipino exiles in Hong Kong confer with Admiral Dewey on several occasions, initiated by Commander Edward P. Wood of the American gunboat Petrel.
Over 5,000 men stage a revolt in Cebu and for over 3 weeks harassed the government forces sent against them. (Fernandez, 50)
April 5, 1898
Aguinaldo receives a letter of demand from Isabelo Artacho, a former official of the Biacnabato government, claiming that $200,000 is due him as salary having served the position of Secretary of Interior.
April 7, 1898
Aguinaldo with two of his staff, Col. Gregorio del Pilar and Mr. Leyba, leave Hong Kong for Singapore to evade Artacho's threatened suit for the division of the cash deposit. Eventually, the suit was settled out of court by paying Artacho $5,000.
April 20, 1898
The Teller resolution is passed by U.S. Congress and war with Spain is practically declared. The resolution declares that conditions in Cuba "have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States" and "have been a disgrace to Christian civilization"; that Spain should relinquish its sovereignty over that Island, for "the people of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent;" that the United States has no intention to exercise control or sovereignty over the Island except for the purposes of pacification; and that once that is accomplished she would "leave the government and control of the Island to its people." (Kalaw, 99-100)
April 22, 1898
The American Consul General in Singapore, E. Spencer Pratt, seeks Aguinaldo to arrange for a general cooperation with Commodore Dewey. After conferring with Aguinaldo, in the presence of Del Pilar and Mr. Leyba, Aguinaldo's secretary, Consul Pratt sends a cable to Dewey saying "Aguinaldo, insurgent leader here. Will come Hongkong arrange with Commodore for general cooperation insurgents Manila if desired..", to which, Dewey replied: "Tell Aguinaldo come as soon as possible." (Storey, 45)
April 24, 1898
American Consul General Pratt and Agunaldo meet in Singapore, in the presence of Mr.Howard W. Bray, an Englishman closely associated with the Hongkong Filipino Junta, the Editor of the Singapore Free Press, and 3 of Aguinaldo's staff, namely: Mr. J. Leyba, Col. G. H. Del Pilar and Dr. Marcelino Santos, a Filipino resident of Singapore. As a result of the meeting Pratt cables Dewey if he wanted to see Aguinaldo, and the Admiral replies to send Aguinaldo to him.
April 25, 1898
The declaration of war by the United States against Spain is signed by President McKinley after having been passed by both houses of the United States congress.
April 26, 1898
Aguinaldo and his staff, del Pilar and Leyba, at the instance of U.S. Consul Pratt, board the steamer Malacca for Hongkong for the purpose of meeting CommodoreDewey.
April 27, 1898
CommodoreDewey and his fleet leave Mirs Bay (on the Chinese side opposite Hong Kong island) for the Philippines; finding no Spanish vessels in Subic, proceed to Manila Bay. Dewey's fleet had been in Hong Kong harbor, awaiting orders, until the British asked him to move to the Chinese side after the United States declared war with Spain in order not to jeopardize the neutral position of the British.
April 28, 1898
American Consul General Pratt telegrams Washington about his meeting with Aguinaldo, and of Dewey desirous of having Aguinaldo sent over to the Philippines.
April 30, 1898
CommodoreDewey and his fleet arrive off Corregidor at night. (Sheridan, 29)
April 30, 1898
American Consul General Pratt writes Sec of State Long saying Aguinaldo hoped the United States would protect the Philippines long enough to allow Filipinos establish their own government.
April ??, 1898
Filipino exiles in Hongkong sends a manifesto to the Islands proclaiming that the Americans have come as liberators and urging the people not to heed the call of the Spanish authorities to oppose the Americans. The proclamation says in part: "...The Americans will attack by sea and prevent any reinforcements coming from Spain; therefore we insurgents must attack by land. Probably you will have more than sufficient arms, because the Americans have arms and will find means to assist us. There, where you see the American flag flying, assemble in numbers; they are our redeemers." (Storey, 45)
May 1, 1898
Dewey destroys the Spanish fleet in Manila bay. The first gun was fired at 5:10 a.m. and the fight is practically ended at 7:00 a.m. (Sheridan, 32)
May 2, 1898
Dewey takes possession of the Cavite Arsenal and anchored his fleet within a short distance of its walls. (Sheridan, 34)
May ??, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, writes a letter to Aguinaldo saying: "Do not forget that the United States undertook this war for the sole purpose of relieving the Cubans from the cruelties under which they were suffering and not for the love of conquest or the hope of gain. They are actuated by exactly the same feeling for the Filipinos." (Storey, 46)
May 4, 1898
Filipinos in Hong Kong, with misgivings, agree to send Aguinaldo back to the Philippines and cooperate with the Americans even in absence of a written agreement.
May 4, 1898
The Singapore Free Press publishes a complete account of the meeting on April 24th between Aguinaldo and U.S. Singapore Consul Pratt which asserts that Aguinaldo "had, in view of what took place in Singapore and the telegrams received from Commodore Dewey [then in Hongkong], full justification for believing that the United States would raise no objection to the complete autonomy of the Philippines, and would, after the Spaniards were expelled from the islands, establish a protectorate over the whole group. Copies of the paper were forwarded by the Consul to Washington with a comment that the story was in the main correct. - (Robinson, 43-44)
May 4, 1898
In an effort to win the Filipinos to fight on the side of Spain in the war with the United States, Gov Gen Basilio Agustin issues a decree creating a consultative assembly, in which several leading Filipinos, among them Artemio Ricarte and Baldomero Aguinaldo, who were formerly identified with Aguinaldo are given seats.
May 6, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, reports to Washington that certain wealthy and influential Filipino bankers, landowners and advocates, living in Hongkong, namely: Don Doroteo Cortes, Don Maximo Cortes, and Dona Eustaquia, wife of Don Maximo; Arcadio Rosario, Gracio Gonzaga, and Don Jose Maria Basa, desire to tender their allegiance and the allegiance of their powerful families in Manila to the United States. They have instructed all their connections to render every aid to United States forces in Manila.
May 8, 1898
Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda of Manila, in a circular urges Filipinos to defend the Roman Catholic Church against the invasion of protestant Americans. Gov Gen Agustin also tries to win over the former leaders of the rebellion to fight on the Spanish side.
May 14, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, sends to Washington statements of other wealthy Filipino residents in Hongkong, namely: Severino Rotea and Lopez, Claudio Lopez, A.H. Marti and Eugenia Plona, all Visayans, who wish to tender their allegiance to the United States.
May 17, 1898
Upon instructions of Archbishop Nozaleda, Father Gregorio Aglipay proceeds to the camp of the Filipino rebels in Cavite to ask them to fight on the side of the Spaniards against the Americans. He was unsuccessful.
May 19, 1898
Aguinaldo and 13 staff arrive at Cavite on board the American dispatch boat McCulloch and is received enthusiastically by the Filipinos.
May 19, 1898
Upon arrival at Cavite, Dewey invites Aguinaldo on board the flagship Olympia for a conference. Dewey assures Aguinaldo that the United States had come to the Philippines to free the inhabitants from the Spanish yoke, that the United States was rich in territory and money and had no need of colonies, and that he had no doubt the United States would recognize Filipino independence. Admiral asks Aguinaldo if he can raise the country against Spain and carry on a rapid campaign.. Aguinaldo says he could do nothing until the arrival of the arms ordered of Wildman, whereupon the Admiral offers to expedite the shipment and also offers him all the cannon captured on the Spanish ships, as well as the arms and ammunition captured by the gunboat Petrel at Corregidor Island. Dewey also tells Aguinaldo that Filipinos and Americans should treat each other as friends and allies and that, the United States would recognize Filipino independence. He also tells Aguinaldo to devise a national flag and that he would recognize and protect it. (Blunt, 153-154)
May ??, 1898
As soon as they set foot in Cavite upon their arrival from Hongkong, Isabelo Artacho, Primitivo Artacho, Agustin de la Rosa and Celestino Aragon were arrested in conjunction with the controversy on the money deposited in Hongkong and deported to the interior pueblo of the province.
May 20, 1898
Aguinaldo deposits $400,000 in Hongkong and Shanghai Bank at 2% interest per annum. The self-exiled revolutionaries agree to keep the principal in the bank as a trust fund, and "…in case the Spaniards did not live up to the agreement, the … not be divided but would be destined to purchase arms to renew the war.”. (Fernandez, 48)
January 4, 1898
Aguinaldo withdraws $200,000 from Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and deposited the same with Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China at 4% interest per annum, with privilege to withdraw $50,000 every quarter. (Fernandez, 48)
January 23, 1898
A solemn Te Deum is sung in the Cathedral at Manila, in thanksgiving for the coming of peace. (Fernandez, 45)
January 24, 1898
The U.S. battleship Maine is ordered to proceed to Havana, Cuba.
January 27, 1898
A cable message is sent by the Navy Department to Commodore Dewey, who commands the American Asiatic Squadron, directing him to retain all of his men whose enlistments had expired.
February ??, 1898
Emilio Jacinto, the right hand man of the slain Bonifacio, issues his Sangguniang Hukuman, revealing that he is still very busy "katipunizing" the province of Laguna. (Fernandez, 50)
February 10, 1898
A group of influential Filipinos residing in Madrid issues a manifesto asking the Spanish government for reforms in the administration of the Philippine islands, preferring assimilation, instead of revolution, separation, or independence. (Fernandez, 46)
February 15, 1898
The U.S. battleship Maine is blown up in Havana harbor, Cuba under mysterious circumstances. The Americans blamed the explosion as a work of the Spaniards. (Published research by History Channel shows that the protrusion of the metal of the hull of the ship was outward, indicating that the explosion originated from the inside.)
February 22, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, sends a dispatch to Washington saying that conditions in the Philippines are almost like Cuba's - war exists, battles are of almost daily occurrence, ambulances bring in many wounded and hospitals are full. Prisoners are brought to Manila and shot without trial, and Manila is under martial law. The Spanish forces have not been able to dislodge a rebel army within 10 miles of Manila, and last Saturday, February 19 a battle was there fought and 5 dead left on the field. (Storey, 30)
February 25, 1898
Dewey, commanding the Asiatic squadron of the United States Navy, while laying in Hongkong, receives a cable from the Assistant secretary of the Navy to prepare his fleet in case war with Spain is declared. His duty was to prevent the Spanish fleet from leaving the Asiatic coast and to commence offensive operations in the Philippine islands. (Storey, 36)
February ??, 1898
Dewey sent one of the captains ashore upon three different occasions to endeavor to make arrangements and terms with Filipino leaders then residing in Hongkong. This officer, who was dressed in civilian clothes, was suspected of being a Spanish spy and his overtures were rejected by Filipinos. (Sheridan, 41)
March 1-7, 1898
Unmistakable signs of impending danger showed. The outward calm was broken and disorders reported in place after place. Several factors contributed to the situation, namely: (1) failure of the Spanish authorities to fully pay the agreed imdemnity, (2) general amnesty was never fully implemented and persons implicated in the rebellion were rearrested on trumped up charges, and (3) failure of the administration to implement reforms. (Fernandez, 49)
The fresh disturbances was first raised in Northern Zambales where the natives beseiged the cable station at Bolinao and seized the telegraph lines connecting this town and Manila, holding positions successfully until reinforcements arrived from Manila. (Fernandez, 50)
March 17, 1898
The newspaper, Diario de Manila, publishes an article demanding autonomy and carrying out reforms provided for by the Pact of Biacnabato
.
March 19, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington that a Spanish battle ship, the Don Juan de Austria, was sent this week to the northern part of Luzon to cooperate with a land force of 2,000 dispatched to succor local forces that was overwhelmed by rebels.
March 24, 1898
Elements of Seventy-fourth Spanish Regiment, recruited among the Visayans, refuse to obey orders to attack the Tagalog rebels in Cavite. Eight corporals are called out and shot to death in the presence of the regiment. Again orders to advance are given and disobeyed, when death to all was threatened. The regiment express willingness to fight the foreign enemies of Spain, but said they would all be shot rather than fight their friends. All were sent to barracks to be punished later, but the next morning all took arms and deserted to the rebels.
March 25, 1898
Serious outbreak is reported in various parts of the country, some at the instigation of former Filipino rebel leaders who were not satisfied with the terms of the peace pact. Feliciano Jocson, an avid katipunero and head of gobierno departmental of Central Luzon, and who openly opposed the peace treaty, refused to abide by the peace agreement and attempts to attack Manila. His men are surprised at their staging area in Binondo and most of them are killed. Jocson flees but is captured by Aguinaldo's men under Venancio Cueto and is placed under house arrest. Upon request of Gen. Pio Del Pilar, Jocson is taken from the Cueto's house and according to Artemio Ricarte he "mysteriously disappeared"
March 31, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington saying: "A recent uprising at Cape Bolinao, on the northwest coast of this island (Luzon), about 300 miles from Manila, was crushed by united action of two regiments of infantry aided by the battle ship Don Juan de Austria. A British shipmaster there at the time reports about forty killed and forty wounded. After surrender, the Spaniards put dead and wounded together in a house and by burning it cremated all."
April ??, 1898
Former Filipino rebel leaders are starting to regroup. The Constitution of the General Executive Committee of Central Luzon is adopted and signed by 45 persons among whom are Francisco Macabulos Soliman, former officer of Aguinaldo, and Valentin Diaz, one of the six founders of the supreme council of the Katipunan, which attempted to establish a government to operate in the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Union and Nueva Ecija. (Fernandez, 51)
April ??, 1898
Filipino exiles in Hong Kong confer with Admiral Dewey on several occasions, initiated by Commander Edward P. Wood of the American gunboat Petrel.
Over 5,000 men stage a revolt in Cebu and for over 3 weeks harassed the government forces sent against them. (Fernandez, 50)
April 5, 1898
Aguinaldo receives a letter of demand from Isabelo Artacho, a former official of the Biacnabato government, claiming that $200,000 is due him as salary having served the position of Secretary of Interior.
April 7, 1898
Aguinaldo with two of his staff, Col. Gregorio del Pilar and Mr. Leyba, leave Hong Kong for Singapore to evade Artacho's threatened suit for the division of the cash deposit. Eventually, the suit was settled out of court by paying Artacho $5,000.
April 20, 1898
The Teller resolution is passed by U.S. Congress and war with Spain is practically declared. The resolution declares that conditions in Cuba "have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States" and "have been a disgrace to Christian civilization"; that Spain should relinquish its sovereignty over that Island, for "the people of Cuba are and of right ought to be free and independent;" that the United States has no intention to exercise control or sovereignty over the Island except for the purposes of pacification; and that once that is accomplished she would "leave the government and control of the Island to its people." (Kalaw, 99-100)
April 22, 1898
The American Consul General in Singapore, E. Spencer Pratt, seeks Aguinaldo to arrange for a general cooperation with Commodore Dewey. After conferring with Aguinaldo, in the presence of Del Pilar and Mr. Leyba, Aguinaldo's secretary, Consul Pratt sends a cable to Dewey saying "Aguinaldo, insurgent leader here. Will come Hongkong arrange with Commodore for general cooperation insurgents Manila if desired..", to which, Dewey replied: "Tell Aguinaldo come as soon as possible." (Storey, 45)
April 24, 1898
American Consul General Pratt and Agunaldo meet in Singapore, in the presence of Mr.Howard W. Bray, an Englishman closely associated with the Hongkong Filipino Junta, the Editor of the Singapore Free Press, and 3 of Aguinaldo's staff, namely: Mr. J. Leyba, Col. G. H. Del Pilar and Dr. Marcelino Santos, a Filipino resident of Singapore. As a result of the meeting Pratt cables Dewey if he wanted to see Aguinaldo, and the Admiral replies to send Aguinaldo to him.
April 25, 1898
The declaration of war by the United States against Spain is signed by President McKinley after having been passed by both houses of the United States congress.
April 26, 1898
Aguinaldo and his staff, del Pilar and Leyba, at the instance of U.S. Consul Pratt, board the steamer Malacca for Hongkong for the purpose of meeting CommodoreDewey.
April 27, 1898
CommodoreDewey and his fleet leave Mirs Bay (on the Chinese side opposite Hong Kong island) for the Philippines; finding no Spanish vessels in Subic, proceed to Manila Bay. Dewey's fleet had been in Hong Kong harbor, awaiting orders, until the British asked him to move to the Chinese side after the United States declared war with Spain in order not to jeopardize the neutral position of the British.
April 28, 1898
American Consul General Pratt telegrams Washington about his meeting with Aguinaldo, and of Dewey desirous of having Aguinaldo sent over to the Philippines.
April 30, 1898
CommodoreDewey and his fleet arrive off Corregidor at night. (Sheridan, 29)
April 30, 1898
American Consul General Pratt writes Sec of State Long saying Aguinaldo hoped the United States would protect the Philippines long enough to allow Filipinos establish their own government.
April ??, 1898
Filipino exiles in Hongkong sends a manifesto to the Islands proclaiming that the Americans have come as liberators and urging the people not to heed the call of the Spanish authorities to oppose the Americans. The proclamation says in part: "...The Americans will attack by sea and prevent any reinforcements coming from Spain; therefore we insurgents must attack by land. Probably you will have more than sufficient arms, because the Americans have arms and will find means to assist us. There, where you see the American flag flying, assemble in numbers; they are our redeemers." (Storey, 45)
May 1, 1898
Dewey destroys the Spanish fleet in Manila bay. The first gun was fired at 5:10 a.m. and the fight is practically ended at 7:00 a.m. (Sheridan, 32)
May 2, 1898
Dewey takes possession of the Cavite Arsenal and anchored his fleet within a short distance of its walls. (Sheridan, 34)
May ??, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, writes a letter to Aguinaldo saying: "Do not forget that the United States undertook this war for the sole purpose of relieving the Cubans from the cruelties under which they were suffering and not for the love of conquest or the hope of gain. They are actuated by exactly the same feeling for the Filipinos." (Storey, 46)
May 4, 1898
Filipinos in Hong Kong, with misgivings, agree to send Aguinaldo back to the Philippines and cooperate with the Americans even in absence of a written agreement.
May 4, 1898
The Singapore Free Press publishes a complete account of the meeting on April 24th between Aguinaldo and U.S. Singapore Consul Pratt which asserts that Aguinaldo "had, in view of what took place in Singapore and the telegrams received from Commodore Dewey [then in Hongkong], full justification for believing that the United States would raise no objection to the complete autonomy of the Philippines, and would, after the Spaniards were expelled from the islands, establish a protectorate over the whole group. Copies of the paper were forwarded by the Consul to Washington with a comment that the story was in the main correct. - (Robinson, 43-44)
May 4, 1898
In an effort to win the Filipinos to fight on the side of Spain in the war with the United States, Gov Gen Basilio Agustin issues a decree creating a consultative assembly, in which several leading Filipinos, among them Artemio Ricarte and Baldomero Aguinaldo, who were formerly identified with Aguinaldo are given seats.
May 6, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, reports to Washington that certain wealthy and influential Filipino bankers, landowners and advocates, living in Hongkong, namely: Don Doroteo Cortes, Don Maximo Cortes, and Dona Eustaquia, wife of Don Maximo; Arcadio Rosario, Gracio Gonzaga, and Don Jose Maria Basa, desire to tender their allegiance and the allegiance of their powerful families in Manila to the United States. They have instructed all their connections to render every aid to United States forces in Manila.
May 8, 1898
Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda of Manila, in a circular urges Filipinos to defend the Roman Catholic Church against the invasion of protestant Americans. Gov Gen Agustin also tries to win over the former leaders of the rebellion to fight on the Spanish side.
May 14, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, sends to Washington statements of other wealthy Filipino residents in Hongkong, namely: Severino Rotea and Lopez, Claudio Lopez, A.H. Marti and Eugenia Plona, all Visayans, who wish to tender their allegiance to the United States.
May 17, 1898
Upon instructions of Archbishop Nozaleda, Father Gregorio Aglipay proceeds to the camp of the Filipino rebels in Cavite to ask them to fight on the side of the Spaniards against the Americans. He was unsuccessful.
May 19, 1898
Aguinaldo and 13 staff arrive at Cavite on board the American dispatch boat McCulloch and is received enthusiastically by the Filipinos.
May 19, 1898
Upon arrival at Cavite, Dewey invites Aguinaldo on board the flagship Olympia for a conference. Dewey assures Aguinaldo that the United States had come to the Philippines to free the inhabitants from the Spanish yoke, that the United States was rich in territory and money and had no need of colonies, and that he had no doubt the United States would recognize Filipino independence. Admiral asks Aguinaldo if he can raise the country against Spain and carry on a rapid campaign.. Aguinaldo says he could do nothing until the arrival of the arms ordered of Wildman, whereupon the Admiral offers to expedite the shipment and also offers him all the cannon captured on the Spanish ships, as well as the arms and ammunition captured by the gunboat Petrel at Corregidor Island. Dewey also tells Aguinaldo that Filipinos and Americans should treat each other as friends and allies and that, the United States would recognize Filipino independence. He also tells Aguinaldo to devise a national flag and that he would recognize and protect it. (Blunt, 153-154)
May ??, 1898
As soon as they set foot in Cavite upon their arrival from Hongkong, Isabelo Artacho, Primitivo Artacho, Agustin de la Rosa and Celestino Aragon were arrested in conjunction with the controversy on the money deposited in Hongkong and deported to the interior pueblo of the province.
May 20, 1898
Admiral Dewey sends the following cable to Washington: "Aguinaldo, the rebel commander, was brought down by the McCulloch. Organizing forces near Cavite, and may render assistance which will be valuable." (Storey, 48-49)
Luciano San Miguel comes to see Aguinaldo and obtains direct orders to renew the revolution in Central Luzon.
May 22, 1898
Aguinaldo makes a prisoner of Felipe Buencamino after the latter, who is in command as a colonel of the Tercio de Anda y Salazar in the Zapote line, tried to induce Aguinaldo to go over to the side of the Spaniards. Buencamino is eventually released at the instance of Don Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.
May 23, 1898
A battalion of Macabebes who are serving the Spanish army, desert to Aguinaldo, followed by the remaining volunteers, with their arms and equipment.
May 24, 1898
Aguinaldo issues his first proclamation which says in part “... the great nation of North America ... has come to manifest a protection which is disinterested in us ..., considering us with sufficient civilization to govern by ourselves in this our unhappy land.” (Test, 93)
Upon advice of lawyer Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Aguinaldo issues a proclamation announcing the creation of a dictatorial government, citing collaboration with the Americans, urges Filipinos to renew the rebellion against Spain. (Fernandez, 64)
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington and says: “At a conference with General Aguinaldo, the head of the movement, I was told that they had now above 4,500 Mauser rifles taken from the Spaniards, and had also abundant ammunition. Until the present they have been fatally crippled in these respects. Last week Major Gonzales captured two buffalo cart loads of rifle ammunition from the Spaniards. To-day I xecuted a power of attorney whereby General Aguinaldo releases to his attorneys in fact 400,000, now in bank in Hongkong, so that money therefrom can pay for 3,000 stand of arms bought there and expected here to-morrow. The same sources informed me that about 37,000 insurgents stand ready to aid United States forces, and General Aguinaldo's headquarters were this a. m. at 7 o'clock surrounded by 500 to 1,000 men eager to enlist. I was there at that hour and saw the men."
May ??, 1898
A large, though crude, sort of arsenal and cartridge-factory employing 400 people is established by the Filipino rebels in Imus, Cavite and Bulacan.
May ??, 1898
Some five or six small steam vessels are procured from Singapore by Aguinaldo and fitted with guns recovered from the sunken Spanish vessels, to be used in inter-island transport of soldiers and supplies. These vessels, including two steamers donated by rich Filipino supporters and another steamer owned by a Spaniard and commandeered by a Filipino crew constituted Aguinaldo's flotilla, or the first Filipino navy.
May ??, 1898
Aguinaldo summons Apolinario Mabini to act as his advisor, replacing Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.
May 26, 1898
Secretary Long of the U.S. State Department cautions Admiral Dewey not to enter into an uncomfortable arrangement with Aguinaldo.
May 26, 1898
Admiral Dewey is very much pleased with Aguinaldo and turns over to him two modern field pieces, 300 rifles and plenty of ammunitions taken from the Cavite arsenal.
Aguinaldo with 600 men, attacks Cavite Viejo.
May 27, 1898
The arms purchased through American Consul Wildman in Hong Kong consisting of 3,000 Mauser rifles and 200,000 cartridges arrive to arm thousands of Filipinos who pour in to enlist in the reactivated Philippine Revolutionary Army.
May 28, 1898
The second phase of the revolution commences when 270 Spanish marines sent out to capture the arms and ammunitions shipped from Hong Kong are engaged and driven back by the Revolutionary Army.Governor General Agustin intimated to the consultative assembly that he is ready to grant the reforms asked, that obviously have come too late.A small steamer Faon, an assumed name, arrives from Canton and unloads 3,000 stand of Remington breech loading rifles and a large stock of cartridges for these rifles. (Stickney, 75)
May 31, 1898
Aguinaldo's army besieges Manila and its suburbs, invests the city at all points south of the Pasig river.
June 3, 1898
Filipino troops take control of Caloocan, Tondo, Santa Cruz, San Juan del Monte, Santolan, in the words of Admiral Dewey, "practically surrounded Manila.
June 6, 1898
Aguinaldo sends a representative to Gov Gen Agustin asking him to capitulate. No response is received.
Dewey sends a dispatch to Washington saying: "Insurgents have been engaged actively in the province of Cavite during the last week; they had several small victories, taking prisoners about 1,800 men, 50 officers; Spanish troops, not native." (Storey, 49)
June 7, 1898
Aguinaldo sends a letter to Governor General Agustin asking him to surrender, but no response is received.
June 8, 1898
About 30 Filipino residents of Singapore led by Dr. Marcelino Santos, a dentist practicing in the city, serenaded American Consul General Pratt and presented to him a statement of appreciation for the support Admiral Dewey is giving to Aguinaldo and express the hope that Philippine independence is secured under protection of the United States. Consul Pratt’s reply which was published in the Singapore Free Press and The Strait Times did not clarify the position of the United States as to the matter of independence, viz: “You have just reason to be proud of what has been and is being accomplished by General Aguinaldo and your fellow countrymen under his command. … I can only hope that the eventual outcome will be all that can desired for the happiness ad welfare of the Filipinos.” (Fernandez, 57)
Aguinaldo forms a dictatorial government and installs himself dictator.
June 9, 1898
Consul Pratt reported to the U.S. State Department what had transpired the night before, forwarding the newspaper clippings that described the affair. (Fernandez, 57)
June 10, 1898
Aguinaldo writes to "The President of the Great American Nation", and delivers it with the help of his British friend, Mr. Howard W. Bray, expressing great sorrow on learning that the United States, as published in the Times, will retain the islands at the conclusion of the war, and if Spain fails to pay for indemnity, will sell the islands to a European power.
June 12, 1898
Aguinaldo proclaims the independence of the Philippines, the proclamation is signed by, among others, Admiral Dewey's secretary, Col L. M. Johnson.
Dewey sends another cable to Washington: "Insurgents continue hostilities and have practically surrounded Manila. They have taken 2,500 prisoners, whom they treat most humanely. They do not intend to attack city proper until the arrival of U.S. troops thither; I have advised."
June 14, 1898
Secretary Long of the U.S. Department of State requires Admiral Dewey to report all activities and arrangements with Aguinaldo.
June 15, 1898
General Miguel Malvar liberates the province of Tayabas (Quezon) from the Spaniards after two months of battle.
June 16, 1898
American Consul in Manila, Williams, reports to Washington that Aguinaldo's forces "had captured nearly 5,000 prisoners, nearly 4,000 of whom were Spaniards, and all of whom had rifles when taken. General Aguinaldo has now about 10,500 rifles and 8 fieldpieces, with 8,000 more rifles, 2 Maxim guns and a dynamite gun bought in China and now in transit. The insurgents have defeated the Spaniards at all points except at fort near Matate, and hold not only North Luzon to the suburbs of Manila, but Batangas Province also and the bay coast entire, save the city of Manila."
June 16, 1898
Mr. William Day of the State Department advises American Consul in Singapore, Mr. Pratt, to "avoid unauthorized negotiations with Philippine insurgents." and in separate cable tells Mr. Pratt that "If, in the course of your conferences with General Aguinaldo, you acted upon the assumption that this Government would cooperate with him for the furtherance of any plan of his own, or that, in accepting his cooperation, it would consider itself pledged to recognize any political claims which he may put forward, your action was unauthorized and can not be approved."
June ??, 1898
The Spanish-sponsored consultative assembly draws up a plan for an autonomous government of the Philippines which was presented to Aguinaldo, but the latter rejected it.
June ??, 1898
A circular of the consultative assembly to recruit volunteers into a Filipino Militia to fight the United States, showing prominent names of the former leaders of the revolution - Pablo Padilla, Emiliano Riego de Dios, Baldomero Aguinaldo, Mariano Trias, Artemio Ricarte, Pio del Pilar, Mariano Luna, all prominent members of the Katipunan - attracted many to serve and were issued arms and equipment, only to be found by the Spaniards later that these volunteers would become soldiers of the reactivated Philippine Revolutionary Army.
June 18, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree outlining the formation of local governments and the election of national representatives to Congress. (Fernandez, 66-67)
June 20, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree imposing a compulsory contribution to war tax for all persons 18 years and above.
At the suggestion of Mabini, the dictatorial government is changed to a Revolutionary Government with Aguinaldo as President, retaining both civil and military powers.
June 23, 1898
Dewey reports to Secretary Long of the U.S. State Department stating that Aguinaldo's work is "wonderful, " and in his opinion, "these people are far superior in their intelligence and more capable of self-government than the natives of Cuba, and I am familiar with both races." Dewey further reiterated his statement saying: "further intercourse with them has confirmed me in that opinion." (Storey, 50)
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation announcing the process of transition from a revolutionary government to a republic, the concluding part of which says: "Thus they have constituted a revolutionary government with wise and just laws suited to the abnormal conditions confronting them, and which at the proper time will prepare them for a true republic. Thus taking for its only justification the right, for its sole aid, justice, and for its only means honorable labor, the government calls, and invites them to unite solidly, with the object of forming a noble society ennobled, not by blood or pompous titles, but by labor and personal merit of the individual, - a free society where there is no room for egotism and personal politics which whither and blight, nor for envy or favoritism which debase, nor for charlatanry or buffonery which cause ridicule. No other course is possible. A people that has given proof of fortitude and valor in suffering and in danger, of industry and learning in time of peace, is not made for slavery. These people are called to be great, to be one of the strong arms of Providence in directing the destinies of humanity. These people have sufficient energy and resources to recover from the ruin and humiliation in which it had been placed by the Spanish government and to claim a modest but worthy place in the concert of free nations." (Storey, 53)
June 24, 1898
John T. McCutcheon sends a dispatch to his paper, the Chicago Record as follows: "All during the week following there was constant evidence of strife that was being waged between Cavite and Malate... Imus, Bacoor, Las Pinas and Paranaque were captured in less than a week notwithstanding the fact that the Spaniards had splendid guns and ammunitions in unlimited quantities, supported by five mountain batteries and rapid fire guns... Over in Cavite the calm passionless statements of great victories that Aguinaldo gave us were being substantiated every day for hundreds and hundreds of Spanish soldiers were being marched and placed in prison!... Closely following the remarkable insurgent success in Cavite Province, where the whole district had been captured in eight days, came stories of other successful operations in Pampanga Province; Macabebe and San Fernando were captured and the great Spanish General Molet fled in terror to Manila. Over one thousand Spanish soldiers had been taken prisoners and their arms given out to natives as quickly as possible... Our respect for the insurgent prowess had grown a great deal, for by June 30 they had taken almost every province in Luzon, with the exception of isolated garrisons and were hammering away at the doors of Manila." (Storey, 57-58)
June 25, 1898
The American Consul in Hongkong, Rounseville Williams, write to Aguinaldo and says: "Do not forget that the United States undertook this war for the sole purpose of relieving the Cubans from the cruelties under which they were suffering and not for love of conquest and the love for gain. They are actuated by precisely the same feelings for the Filipinos." - (Kalaw, 102)
June 27, 1898
The Philippine government rules of executive business were announced. (Storey, 53)
June 30, 1898
The First U.S. Expeditionary Forces consisting of 2,500 volunteers from California and Oregon under the command of General Thomas Anderson arrive in Manila. With Aguinaldo's consent, the troops are assigned to the arsenal of Cavite and the fort of San Felipe.
July 2, 1898
Calapan, Mindoro is occupied by Filipino troops consisting of a small expeditionary force from Batangas.
July 2, 1898
American Consul in Singapore, Mr. Spencer Pratt, cables Washington stating that the Sultan of Sulu, who stopped over Singapore on his return home from Mecca, is negotiating for the transfer of the protectorate of his territory in the Philippines from Spain to the British North Borneo.
July 3, 1898
The Filipino republic is proclaimed... Click here for link.
July 4, 1898
General Anderson writes to Aguinaldo saying he has entire sympathy and most friendly sentiments to the Filipino people, to have the most amicable relations with Aguinaldo and to cooperate in military operations against the Spanish forces. (Storey, 50-51)
July 15, 1898
Aguinaldo appoints a provisional cabinet: Baldomero Aguinaldo, War and Public Works; Leandro Ibarra, Interior; Marinao Trias, Treasury. (Storey, 53)
July 18, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, cables to Washington expressing concern about reports that the United States will return the Philippine islands to Spain at the conclusion of the hostilities. He says that the Filipinos are very capable, want independence and rely upon the well known sense of justice of the United States as to their future. He wants to put on record that "the insurgent government of the Philippine Islands can not be dealt with as though they were North American Indians, willing to be removed from one reservation to another at the whim of their masters. If the United States decides not to retain the Philippine Islands, its 10,000,000 people will demand independence, and the attempt of any foreign nation to obtain territory or coaling stations will be resisted with the same spirit with which they fought the Spaniards"
July 20, 1898
Mr. Day of the U.S. State Department replies to the June 9th letter of U.S. Consul Pratt of Singapore castigating the latter for not correcting the statements of the Filipinos regarding the support of Admiral Dewey to Aguinaldo and the hope for independence of the Filipinos under American protectorate. Mr. Day also informed Consul Pratt that the newspaper clippings were not passed on to the press, “lest it might seem thereby to lend a sanction to views the expression of which it (the State Department) had not authorized.” (Fernandez, 57)
Marinduque is authorized by Aguinaldo to constitute itself as an independent province.
July 22, 1898
Spanish authorities surrenders Dagupan to Filipino forces.
July 25, 1898
The Second and Third U.S. Expeditionary Force consisting of 10,000 men under General Merritt arrive. By end of July 20,000 U.S. troops are encamped in Cavite and suburbs of Manila.
June 30, 1898
The First U.S. Expeditionary Forces consisting of 2,500 volunteers from California and Oregon under the command of General Thomas Anderson arrive in Manila. With Aguinaldo's consent, the troops are assigned to the arsenal of Cavite and the fort of San Felipe.
July 2, 1898
Calapan, Mindoro is occupied by Filipino troops consisting of a small expeditionary force from Batangas.
July 2, 1898
American Consul in Singapore, Mr. Spencer Pratt, cables Washington stating that the Sultan of Sulu, who stopped over Singapore on his return home from Mecca, is negotiating for the transfer of the protectorate of his territory in the Philippines from Spain to the British North Borneo.
July 3, 1898
The Filipino republic is proclaimed... Click here for link.
July 4, 1898
General Anderson writes to Aguinaldo saying he has entire sympathy and most friendly sentiments to the Filipino people, to have the most amicable relations with Aguinaldo and to cooperate in military operations against the Spanish forces. (Storey, 50-51)
July 15, 1898
Aguinaldo appoints a provisional cabinet: Baldomero Aguinaldo, War and Public Works; Leandro Ibarra, Interior; Marinao Trias, Treasury. (Storey, 53)
July 18, 1898
American Consul in Hongkong, Wildman, cables to Washington expressing concern about reports that the United States will return the Philippine islands to Spain at the conclusion of the hostilities. He says that the Filipinos are very capable, want independence and rely upon the well known sense of justice of the United States as to their future. He wants to put on record that "the insurgent government of the Philippine Islands can not be dealt with as though they were North American Indians, willing to be removed from one reservation to another at the whim of their masters. If the United States decides not to retain the Philippine Islands, its 10,000,000 people will demand independence, and the attempt of any foreign nation to obtain territory or coaling stations will be resisted with the same spirit with which they fought the Spaniards"
July 20, 1898
Mr. Day of the U.S. State Department replies to the June 9th letter of U.S. Consul Pratt of Singapore castigating the latter for not correcting the statements of the Filipinos regarding the support of Admiral Dewey to Aguinaldo and the hope for independence of the Filipinos under American protectorate. Mr. Day also informed Consul Pratt that the newspaper clippings were not passed on to the press, “lest it might seem thereby to lend a sanction to views the expression of which it (the State Department) had not authorized.” (Fernandez, 57)
Marinduque is authorized by Aguinaldo to constitute itself as an independent province.
July 22, 1898
Spanish authorities surrenders Dagupan to Filipino forces.
July 25, 1898
The Second and Third U.S. Expeditionary Force consisting of 10,000 men under General Merritt arrive. By end of July 20,000 U.S. troops are encamped in Cavite and suburbs of Manila.
July 29, 1898
Filipino troops surrounding Manila withdraw to give way to newly-arrived American troops upon request of the American military.
July 31, 1898
American troops as a "show of force", attacked old fort San Antonio held by the Spaniards, but are repulsed and are forced to retreat to Paranaque under heavy fire, leaving their guns and ammunitions, which the Filipino troops recaptured and returned to the Americans.
August ??, 1898
Aguinaldo's forces surround the city of Manila with fourteen miles of trenches, the water and food supplies are cut off, internal trade is paralyzed and the inhabitants of the city are reduced to a diet of horseflesh. So closely were the Filipino forces besieging Manila that when American General Anderson and his forces arrived, he was compelled to request from Aguinaldo permission to occupy part of the fighting line and entrenchments of the Filipinos. (Storey, 58)
August 1, 1898
The "Act of Independence" is signed by about 200 Filipinos who are serving as local presidents of various townships.
August 2, 1898
A commissioner (Edward Harden) is appointed by the U.S. Secretary of State to investigate and report on financial and industrial conditions of the Philippine Islands. (Storey, 41)
August 4, 1898
Governor General Agustin is relieved from duty and the government is turned over to Fermin Jaudenes.
August 4, 1898
Governor General Agustin is relieved from duty and the government is turned over to Fermin Jaudenes.
American Consul in Manila, Williams, writes to Washington, bragging about his services and hoping to be appointed commissioner of customs or agriculture, or light-house inspector for the Philippine islands. Previously, he has reported that Aguinaldo and the Filipino leaders wanted the Philippine islands to become a colony of the United States, which was complete lie, considering that at that time, a provisional Filipino government was already established by Aguinaldo. It is possible his reports to Washington were partly biased on account of his desire to land a high position in an American administered territory of the Philippine islands.
August 6, 1898
Aguinaldo sends a document called Memorandum to Foreign Governments, with a copy of the Act of Independence, to various consulates in Manila to inform them of the declaration of independence of the Philippines and asking for recognition. The memorandum also states that the new Philippine government is in control of 15 provinces where complete order and tranquility reign, administered by officials elected by the people, and that the Filipino army was then holding 9,000 Spanish prisoners of war.
August 7, 1898
An expedition led by a young Filipino officer, Manuel Tinio, marched from La union and occupied Bangar, Tagudin, Vigan, Laoag and Bangui.
August 12, 1898
A protocol of peace is signed between the United States and Spain, by U.S. Secretary of State William R. Day and French Ambassador at Washington, M. Jules Cambuon, on behalf of Spain.
General Anderson receives an order from General Merritt to notify Aguinaldo not to let insurgent troops enter the city of Manila.
August 13, 1898
The surrender of the city of Manila by Spain to the United States was arranged through the Belgian consul, M. Andre. There was no real fighting, no resistance except the display of a white flag after firing of a few shots to save the delicate honor of the Castilians. Orders were issued not to allow Filipino troops into the city which was relayed by General Anderson to Aguinaldo. But inspite of efforts by the Americans to block entry points to the city, Filipino troops successfully join the assault by way of Sta. Ana, and took possession of Paco and Malate. Alarmed at the presence of Filipino troops, American troops encircle the Filipinos to prevent any further advance or action, prompting General Anderson to issue this stern warning to Aguinaldo: "Unless your troops are withdrawn beyond the city's defences by Thursday, the fifteenth instant, I shall be compelled to resort to forcible action." (Storey, 59). Conflict is averted on account of the good relations among U.S. General Anderson, Filipino Generals Ricarte and Noriel.
General Merritt receives cable that a Peace Protocol was signed in Washington D.C. between the United States and Spain which gives the United States right to occupy the city, the bay and the harbor. This cable did not arrive on time and city was taken force of arms rather than as a consequence of the Peace Protocol of August 12.
U.S. President McKinley, through Sec Allen, sends a cable to Dewey requesting information on the desirability of several islands, the character of the population, coal and other mineral deposits, their harbor and commercial advantages. (Storey, 42)
August 14, 1898
Gen Merritt formally advices Aguinaldo to withdraw troops from the City. He cables Washington to the effect that Aguinaldo demands joint occupation of the City and requests advice on how far he shall go in enforcing the order to exclude of insurgents' troops.
August 15, 1898
Buencamino, Legarda, Araneta and Sandico representing Aguinaldo meet with General Anderson and later with General Merritt to discuss Filipino troops withdrawal. The representatives say Filipino troops will withdraw from the City if they are assured of being given the same position assuming the United States allows Spain to retain the Philippines. General Merritt says he cannot make the pledge but the Filipinos can rely on American honor that what they ask will be granted.
August 18, 1898
General Merritt receives the following reply from Washington: "...that there must be no joint occupation of the city, bay and harbor with insurgents; that they and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities proclaimed by the President."
August 21, 1898
General Otis arrives with the U.S. Fourth Expeditionary Forces consisting of 4,000 troops; to replace General Merritt, who was ordered to proceed to Paris to act as one of the commissioners at the Paris peace conference between the United States and Spain.
August 24, 1898
Aguinaldo receives a letter from General Merritt asking for withdrawal of Filipino troops beyond the city limits as shown on a map accompanying the letter.
August 26, 1898
Felipe Agoncillo, the head of the Filipino junta in Hong Kong, is instructed to proceed to Washington to present the case for the Filipinos, with specific instructions to keep in mind that the policy of the Philippine government is one of absolute independence.
August 27, 1898
Aguinaldo replies to General Merritt specifying the proposed territorial limits of Filipino troops locations, but insisting that the request for troops withdrawal should be made in writing and on condition that Admiral Dewey shall continue to allow free navigation of Filipino army steamers at Manila Bay, and furthermore, that the Filipino army shall retire to the city in the event that the United States decide to give the islands back to Spain.
August 27, 1898
General Greene submits a report to the United States Peace Commission in Paris essentially saying anarchy will ensue if the United States leaves the islands to Spain. That Filipinos are unfit to govern and recommends that the United States keep the islands.
August 29, 1898
Major Franks S. Bournes submits a report to the United States Peace Commission detailing the natural resources and principal products of the major islands and concluded that "Taken as a whole, the Philippine Islands are as rich and productive islands, with as good climate and as good natural advantages, as are to be found anywhere in the tropics."
A report of J.F. Bell, Major of Engineers In Charge, addressed to General Merritt, and annexed to the documents forwarded to the United States Peace Commissioners in Paris, essentially downplays the successes of Aguinaldo, saying his support is dwindling and most of the people around him, except for a few, are either uneducated, incapable and lacks experience. The report also claims that most of the educated natives and majority of the inhabitants of Manila are against the insurrection and welcomes annexation of the islands by the United States. Obviously the report is biased, similar to the report of General Greene, and is probably orchestrated and intended to sway the judgment of the Peace Commissioners in favor of the United States retaining the islands.
August 30, 1898
Santa Cruz, Laguna is surrendered to Filipino troops; Ilocos provinces, including Abra, pass to the Philippine government.
August 31, 1898
General Otis, who replaced General Merritt, telegraphs Aguinaldo in Cavite asking for more time to study his August 27th letter and promises to answer within a few days.
August 31, 1898
Col Tirona's expeditionary force takes Tuguegarao.
Aguinaldo moves his headquarters from Bacoor, Cavite to Malolos, Bulacan.
September ??, 1898
The Romblon group: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan are taken over by Visayan soldiers aided by a few Tagalog soldiers from Luzon.
August 6, 1898
Aguinaldo sends a document called Memorandum to Foreign Governments, with a copy of the Act of Independence, to various consulates in Manila to inform them of the declaration of independence of the Philippines and asking for recognition. The memorandum also states that the new Philippine government is in control of 15 provinces where complete order and tranquility reign, administered by officials elected by the people, and that the Filipino army was then holding 9,000 Spanish prisoners of war.
August 7, 1898
An expedition led by a young Filipino officer, Manuel Tinio, marched from La union and occupied Bangar, Tagudin, Vigan, Laoag and Bangui.
August 12, 1898
A protocol of peace is signed between the United States and Spain, by U.S. Secretary of State William R. Day and French Ambassador at Washington, M. Jules Cambuon, on behalf of Spain.
General Anderson receives an order from General Merritt to notify Aguinaldo not to let insurgent troops enter the city of Manila.
August 13, 1898
The surrender of the city of Manila by Spain to the United States was arranged through the Belgian consul, M. Andre. There was no real fighting, no resistance except the display of a white flag after firing of a few shots to save the delicate honor of the Castilians. Orders were issued not to allow Filipino troops into the city which was relayed by General Anderson to Aguinaldo. But inspite of efforts by the Americans to block entry points to the city, Filipino troops successfully join the assault by way of Sta. Ana, and took possession of Paco and Malate. Alarmed at the presence of Filipino troops, American troops encircle the Filipinos to prevent any further advance or action, prompting General Anderson to issue this stern warning to Aguinaldo: "Unless your troops are withdrawn beyond the city's defences by Thursday, the fifteenth instant, I shall be compelled to resort to forcible action." (Storey, 59). Conflict is averted on account of the good relations among U.S. General Anderson, Filipino Generals Ricarte and Noriel.
General Merritt receives cable that a Peace Protocol was signed in Washington D.C. between the United States and Spain which gives the United States right to occupy the city, the bay and the harbor. This cable did not arrive on time and city was taken force of arms rather than as a consequence of the Peace Protocol of August 12.
U.S. President McKinley, through Sec Allen, sends a cable to Dewey requesting information on the desirability of several islands, the character of the population, coal and other mineral deposits, their harbor and commercial advantages. (Storey, 42)
August 14, 1898
Gen Merritt formally advices Aguinaldo to withdraw troops from the City. He cables Washington to the effect that Aguinaldo demands joint occupation of the City and requests advice on how far he shall go in enforcing the order to exclude of insurgents' troops.
August 15, 1898
Buencamino, Legarda, Araneta and Sandico representing Aguinaldo meet with General Anderson and later with General Merritt to discuss Filipino troops withdrawal. The representatives say Filipino troops will withdraw from the City if they are assured of being given the same position assuming the United States allows Spain to retain the Philippines. General Merritt says he cannot make the pledge but the Filipinos can rely on American honor that what they ask will be granted.
August 18, 1898
General Merritt receives the following reply from Washington: "...that there must be no joint occupation of the city, bay and harbor with insurgents; that they and all others must recognize the military occupation and authority of the United States and the cessation of hostilities proclaimed by the President."
August 21, 1898
General Otis arrives with the U.S. Fourth Expeditionary Forces consisting of 4,000 troops; to replace General Merritt, who was ordered to proceed to Paris to act as one of the commissioners at the Paris peace conference between the United States and Spain.
August 24, 1898
Aguinaldo receives a letter from General Merritt asking for withdrawal of Filipino troops beyond the city limits as shown on a map accompanying the letter.
August 26, 1898
Felipe Agoncillo, the head of the Filipino junta in Hong Kong, is instructed to proceed to Washington to present the case for the Filipinos, with specific instructions to keep in mind that the policy of the Philippine government is one of absolute independence.
August 27, 1898
Aguinaldo replies to General Merritt specifying the proposed territorial limits of Filipino troops locations, but insisting that the request for troops withdrawal should be made in writing and on condition that Admiral Dewey shall continue to allow free navigation of Filipino army steamers at Manila Bay, and furthermore, that the Filipino army shall retire to the city in the event that the United States decide to give the islands back to Spain.
August 27, 1898
General Greene submits a report to the United States Peace Commission in Paris essentially saying anarchy will ensue if the United States leaves the islands to Spain. That Filipinos are unfit to govern and recommends that the United States keep the islands.
August 29, 1898
Major Franks S. Bournes submits a report to the United States Peace Commission detailing the natural resources and principal products of the major islands and concluded that "Taken as a whole, the Philippine Islands are as rich and productive islands, with as good climate and as good natural advantages, as are to be found anywhere in the tropics."
A report of J.F. Bell, Major of Engineers In Charge, addressed to General Merritt, and annexed to the documents forwarded to the United States Peace Commissioners in Paris, essentially downplays the successes of Aguinaldo, saying his support is dwindling and most of the people around him, except for a few, are either uneducated, incapable and lacks experience. The report also claims that most of the educated natives and majority of the inhabitants of Manila are against the insurrection and welcomes annexation of the islands by the United States. Obviously the report is biased, similar to the report of General Greene, and is probably orchestrated and intended to sway the judgment of the Peace Commissioners in favor of the United States retaining the islands.
August 30, 1898
Santa Cruz, Laguna is surrendered to Filipino troops; Ilocos provinces, including Abra, pass to the Philippine government.
August 31, 1898
General Otis, who replaced General Merritt, telegraphs Aguinaldo in Cavite asking for more time to study his August 27th letter and promises to answer within a few days.
August 31, 1898
Col Tirona's expeditionary force takes Tuguegarao.
Aguinaldo moves his headquarters from Bacoor, Cavite to Malolos, Bulacan.
September ??, 1898
The Romblon group: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan are taken over by Visayan soldiers aided by a few Tagalog soldiers from Luzon.
September ??, 1898
Two navy men from Admiral Dewey's squadron, Messrs. Sargent and Wilcox, tour northern Luzon for two months. [Their report which Admiral Dewey himself described as "the most complete and reliable information obtainable in regard to the present state of northern part of Luzon" was forwarded to Mr. Long, the Secretary of the Navy and reported in Senate Document 196, 56th U.S. Congress, 1st Session, bearing the date February 26, 1900, praises the government of Aguinaldo as follows: "As a tribute to the efficiency of Aguinaldo's government and the law abiding character of his subjects I offer the fact that Mr. Wilcox and I pursued our journey through in perfect security and returned to Manila with only the most pleasing recollections of the quiet and orderly life which we find the natives to be leading under the new regime." The travellers also had an opportunity to witness some of the ceremonies inaugurating a civil government in Cagayan Province which they described as follows: "The Presidentes of all the towns in the Province were all present at the ceremony. ... Colonel Tirona made a shor t speech. ... He then handed the staff of the office to the man who had been elected governor of the Province. This officer also made a speech in which he thanked the military forces and assured them that the work they had begun would be perpetuated by the people, where every man, woman and child stood ready to take up arms to defend their newly won liberty and to resist with the last drop of their blood the attempt of any nation whatever to bring them back to their former state of dependence. He then knelt, placed his hand on an open Bible and took the oath of office. There is variety of feeling among Filipinos in regard to the debt of gratitude they owe the United States. In every town we found men who said that our nation had saved them from slavery and others who claimed that without our interference their independence would have been recognized before this time. On one point they were united, however, viz. that whatever our government had done for them, it has not gained the right to annex them." ] (Storey, 61-62)
September 08, 1898
General Otis answers Aguinaldo's August 27th letter explaining why the joint occupation of the city is not possible, that is, Aguinaldo does not represent a belligerent recognized under international law, and that the possession of the United States of the city of Manila is in accordance with treaty between belligerents. Otis also assumed that Admiral Dewey will allow free navigation of Filipino army ships for as long as these ships do not assail the sovereignty of the United States. At the end of the letter, Otis demands evacuation of Filipino troops from the entire city of Manila, including its suburbs and defenses, not later than the 15th of the month under threat of forcible action if Aguinaldo refuses.
September 10, 1898
A trooper of the 13th Minnesota fired and killed a native. Filipinos are surly and agitated.
September 12, 1898
General Vicente Lukban of the Philippine army takes Daet from the Spaniards and subsequently organizes a revolutionary government in the province. He eventually moved to Catbalogan, Samar with 100 riflemen to organize the resistance against the Americans.
Aguinaldo sends a three-man commission to General Otis asking for withdrawal of the September 8th letter, and in its place, for him to write a letter request for Filipino troops to withdraw without the threat of the use of force. Otis says Aguinaldo does not want to lose face to his officers and needs the new letter so he can show that the withdrawal is designed to avoid contact between the two forces and avert any possible conflict. Otis refuses to withdraw the September 8th letter, but agreed to write the request for withdrawal of troops without any mention of a threat of use of force.
September 14, 1898
Colonel Tirona's expeditionary forces take Ilagan and Bayombong. Batanes capitulates to another Filipino expeditionary force under Major Delfin Esquivel.
September 15, 1898
Filipino troops withdraw from the city of Manila, its suburbs and defenses.The first congress of the newly independent Philippines is convened (Storey, 53) with 37 appointed and 13 elected delegates, and electing the following officers: Pedro Paterno, President; Benito Legarda, Vice President; Gregorio Araneta and Pablo Ocampo, Secretaries.
September 18, 1898
Acting Secretary Allen cables Admiral Dewey to restrain insurgents hostilities towards Spaniards.
September 22, 1898
The Camarines provinces revolt, set up a republic and notify Aguinaldo of their adhesion to the Philippine republic.
September 23, 1898
By instructions of Dewey, the McCulloch, the same gunboat that brought Aguinaldo from Hongkong, proceeds to the port of Batangas to verify a report that the American steamer Abby which is totally manned by Filipinos, has discharged cargoes of arms and ammunitions. Investigation reveals that the steamer has made one similar voyage before. The steamer was seized and brought to Manila despite the intercession of Filipino officials.
September 26, 1898
Two additional cabinet portfolios are created by Aguinaldo: Justice, which was given to Gregorio Araneta, and Promotion, to Felipe Buencamino.
Gen Antonio Luna, the only Filipino General who had formal military training in Europe, is appointed Director of War by Aguinaldo.
September 27, 1898
Agoncillo arrives in Washington from Hong Kong and arranges an audience with U.S. President McKinley.
September 28, 1898
The Philippine Congress ratifies the proclamation of the independence of the Philippines.
October ??, 1898
The Manila press continues to sow seeds of hatred against Filipino soldiers, which perhaps explained why the American soldiers loathed the Filipinos too much.
October ??, 1898
Aguinaldo is asked by Gen Otis to withdraw his troops farther from Manila.
October ??, 1898
Admiral Dewey's men commence a systematic ill treatment of Filipino troops at sea. Dewey seizes Filipino army vessels bearing Filipino flags that regularly ply Manila bay transporting and supplying Filipino troops. In the early days of the loose alliance, Dewey's ships aided Filipino steamers and U.S. Navy men saluted such vessels whenever they pass along American ships.
October 1, 1898
Agoncillo, with the help of Gen F. V. Greene who had a brief stint in the Philippines, obtains an audience with U.S. President McKinley, but is accepted as a private citizen and not as a representative of the government of the newly established Filipino republic. Agoncillo presented a memorial which contains the expression of Filipino aspirations towards independence and self-government, which was not officially received by the Secretary of State. Nothing is accomplished in his mission, and Agoncillo decides to proceed to Paris to present the case of the Filipinos before the peace commissioners of Spain and the United States.
The peace commissioners of the United States and Spain come together in Paris to put the terms of the August 12, 1898 protocol into the form of a treaty for ratification. (Brooks, 5)
October 2, 1898
The newspaper, New York Herald, publishes an interview with Gen Merritt who gave favorable impressions about the Filipinos, but refuses to acknowledge that an alliance with the Americans existed.
October 4, 1898
Benito Legarda presents a plan to sell government bonds to support the new government.
October 17, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree levying customs duties: 5% ad valorem on imports, 15% ad valorem on exports and 5% ad valorem on coastwise trade. At this time, the Philippine government controls all ports in the country, except the port of Manila.
October 18, 1898
Philippine Congress enacts a law to sell government bonds - 40-year, 6%, $20 million Mexican dollars, of which $5 million was floated with $388,650 actually sold.
Philippine Congress also enacts a law to issue paper money to the value of $3 million Mexican dollars.
November 5, 1898
The town of Silay is taken from Spanish control by the Filipino revolutionaries under Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta, having been inspired by a letter from Roque Lopez about the success in Iloilo.
November 6, 1898
Bacolod is surrendered by the Spaniards and the revolutionaries establish the gobierno cantonal de la isla de Negros, half-heartedly adhering to the Malolos government.
November 9, 1898
Masbate and Ticao become districts of the Malolos government.
November 12, 1898
The Negros provisional government invites General Miller of the United States army to provide protection.
November 17, 1898
The Ilonggos under the leadership of Gen Martin Delgado set up a provisional government in Santa Barbara as an instrumentality of the Malolos government. Several armed expeditions were previously sent, one from Cavite to Antique in September under Leandro Fullon, and another from Batangas to Capiz under Ananias Diokno, commander-in-chief of the Filipino Expeditionary Forces to Panay, who was instrumental in unifying the rebel forces in the Visayas.
November 28, 1898
Spain accedes to President McKinley's demand for cession of the Philippine islands to the United States for a $20 million consideration, under threat of renewing hostilities if that demand is not acceded to, leading to the framing of the Treaty of Paris.
November 30, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree providing for sale of government bonds in the nature of a 40-year, 6%, $5 million Mexican dollars to support the war effort and the expenditure requirements of government.
November ??, 1898
La Independencia, a newspaper published in Manila by Gen Antonio Luna, reacting to the $20 million paid by the United States to Spain for the cession of the Philippines to the United States, states that "people are not to be bought and sold like horses and houses. If the aim has been to abolish the traffic in Negroes because it meant the sale of persons, why is there still maintained the sale of countries with inhabitants?"
December ??, 1898
Filipino troops take control of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
September 08, 1898
General Otis answers Aguinaldo's August 27th letter explaining why the joint occupation of the city is not possible, that is, Aguinaldo does not represent a belligerent recognized under international law, and that the possession of the United States of the city of Manila is in accordance with treaty between belligerents. Otis also assumed that Admiral Dewey will allow free navigation of Filipino army ships for as long as these ships do not assail the sovereignty of the United States. At the end of the letter, Otis demands evacuation of Filipino troops from the entire city of Manila, including its suburbs and defenses, not later than the 15th of the month under threat of forcible action if Aguinaldo refuses.
September 10, 1898
A trooper of the 13th Minnesota fired and killed a native. Filipinos are surly and agitated.
September 12, 1898
General Vicente Lukban of the Philippine army takes Daet from the Spaniards and subsequently organizes a revolutionary government in the province. He eventually moved to Catbalogan, Samar with 100 riflemen to organize the resistance against the Americans.
Aguinaldo sends a three-man commission to General Otis asking for withdrawal of the September 8th letter, and in its place, for him to write a letter request for Filipino troops to withdraw without the threat of the use of force. Otis says Aguinaldo does not want to lose face to his officers and needs the new letter so he can show that the withdrawal is designed to avoid contact between the two forces and avert any possible conflict. Otis refuses to withdraw the September 8th letter, but agreed to write the request for withdrawal of troops without any mention of a threat of use of force.
September 14, 1898
Colonel Tirona's expeditionary forces take Ilagan and Bayombong. Batanes capitulates to another Filipino expeditionary force under Major Delfin Esquivel.
September 15, 1898
Filipino troops withdraw from the city of Manila, its suburbs and defenses.The first congress of the newly independent Philippines is convened (Storey, 53) with 37 appointed and 13 elected delegates, and electing the following officers: Pedro Paterno, President; Benito Legarda, Vice President; Gregorio Araneta and Pablo Ocampo, Secretaries.
September 18, 1898
Acting Secretary Allen cables Admiral Dewey to restrain insurgents hostilities towards Spaniards.
September 22, 1898
The Camarines provinces revolt, set up a republic and notify Aguinaldo of their adhesion to the Philippine republic.
September 23, 1898
By instructions of Dewey, the McCulloch, the same gunboat that brought Aguinaldo from Hongkong, proceeds to the port of Batangas to verify a report that the American steamer Abby which is totally manned by Filipinos, has discharged cargoes of arms and ammunitions. Investigation reveals that the steamer has made one similar voyage before. The steamer was seized and brought to Manila despite the intercession of Filipino officials.
September 26, 1898
Two additional cabinet portfolios are created by Aguinaldo: Justice, which was given to Gregorio Araneta, and Promotion, to Felipe Buencamino.
Gen Antonio Luna, the only Filipino General who had formal military training in Europe, is appointed Director of War by Aguinaldo.
September 27, 1898
Agoncillo arrives in Washington from Hong Kong and arranges an audience with U.S. President McKinley.
September 28, 1898
The Philippine Congress ratifies the proclamation of the independence of the Philippines.
October ??, 1898
The Manila press continues to sow seeds of hatred against Filipino soldiers, which perhaps explained why the American soldiers loathed the Filipinos too much.
October ??, 1898
Aguinaldo is asked by Gen Otis to withdraw his troops farther from Manila.
October ??, 1898
Admiral Dewey's men commence a systematic ill treatment of Filipino troops at sea. Dewey seizes Filipino army vessels bearing Filipino flags that regularly ply Manila bay transporting and supplying Filipino troops. In the early days of the loose alliance, Dewey's ships aided Filipino steamers and U.S. Navy men saluted such vessels whenever they pass along American ships.
October 1, 1898
Agoncillo, with the help of Gen F. V. Greene who had a brief stint in the Philippines, obtains an audience with U.S. President McKinley, but is accepted as a private citizen and not as a representative of the government of the newly established Filipino republic. Agoncillo presented a memorial which contains the expression of Filipino aspirations towards independence and self-government, which was not officially received by the Secretary of State. Nothing is accomplished in his mission, and Agoncillo decides to proceed to Paris to present the case of the Filipinos before the peace commissioners of Spain and the United States.
The peace commissioners of the United States and Spain come together in Paris to put the terms of the August 12, 1898 protocol into the form of a treaty for ratification. (Brooks, 5)
October 2, 1898
The newspaper, New York Herald, publishes an interview with Gen Merritt who gave favorable impressions about the Filipinos, but refuses to acknowledge that an alliance with the Americans existed.
October 4, 1898
Benito Legarda presents a plan to sell government bonds to support the new government.
October 17, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree levying customs duties: 5% ad valorem on imports, 15% ad valorem on exports and 5% ad valorem on coastwise trade. At this time, the Philippine government controls all ports in the country, except the port of Manila.
October 18, 1898
Philippine Congress enacts a law to sell government bonds - 40-year, 6%, $20 million Mexican dollars, of which $5 million was floated with $388,650 actually sold.
Philippine Congress also enacts a law to issue paper money to the value of $3 million Mexican dollars.
November 5, 1898
The town of Silay is taken from Spanish control by the Filipino revolutionaries under Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta, having been inspired by a letter from Roque Lopez about the success in Iloilo.
November 6, 1898
Bacolod is surrendered by the Spaniards and the revolutionaries establish the gobierno cantonal de la isla de Negros, half-heartedly adhering to the Malolos government.
November 9, 1898
Masbate and Ticao become districts of the Malolos government.
November 12, 1898
The Negros provisional government invites General Miller of the United States army to provide protection.
November 17, 1898
The Ilonggos under the leadership of Gen Martin Delgado set up a provisional government in Santa Barbara as an instrumentality of the Malolos government. Several armed expeditions were previously sent, one from Cavite to Antique in September under Leandro Fullon, and another from Batangas to Capiz under Ananias Diokno, commander-in-chief of the Filipino Expeditionary Forces to Panay, who was instrumental in unifying the rebel forces in the Visayas.
November 28, 1898
Spain accedes to President McKinley's demand for cession of the Philippine islands to the United States for a $20 million consideration, under threat of renewing hostilities if that demand is not acceded to, leading to the framing of the Treaty of Paris.
November 30, 1898
Aguinaldo issues a decree providing for sale of government bonds in the nature of a 40-year, 6%, $5 million Mexican dollars to support the war effort and the expenditure requirements of government.
November ??, 1898
La Independencia, a newspaper published in Manila by Gen Antonio Luna, reacting to the $20 million paid by the United States to Spain for the cession of the Philippines to the United States, states that "people are not to be bought and sold like horses and houses. If the aim has been to abolish the traffic in Negroes because it meant the sale of persons, why is there still maintained the sale of countries with inhabitants?"
December ??, 1898
Filipino troops take control of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
December ??, 1898
In his report to Washington, General Otis says: "Thus, in December, 1898, in the northern and southeastern Luzon, in (the island) of Mindoro, Samar, Leyte, Panay and even in coast of Mindanao and in some of the smaller islands, the aggressive Tagalog, present in person, whether civilian or soldier, supreme in authority." (Storey, 60)
December 10, 1898
The treaty of peace is signed by the commissioners of Spain and United States in Paris. Agoncillo, the designated representative of the Filipino government, who left Washington D.C. without success in his mission, tried to gain access into the treaty deliberations, but is denied admission on the basis that neither the United States nor Spain recognizes the new Filipino government.
December 21, 1898
In an effort to implement the cession of the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris, U.S. President McKinley issues his benevolent assimilation proclamation with instructions to General Otis to effect the administration of United States sovereignty over the entire Philippine archipelago.
December 23, 1898
Orders were sent by Washington to General Otis to occupy the city of Iloilo.
December 24, 1898
Iloilo City is abandoned by the Spaniards after a siege by Filipino troops led by General Martin Delgado.
December 26, 1898
The Malolos congress adjourns.
December 27, 1898
The Cebuanos established a government in agreement with the government of Aguinaldo after Spanish Governor Montero abandoned the city and sought refuge in Zamboanga. The following were constituted officers of the Cebu revolutionary government: Luis Flores, President and Commander-in-Chief; Julio Llorente, Vice President; Gen. Arcadio Maxilom, Commissioner of Police, Pablo Mejia, Treasurer-General; Miguel Logarta, Minister of Justice and Leoncio Alburo, Secretary to the Council.
December 28, 1898
Gen Marcus Miller of the United States army with sealed orders from Gen Otis, is not allowed by Filipino troops to disembark in Iloilo, without prior authorization from the Malolos government, in as much as this, they said, "involved the integrity of the entire republic." In the words of Roque Lopez, president of the Council of the Estado de Federal de Visayas, "the supposed authority of the United States began with the Treaty of Paris, on December 10, 1898," but "the authority of the Central Government of Malolos is founded in the sacred and natural bonds of blood, language, uses, customs, ideas, sacrifices, etc." One result of this confrontation is the untimely exposure of the true intent of the United States which is contained in the official version of the McKinley proclamation that General Miller presented to the Ilonggos. Aguinaldo, who received a different version from General Otis, was given this copy from Gen Miller and after reading it realized that the United States was not going to support Philippine independence after all.
December 29, 1898
Pres. McKinley's defining policy is received by General Otis, which included specific instruction to Otis not to forced the Iloilo occupation if it will result in hostilities.
December 10, 1898
The treaty of peace is signed by the commissioners of Spain and United States in Paris. Agoncillo, the designated representative of the Filipino government, who left Washington D.C. without success in his mission, tried to gain access into the treaty deliberations, but is denied admission on the basis that neither the United States nor Spain recognizes the new Filipino government.
December 21, 1898
In an effort to implement the cession of the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris, U.S. President McKinley issues his benevolent assimilation proclamation with instructions to General Otis to effect the administration of United States sovereignty over the entire Philippine archipelago.
December 23, 1898
Orders were sent by Washington to General Otis to occupy the city of Iloilo.
December 24, 1898
Iloilo City is abandoned by the Spaniards after a siege by Filipino troops led by General Martin Delgado.
December 26, 1898
The Malolos congress adjourns.
December 27, 1898
The Cebuanos established a government in agreement with the government of Aguinaldo after Spanish Governor Montero abandoned the city and sought refuge in Zamboanga. The following were constituted officers of the Cebu revolutionary government: Luis Flores, President and Commander-in-Chief; Julio Llorente, Vice President; Gen. Arcadio Maxilom, Commissioner of Police, Pablo Mejia, Treasurer-General; Miguel Logarta, Minister of Justice and Leoncio Alburo, Secretary to the Council.
December 28, 1898
Gen Marcus Miller of the United States army with sealed orders from Gen Otis, is not allowed by Filipino troops to disembark in Iloilo, without prior authorization from the Malolos government, in as much as this, they said, "involved the integrity of the entire republic." In the words of Roque Lopez, president of the Council of the Estado de Federal de Visayas, "the supposed authority of the United States began with the Treaty of Paris, on December 10, 1898," but "the authority of the Central Government of Malolos is founded in the sacred and natural bonds of blood, language, uses, customs, ideas, sacrifices, etc." One result of this confrontation is the untimely exposure of the true intent of the United States which is contained in the official version of the McKinley proclamation that General Miller presented to the Ilonggos. Aguinaldo, who received a different version from General Otis, was given this copy from Gen Miller and after reading it realized that the United States was not going to support Philippine independence after all.
December 29, 1898
Pres. McKinley's defining policy is received by General Otis, which included specific instruction to Otis not to forced the Iloilo occupation if it will result in hostilities.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Year 1899
January ??, 1899
A provisional government is established in Misamis in the island of Mindanao by Jose Roa, but rival factions prevent the establishment of a similar government in Surigao and Cotabato.
January 1, 1899
Gen Vicente Lukban takes control of Leyte and later also Samar, Cebu and Bohol.
January 2, 1899
The cabinet of the Filipino government is reorganized and the absolutists, those who favor a strong presidential power, were appointed to positions. This group is led by Apolinario Mabini who wants absolute power in the executive, the President, in contrast to the constitutionalists, led by Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, who want supremacy of congress.
January 4, 1899
General Otis issues a proclamation, a tone-downed version of President McKinley's proclamation, assuring protection of individual rights and property and warning of consequences for all those who would opposed American military authority.
January 4, 1899
Agueda Kahabagan is appointed General of the Filipino army, the only female General in the roster of March, 1899.
January 5, 1899
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation contesting the one issued by General Otis. Aguinaldo’s proclamation questions the authority of the United States and claims the inherent right of Filipinos to freedom and independence, in like manner that the Americans declared their own.
January 11, 1899
Certain incidents strike panic in Manila - two American soldiers shot a dog; a native passing a U.S. sentry is shot dead.
A child who is playing with an egg from a chinaman's store is shot dead by an American soldier, who thought the child was stealing from the chinaman.
A provisional government is established in Misamis in the island of Mindanao by Jose Roa, but rival factions prevent the establishment of a similar government in Surigao and Cotabato.
January 1, 1899
Gen Vicente Lukban takes control of Leyte and later also Samar, Cebu and Bohol.
January 2, 1899
The cabinet of the Filipino government is reorganized and the absolutists, those who favor a strong presidential power, were appointed to positions. This group is led by Apolinario Mabini who wants absolute power in the executive, the President, in contrast to the constitutionalists, led by Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, who want supremacy of congress.
January 4, 1899
General Otis issues a proclamation, a tone-downed version of President McKinley's proclamation, assuring protection of individual rights and property and warning of consequences for all those who would opposed American military authority.
January 4, 1899
Agueda Kahabagan is appointed General of the Filipino army, the only female General in the roster of March, 1899.
January 5, 1899
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation contesting the one issued by General Otis. Aguinaldo’s proclamation questions the authority of the United States and claims the inherent right of Filipinos to freedom and independence, in like manner that the Americans declared their own.
January 11, 1899
Certain incidents strike panic in Manila - two American soldiers shot a dog; a native passing a U.S. sentry is shot dead.
A child who is playing with an egg from a chinaman's store is shot dead by an American soldier, who thought the child was stealing from the chinaman.
Felipe Agoncillo, Aguinaldo's Minister Plenipotentiary, on January 11, 1899, publishes and submits a Memorandum relative to the right of the Philippine Republic to Recognition, addressed to the Secretary of State. Agoncillo states that the Filipinos, having expelled the government of Spain from the Islands, are entitled to recognition as an independent republic. The plea is not officially recognized by the State Department. Three other commissioners from the revolutionary government appear at Washington, Dr. Lasada, Juan Luna, and Captain Marti Burges. None of these emissaries, nor their protests against the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, receives official recognition by the American government nor the favorable attention of Congress. (Wildman, 190)
January 12, 1899
British businessmen meet and agree to ask England to conciliate between Americans and Filipinos.
H. W. Bray, the interpreter who introduced Aguinaldo to U.S. Consul of Singapore writes to Senator Hoar stating: “I frankly state that the conditions under which Aguinaldo promised to cooperate with Dewey were independence under a protectorate. I am prepared to swear on this.” (Fernandez, 55)
January 14, 1899
An atmosphere of tension is in the air; rumors of general uprising of the natives are spreading, while insurgents are heard singing rebel songs.
January 21, 1899
The La Constitucion de la Republic Filipina is ratified by the Filipino congress in session. Aguinaldo proclaims that the constitution of the Filipino Republic is in effect and commands all the authorities, civil as well as military to keep it and cause it to be kept as it is the sovereign will of the Filipino people.
January 22, 1899
The Filipino Republic holds presidential election and Aguinaldo is elected President.
January 23, 1899
The formation of the Filipino Republic is inaugurated in an elaborate ceremony: military and civic parade in the main street of Malolos highlighted by 6,000 strong army led by General Isidoro Torres, speech of Aguinaldo and Pedro Paterno, reading of the constitution article by article and oath of allegiance of the army. A dinner banquet for 200 guests capped the day-long ceremonies. This event signals the formal inauguration of the Filipino Republican Army.
February 2, 1899
The Washington Post publishes the journey made by Paymaster Wilcox and Cadet Sargent of Admiral Dewey's fleet, narrating details of their observation of the conditions of the towns and villages in the hinterlands of Luzon under the jurisdiction of the Filipino government. The narrative cites the peace and quiet that exist, and gives credit to the Aguinaldo government for its efficiency in organizing the local governments and maintaining order.
Feburary 4, 1899
More American troops arrive.
The first shot that started the hostilities between Filipino and American armies is fired. ....Click here
Version 1 - The official American version usually taught in Filipino history class:
“On the evening of February 4, Private Grayson, of the First Nebraska Volunteers, was standing on guard at the American end of this bridge (the San Juan river bridge in Santa Mesa, Manila); there was no moon, and the darkness was exceedingly dense, when there suddenly appeared on the bridge a Filipino lieutenant and three privates, all strongly armed, who advanced in perfect step toward him. In obedience to his instructions from the Officer of the Guard, he called, 'Halt!' The summons was deliberately unheeded. Crouching somewhat, with guns in hands, they stealthily moved forward. Again Grayson cried out in a challenging tone, 'Halt!' This second warning was also ignored. The Filipinos moved even more rapidly toward him than before. They were now within a few feet of him. He fired. The Filipino lieutenant fell dead." (Coursey, 72-73)
Version 2 - The unpublished, untaught, practically unknown Filipino version:
“On the 4th of February the towns of Santa Ana and San Juan del Monte were under the command of General Ricarte and Colonel San Miguel. On this day those two commanders abandoned their posts and went to a ball, leaving a major by the name of Gray, about 26 years of age, very young and without experience, in command of about 1,800 troops. They extended along the eastern part of the outskirts of Manila and were about half a mile distant from the American troops. We took the deposition of this major, who said that about 9 o'clock p.m. the sergeant of the guard came to his headquarters and told him that a party of American troops desired to cross their lines or were attempting to cross their lines, which was opposed by the Philippine guards. At this time a shot was heard; that he could not say for certain whether the shot came from the American command or from the men under his command, but he ran to the place from which the shot appeared to come, and seeing the American troops in a belligerent attitude gave an order to fire. That is the way the hostilities began.” (Buencamino, 3)
February 5, 1899
Aguinaldo sends General Torres to ask General Otis for immediate cessation of hostilities and to assure him that the Filipinos acted without authority from his government. Aguinaldo wants to establish a neutral zone between the two armies of a width that would be agreeable to General otis, so that during the peace negotiations there would be no further danger of conflict between the two armies. Otis rejects the proposal and informs Aguinaldo that since the fighting has begun, it must continue "to the grim end." This refusal was followed by an attack on the Filipino positions which lasted all day and resulted in the killing of some three thousand Filipino soldiers. (This engagement was reported by Gen Otis to the War Department in Washington as one strictly defensive on the part of the insurgents and one of vigorous attack by the American forces.)
10:00 a.m. - Paco and Santa Ana fell into the hands of Americans.
Senor Escamillo, Aguinaldo's secretary and interpreter, who happened to be in Manila at the start of the conflict is taken prisoner by the Americans.
February 6, 1899
The Treaty of Paris is ratified by the United States Congress by a vote of 57 to 27, or one vote more than the necessary two-thirds. (McKinley and the imperialists in the U.S. Senate took advantage of the outbreak of the war to have the treaty ratified. The imperialists senators censor and misrepresent the conflict in the Philippines, and present it as a challenge by an inferior race to American honor, convincing formerly anti-ratification Senators to vote for ratification. As a result of this treaty Spain ceded the Philippine islands to the United States for a sum of $20 million. One important provision of the treaty is the exemption of the properties of the Catholic Church from the cession, a provision that would insure the continued monastic supremacy in the Philippines, which was the principal cause of the revolution).
February 11, 1899
The Americans attack and capture Caloocan. (Blount, 263)
February 18, 1899
The American flag is hoisted at Bacolod.. (Blount, 263)
February 18, 1899
General Antonio Luna's plan to launch an attack of Manila accompanied by a concerted rising of the population is approved by Aguinaldo.
February 21, 1899
Colonel Francisco Roman and his troops, following the coordinated plan of attack move into Manila through Vitas, Tondo.
February 22, 1899
The concerted rising of the Tagalogs in Manila was attempted with the burning of houses and buildings in Tondo, to create chaos and disorder in the city, under orders from Filipino officers, with specific instructions to massacre all Americans and Europeans in the city. The conflagrations were put down and the attempt at creating disorder was suppressed and the city was placed under full control by U.S. military.
February 23, 1899
Filipino troops launch counterattack to take Manila: General Antonio Luna from the north, General Licerio Geronimo from the east, General Pio del Pilar and Gen Miguel Malvar from the south, with the Kawit Brigade under Captain Pedro Janolin on reserve at La Loma. (The attacking force of 6,000 Filipino soldiers sweep through Caloocan, driving the American defenders towards Pritil. As Filipino troops prepare to assault Manila from Caloocan, Admiral Dewey's fleet bombarded Filipino positions, exacting heavy casualties. But the attacking force pressed on, reached Azcarraga (now Claro M. Recto Ave.) and hoped to engage the enemy in hand-to hand combat, where Admiral Dewey's big guns will have no effect, and thus deal a death blow to the enemy with fresh troops from the Kawit Brigade. But Luna’s order to attack was ignored by Captain Janolin saying he only reports to Gen Aguinaldo. And so, the main body of the attacking force, physically spent and low on ammunition, had no option but to retreat to Polo.
February 23, 1899
Gen Otis burns what remained of Tondo to clear the area and prevent its use as a staging area by the Filipino army.
February ??, 1899
General Antonio Luna resigns in disgust over the lack of discipline in the Filipino army, but Aguinaldo prevailed upon him to reconsider. (General Luna had previously disarmed Captain Pedro Janolin and his Kawit Brigade, but the men, who were from Aguinaldo's hometown, reported back to Gen Aguinaldo, who made them his bodyguards without General Luna's knowledge. By some stroke of fate, the Filipino soldiers who participated in the assassination of Gen Antonio Luna in Cabanatuan came from this Kawit Brigade.)
March 4, 1899
The Philippine commission headed by Jacob Gould Schurman, tasked with gathering information about the conditions in the Philippines and making recommendations to the U.S. President McKinley, assembles at Manila.
March 20, 1899
The newspaper Manila Times says Dewey made several promises to Aguinaldo, including independence, for his cooperation with the Americans.
March 25, 1899
March 25, 1899
The Battle of Malabon is lost and the Filipinos retreated north.
March 28, 1899
General Luna puts up a valiant defense of Marilao, but is unable to halt the American advance.
March 31, 1899
Malolos, the Filipino government capital, is taken by the Americans and the main body Filipino troops together with the functionaries of the Malolos government retreated further northeast towards Nueva Ecija.
April 4, 1899
The Schurman commission issues a proclamation which is effectively a declaration of American sovereignty over the Philippines. (The Filipinos rejected the proclamation, but sent Colonel Arguelles to meet with the commission to ask for a 3-month armistice to allow the Filipino people time to study the kind of government proposed by the Americans. His request for armistice was denied. Asked what form of government the Americans will established, Colonel Arguelles was told that the kind of government will depend upon the U.S. congress. Realizing that the commission is bent on imposing American rule, first and foremost, Colonel Arguelles returned to Aguinaldo and recommended the adoption of commissions' proclamation if only to secure temporary halt in hostilities. He was rebuked, stripped of his rank and sent to jail for twelve months. (Thomas, 116) As a consequence Filipinos tear down the posted proclamations and war continued.
April 10, 1899
General Pawa, the Chinese-Filipino general, defends Santa Cruz, a city along Laguna de Bay, which also fell into American hands under General Lawton.
April 12, 1899
Filipino soldiers in Baler, Tayabas (now Quezon) capture the crew and soldiers from the American gunboat "Yorktown", that were dispatched to relieve the Spaniards holed up in the church convent and besieged by Filipinos.
April 14, 1899
U.S. army reinforcements arrive via the Sheridan having on board the 12th Infantry and a battalion of the 17th Infantry.
April 15, 1899
Mabini issues a manifesto questioning the authority of McKinley and the Schurman commission to impose U.S. sovereignty in the Philippines and asks the Filipino people to continue the fight the Americans.
April 16, 1899
March 28, 1899
General Luna puts up a valiant defense of Marilao, but is unable to halt the American advance.
March 31, 1899
Malolos, the Filipino government capital, is taken by the Americans and the main body Filipino troops together with the functionaries of the Malolos government retreated further northeast towards Nueva Ecija.
April 4, 1899
The Schurman commission issues a proclamation which is effectively a declaration of American sovereignty over the Philippines. (The Filipinos rejected the proclamation, but sent Colonel Arguelles to meet with the commission to ask for a 3-month armistice to allow the Filipino people time to study the kind of government proposed by the Americans. His request for armistice was denied. Asked what form of government the Americans will established, Colonel Arguelles was told that the kind of government will depend upon the U.S. congress. Realizing that the commission is bent on imposing American rule, first and foremost, Colonel Arguelles returned to Aguinaldo and recommended the adoption of commissions' proclamation if only to secure temporary halt in hostilities. He was rebuked, stripped of his rank and sent to jail for twelve months. (Thomas, 116) As a consequence Filipinos tear down the posted proclamations and war continued.
April 10, 1899
General Pawa, the Chinese-Filipino general, defends Santa Cruz, a city along Laguna de Bay, which also fell into American hands under General Lawton.
April 12, 1899
Filipino soldiers in Baler, Tayabas (now Quezon) capture the crew and soldiers from the American gunboat "Yorktown", that were dispatched to relieve the Spaniards holed up in the church convent and besieged by Filipinos.
April 14, 1899
U.S. army reinforcements arrive via the Sheridan having on board the 12th Infantry and a battalion of the 17th Infantry.
April 15, 1899
Mabini issues a manifesto questioning the authority of McKinley and the Schurman commission to impose U.S. sovereignty in the Philippines and asks the Filipino people to continue the fight the Americans.
April 16, 1899
Emilio Jacinto is killed at the battle of Majayjay, Laguna between American troops and katipuneros who constituted as a separate fighting unit from the regular Philippine forces under Aguinaldo.
April 20, 1899
140 of General Lawton's command are surrounded and captured at Binangonan by the Filipino troops under General Licerio Geronimo.
April 23, 1899
Filipino troops under the command of General Antonio Luna engage the Americans led by General Franklin Bell in the battle of Bagbag and Calumpit, Bulacan (referred by Americans as the Battle of Quingua) where Colonel Stotsenberg of the United States army is killed. The initial American assault is repelled by General Gregorio del Pilar, but the Filipinos came under heavy American artillery fire and are forced to abandon their trenches. General Luna sent an emissary to General Mascardo who was in Guagua to send reinforcements, but Mascardo refused to obey and sent word that he will only take orders from Aguinaldo. Piqued by the insubordination of Mascardo, General Luna abandoned the battlefield and marched his troops to Guagua to deal with General Mascardo. The timely intervention of Aguinaldo averted what could have been a disastrous shootout between two armies of the same flag.
April 26, 1899
American troops take Calumpit in the afternoon.
April 28, 1899
Aguinaldo sends Pedro Paterno to discuss peace with the Americans without General Luna's knowledge.
May ??, 1899
On account of insubordination that some Filipino officers displayed in the past, e.g., Captain Janolin and General Mascardo, General Luna creates his own organization in the Filipino army. He enlists Ilocanos and Macabebes of Pampanga who served under Spain. In the process, he creates undercurrents in the army because the Tagalogs, who comprise the majority of the soldiers, hate the Macabebes and mistrust the Ilocanos. General Luna prepares a plan to establish a stronghold in the Cordilleras. Rumors start to circulate that Gen Antonio Luna is planning a coup d’ etat to wrest total control of the government and the army.
May ??, 1899
After learning that Paterno talked to the Americans, General Luna orders the arrest of Paterno and his men. Without knowing that Aguinaldo previously authorized the mission of Paterno in talking to the Americans, General Luna presents the prisoners to Aguinaldo as traitors, but the latter only waited for Gen Luna to leave and releases the prisoners right away.
May 1, 1899
April 20, 1899
140 of General Lawton's command are surrounded and captured at Binangonan by the Filipino troops under General Licerio Geronimo.
April 23, 1899
Filipino troops under the command of General Antonio Luna engage the Americans led by General Franklin Bell in the battle of Bagbag and Calumpit, Bulacan (referred by Americans as the Battle of Quingua) where Colonel Stotsenberg of the United States army is killed. The initial American assault is repelled by General Gregorio del Pilar, but the Filipinos came under heavy American artillery fire and are forced to abandon their trenches. General Luna sent an emissary to General Mascardo who was in Guagua to send reinforcements, but Mascardo refused to obey and sent word that he will only take orders from Aguinaldo. Piqued by the insubordination of Mascardo, General Luna abandoned the battlefield and marched his troops to Guagua to deal with General Mascardo. The timely intervention of Aguinaldo averted what could have been a disastrous shootout between two armies of the same flag.
April 26, 1899
American troops take Calumpit in the afternoon.
April 28, 1899
Aguinaldo sends Pedro Paterno to discuss peace with the Americans without General Luna's knowledge.
May ??, 1899
On account of insubordination that some Filipino officers displayed in the past, e.g., Captain Janolin and General Mascardo, General Luna creates his own organization in the Filipino army. He enlists Ilocanos and Macabebes of Pampanga who served under Spain. In the process, he creates undercurrents in the army because the Tagalogs, who comprise the majority of the soldiers, hate the Macabebes and mistrust the Ilocanos. General Luna prepares a plan to establish a stronghold in the Cordilleras. Rumors start to circulate that Gen Antonio Luna is planning a coup d’ etat to wrest total control of the government and the army.
May ??, 1899
After learning that Paterno talked to the Americans, General Luna orders the arrest of Paterno and his men. Without knowing that Aguinaldo previously authorized the mission of Paterno in talking to the Americans, General Luna presents the prisoners to Aguinaldo as traitors, but the latter only waited for Gen Luna to leave and releases the prisoners right away.
May 1, 1899
Hot fight near San Rafael, Bulacan.
May 2, 1899
May 2, 1899
Baliwag is captured by the Americans after a strong resistance put up by Generals Gregorio and Pio del Pilar with 800 men.
May 2, 1899
May 2, 1899
Conference between Gen Otis, the Philippine Commission, and some envoys of Aguinaldo - Major Manuel Arguelles, Lt. Jose Bernalto and Capt. Lorenzo Zialcita who spoke English, to discuss peace with honor. General Otis presented the American position that an unconditional surrender of the Filipino army is a prerequisite to a cease fire or armistice. The Filipino side refused to accept this imposition without a clear indication that a government of their own under American protectorate will be respected by the Americans.
May 5, 1899
San Fernando Pampanga fell into American hands.
May 6, 1899
The pacifists faction of the Filipino congress, headed by Pedro Paterno, demands the resignation of the cabinet identified with Apolinario Mabini and resolves to accept the terms laid down by General Otis under the Schurman proclamation, i.e., unconditional acceptance of American sovereignty.
May 7, 1899
May 5, 1899
San Fernando Pampanga fell into American hands.
May 6, 1899
The pacifists faction of the Filipino congress, headed by Pedro Paterno, demands the resignation of the cabinet identified with Apolinario Mabini and resolves to accept the terms laid down by General Otis under the Schurman proclamation, i.e., unconditional acceptance of American sovereignty.
May 7, 1899
Paterno, the recognized leader of pacifists, is requested by Aguinaldo to form a new cabinet to replace the Mabini cabinet.
May 8, 1899
Filipino peace delegates enter General Lawton's lines at San Isidro.
May 17, 1899
San Isidro, the new capital, is taken by Americans under Gen Lawton.
May 20, 1899
Admiral Dewey departs from the Philippines.
May 22, 1899
May 8, 1899
Filipino peace delegates enter General Lawton's lines at San Isidro.
May 17, 1899
San Isidro, the new capital, is taken by Americans under Gen Lawton.
May 20, 1899
Admiral Dewey departs from the Philippines.
May 22, 1899
Aguinaldo's peace commissioners are received by the Philippine Commission. The armistice sought by the Filipinos is rejected. American panel insists on recognition of United States sovereignty which the Filipinos understand to mean the unconditional surrender of the Filipino army.
June 2, 1899
Paterno issues a manifesto recognizing the futility of the peace efforts with the Americans and exhorts all Filipinos to continue the struggle: "To war, then, beloved brothers, to war."
June 4, 1899
Gen Luna receives advice from Aguinaldo for a meeting in Cabanatuan.
June 5, 1899
General Antonio Luna is treacherously killed at Cabanatuan by Filipino troops which Luna had disarmed for insubordination in a previous incident. Here is a version of the incident:
"A Spanish officer, who had been a prisoner in the hands of the rebels and who was released by Aguinaldo, came through our lines to Manila. He claimed to have been a witness of the assassination of General Luna. According to his story the relations between the two Filipino leaders have been strained to the breaking point because of Luna's attempts to assume control of affairs, and the final rapture was forced by Aguinaldo issuing secret orders to the provincial governments. Luna thereupon notified Aguinaldo, demanding copies of the documents, and Aguinaldo replied curtly that Luna was a general of the army and that the civil government did not concern him. Luna, on opening the reply at his headquarters, in the presence of his officers, exclaimed hotly: 'He will be dead tomorrow.' One officer, who was friendly to Aguinaldo, hastened to warn him, and Aguinaldo called together his trusted officers, fellow townsmen of his, and stationed them around his house, with instructions to kill anyone attempting to enter, regardless of rank. Luna appeared the next day and saw Aguinaldo at the window. A member of the guard said: 'Aguinaldo has gone to inspect the troops.' Luna then exclaimed: 'You are a liar,' drew his revolver, struck the guard, and tried to force an entrance into the house. Before he could use his revolver one of the guards bayoneted him, another shot him in the back and others stabbed him. In all he had twenty wounds. Luna's aide-de-camp was killed in the same way. " ( Everett, 469) With the death of Gen Luna, Aguinaldo orders the arrest of Luna's officers and disbands or reassigns their troops. After this incident, only the troops of Gen Gregorio del Pilar and Gen Manuel Tinio remained in Northern Luzon to face the Americans.
June 2, 1899
Paterno issues a manifesto recognizing the futility of the peace efforts with the Americans and exhorts all Filipinos to continue the struggle: "To war, then, beloved brothers, to war."
June 4, 1899
Gen Luna receives advice from Aguinaldo for a meeting in Cabanatuan.
June 5, 1899
General Antonio Luna is treacherously killed at Cabanatuan by Filipino troops which Luna had disarmed for insubordination in a previous incident. Here is a version of the incident:
"A Spanish officer, who had been a prisoner in the hands of the rebels and who was released by Aguinaldo, came through our lines to Manila. He claimed to have been a witness of the assassination of General Luna. According to his story the relations between the two Filipino leaders have been strained to the breaking point because of Luna's attempts to assume control of affairs, and the final rapture was forced by Aguinaldo issuing secret orders to the provincial governments. Luna thereupon notified Aguinaldo, demanding copies of the documents, and Aguinaldo replied curtly that Luna was a general of the army and that the civil government did not concern him. Luna, on opening the reply at his headquarters, in the presence of his officers, exclaimed hotly: 'He will be dead tomorrow.' One officer, who was friendly to Aguinaldo, hastened to warn him, and Aguinaldo called together his trusted officers, fellow townsmen of his, and stationed them around his house, with instructions to kill anyone attempting to enter, regardless of rank. Luna appeared the next day and saw Aguinaldo at the window. A member of the guard said: 'Aguinaldo has gone to inspect the troops.' Luna then exclaimed: 'You are a liar,' drew his revolver, struck the guard, and tried to force an entrance into the house. Before he could use his revolver one of the guards bayoneted him, another shot him in the back and others stabbed him. In all he had twenty wounds. Luna's aide-de-camp was killed in the same way. " ( Everett, 469) With the death of Gen Luna, Aguinaldo orders the arrest of Luna's officers and disbands or reassigns their troops. After this incident, only the troops of Gen Gregorio del Pilar and Gen Manuel Tinio remained in Northern Luzon to face the Americans.
June 10, 1899
Generals Lawton, Wheaton and Ovenshine of the United States army with 4,500 men launch the southern campaign, advancing from San Pedro Makati and sweeping the country between Manila Bay and south.
June 13, 1899
The Filipinos fight the biggest battle - the Battle of Zapote, the same place where the Filipino revolutionaries defeated the Spaniards. 5,000 Filipino defenders engage 3,000 Americans supported by artillery and navy gunboats. The Filipino artillery piece is easily put out of commission by superior American firepower and Filipinos eventually withdrew with over a hundred dead and scores wounded. The Americans suffer 15 killed and less than a hundred wounded.
August ??, 1899
A new propaganda campaign is waged in the United States: Apacible is replaced by Riego de Dios who circulated a letter prepared by Felipe Buencamino to the American, which included documents written by Regidor and Aguinaldo attesting to the capability of Filipinos to self-government.
August 16, 1899
Angeles falls into American hands.
September 10, 1899
Apolinario Mabini is arrested by the Americans.
September 15, 1899
The Chicago Tribune publishes an interview purportedly with Mr. Schurmann of the Peace commission where an offer was made to Aguinaldo of a monthly stipend of $5,000 and the position of governor of the Tagalos in exchange for capitulation, which Aguinaldo allegedly rejected with scorn.
September 23, 1899
Aguinaldo publishes his document Resena Veridica de la Revolucion Filipina or "A True Narrative of the Philippine Revolution", a pamphlet in which he asked the U.S. congress to recognize Filipino independence on moral, cultural and political grounds. He also advocates Filipinos to free American prisoners and return them to General Otis as a conciliatory gesture.
September ??, 1899
General Jose Alejandrino delivers American prisoners of war to General Otis in the hope of obtaining concessions towards cessation of hostilities.
October 15, 1899
Mrs. Aguinaldo speaks to soldiers assembled in Tarlac: "Were it not a shocking thing for us to wear trousers and to carry rifles…we [the women] members of the Philippine Red Cross - would aid you in the struggle and die by your side, for what would our lives amount to if we should still have to live in slavery? Though I am a weak woman, I can assure you that my prayer is [for] all the Filipino people."
October 19, 1899
Americans under General Lawton recaptures San Isidro.
November 2, 1899
An assembly of Filipino women in Tarlac is held in honor of national independence and some Americans - William Jennings Bryan, Dale Carnegie, Mark Twain, Senator Hoar and several other anti-imperialists. Bryan is the Democratic party presidential candidate who is contesting the re-election bid of Republican president William McKinley. Bryan's campaign platform opposes the annexation of the Philippines by the United States. (McKinley won his re-election bid and the fate of the Philippines was sealed).
November 2, 1899
In a preliminary report to the President McKinley, the Schurman Commission speaks of the wealth of the islands, and advances the theory that its temporary occupation has practically committed the United States to a permanent or at least indefinite tenure as a trust for civilisation. It urges that the United States take the islands, otherwise some other nation will. The report also says, "Should our power by any fatality be withdrawn, the government of the Philippines would speedily lapse into anarchy, which would excuse, if it did not necessitate, the intervention of other powers and the eventual division of the islands among them.... The welfare of the Filipinos coincides with the dictates of national honour in forbidding our abandonment of the archipelago." (Willis, 18)
November 6, 1899
A semblance of autonomous self-government under American protection is inaugurated at Bacolod at the request of the local population, but its bureaucratic failure reverted the town back to American administrative control.
November 11, 1899
Filipino generals hold a council of war at Bayambang, Pangasinan on the Rio Agno and resolve to change strategy from conventional to guerrilla warfare. A recommendation was submitted to Aguinaldo to disperse the Filipino army and send the officers and men to their home provinces to constitute guerrilla units.
November 12, 1899
General Arthur McArthur's forces seize Tarlac, the new capital of the Filipino republic.
Aguinaldo issues an order dispersing the regular Filipino army and directing their reorganization into guerrilla units. (The country was divided into provincial zones headed by a general, with sub-zones headed by lower-ranked officers. Among the major zones were Northern Luzon, under the command of General Manuel Tinio, with the Ilocos zones headed by Aglipay and Isabelo de los Reyes; Abra, by General Juan Villamor; the Central Luzon command under Pantaleon Garcia with zones in Nueva Ecija headed by Gen Urbano Lacuna, Bulacan, by Gen Pedro Tecson, Pampanga, by General Tomas Mascardo, Morong (now Rizal), by Gen Licerio Geronimo; the Southern Luzon command under Artemio Ricarte with zones in Laguna headed by General Juan Cailles, Cavite, by General Mariano Trias, Batangas, by General Miguel Malvar, Ambos Camarines, by General Ignacio Pawa; the Central Visayan command under Gen Vicente Lukban with zones in Samar and Leyte headed by General Guevara, Negros island, by General Juan Araneta, Panay island, by General Martin Delgado, assisted by Pablo Araneta, Bohol, by General Samson, and Cebu, by General Arcadio Maxilom, assisted by General Juan Climaco, and General Nicolas Capistrano in Cagayan de Oro. Due to the importance of civilian support, the Katipunan was reactivated to recruit members of guerrilla units who were enlisted under solemn rituals and oath as it was done during the time of Andres Bonifacio).
Gen Wheaton routs the Filipino defenders at San Jacinto Pangasinan.
November 15, 1899
Aguinaldo, with a small party of ministers and officers, closely pursued by the cavalry of General Lawton of the United States army, slip past, through the mountains of Pozzorubio and Rosario, and escape to mountainous region of northern Luzon.
December 2, 1899
General Gregorio del Pilar, the famous boy general, commanding Aguinaldo’s rear guard, with 60 men makes a desperate stand at Tirad Pass to delay the advance of American troops who are in pursuit of Aguinaldo. A villager named Januario Galut reveals to the Americans an alternate path. The Filipino defenders are outflanked. Gregorio del Pilar is shot dead together with 52 of his men. In his diary, Del Pilar wrote the night before:
“The General (Aguinaldo) has given me the pick of all the men that can be spared and ordered me to defend the Pass. I realize what a terrible task has been given me. And yet I feel that this is the most glorious moment of my life. What I do is done for my beloved country. No sacrifice can be too great.”
December 5, 1899
U.S. President McKinley addresses the United States congress, declares that Filipino forces deliberately attacked American troops, and that U.S. forces are needed to reduce the Filipinos to submission. He also pushes for American schools, courts and churches to be opened in the Philippines, and for industry, commerce, and agriculture to be fostered.
December 10, 1899
Apolinario Mabini, former member of the cabinet of the Malolos government is captured by the Americans.
December 19, 1899
Filipino troops under the command of General Licerio Geronimo defeats the Americans led by Gen Lawton in the battle of Paye, San Mateo, Morong (Rizal province), where the American general is killed. (Colonel Maximo Abad, who would turn up another major Filipino victory over the Americans in the battle of Pulang Lupa, Torrijos, Marinduque, actively participated in this battle).
Friday, December 26, 2008
Year 1900
March ??, 1900
President McKinley appoints a commission composed of William H. Taft, D.C. Worcester, Luke E. Wright, Henry C. Ide, and Bernard Moses to continue and perfect the work of organizing and establishing a civil government already begun by the military authorities. (Willis, 30)
March 10, 1900
Lt. Webster with a detachment of troops from the 42nd Infantry captures and destroys the Headquarters of the Morong Battalion of General Licerio Geronimo, taking a large number of rifles, and great store of ammunitions and supplies.
May ??, 1900
Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, cabinet members of the Philippine government, surrender to the Americans. They resolve to work for peace.
May 6, 1900
General Pantaleon Garcia and Hilario Tal Placido are captured in Jaen, Nueva Ecija. (Placido is a Macabebe who would later play a key role in the expedition of U.S. General Frederick Funston to capture Aguinaldo).
June ??, 1900
From his sanctuary in Toronto, Canada, where he fled from the United States after the outbreak of the war for fear of being arrested by American authorities, Galiciano Apacible issues a pamphlet on behalf of the Central Filipino Committee entitled, To the American People an Appeal, asking the ordinary American citizen to be more sympathetic to the sad plight of the Filipino people in their struggle for independence against U.S. imperialism.
June 3, 1900
The Taft Commission arrives in Manila and issues manifestoes calling for peace.
June 21, 1900
Gen Arthur McArthur, succeeding General Otis as military governor, releases Filipino political prisoners and issues a general amnesty to those Filipinos who would lay down their arms and within three months and take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. He offers to pay P30 for each gun surrendered. He also promises to extend to all Filpinos individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the U.S. Aguinaldo urges the Filipinos to reject McArthur's offer. American soldiers intensify campaign on the civilian population to reduce them to submission. (Guerrilla, 29)
July ??, 1900
The Comite Nacional of the Filipinos is formed with the following objectives: “To the end that each town may be able to guard the sacred interest of our country in these present circumstances; to be prepared to give the necessary assistance to the people carrying arms, who are struggling for our independence; and to assist in the political and diplomatic action of our Comite abroad and the successful prosecution of our cause by our foreign policy.” The guidelines bears the signature of Teodoro Sandico, with the title, Superior Chief of the Republican Guard.
July ??, 1900
A petition to the United States congress signed by 2,006 'peaceful inhabitants' circulates in Manila, setting forth in eloquent phrases the passionate desire of the Filipinos for independence.
July 1, 1900
The civil guards capture Filipino Generals Ricarte and Estrella in Manila who boldly admit they have come to the city to effect an uprising.
September 13, 1900
Colonel Maximo Abad and 37 of his men ambush and defeat a force of 100 American soldiers led by Captain Devereux Shields in the battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos, Marinduque. The Filipinos fire a volley on the unsuspecting Americans and immediately follow it with a bolo rush. They engage in a hand to hand combat. The battle lasts till the morning of the following day when the Americans finally surrender en masse. (The Filipinos suffered 15 killed and 30 wounded; the Americans - 30 killed, 40 wounded. Of those American soldiers captured, some joined the Filipino cause, a few were executed at the town plaza, and the rest were set free. Colonel Abad was under the command of General Licerio Geronimo who led the Filipinos to victory at the battle of San Mateo, Morong (Rizal) where American General Henry Lawton was killed).
September 17, 1900
Filipino troops under General Juan Cailles defeat an American force commanded by Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham in the battle of Mabitac, Laguna. The Americans suffer 21 killed and 23 wounded. The Filipinos suffer 11 killed and 20 wounded, with Lt Col Fidel Sario among those killed.
September 23, 1900
Apolinario Mabini is released from prisons and settles in Nagtahan, Manila. He continues to appeal to Filipinos to serve the country and suggests ways to win the war against the Americans.
November 22, 1900
Troops from United States 27th and 42nd Infantry capture the stronghold of General Licerio Geronimo in Montalban.
November ??, 1900
Macario Sakay, a Katipunero initiated by Bonifacio into the Katipunan in 1894 and incarcerated by the Spaniards after the discovery of the Katipunan, continued the futile struggle against the Americans. He led a small remnants of the Filipino army in Southern Luzon that continually harass American outposts.
December 23, 1900
Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, former members of the cabinet of the Malolos government, together with T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Florentino Torres, Cayetano Arellano and several other prominent Filipinos, organize the Federal Party, which stood unqualifiedly for acceptance of American sovereignty. The party concentrates its efforts and succeeds in convincing various guerilla bands operating in the provinces to surrender to the Americans and take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
President McKinley appoints a commission composed of William H. Taft, D.C. Worcester, Luke E. Wright, Henry C. Ide, and Bernard Moses to continue and perfect the work of organizing and establishing a civil government already begun by the military authorities. (Willis, 30)
March 10, 1900
Lt. Webster with a detachment of troops from the 42nd Infantry captures and destroys the Headquarters of the Morong Battalion of General Licerio Geronimo, taking a large number of rifles, and great store of ammunitions and supplies.
May ??, 1900
Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, cabinet members of the Philippine government, surrender to the Americans. They resolve to work for peace.
May 6, 1900
General Pantaleon Garcia and Hilario Tal Placido are captured in Jaen, Nueva Ecija. (Placido is a Macabebe who would later play a key role in the expedition of U.S. General Frederick Funston to capture Aguinaldo).
June ??, 1900
From his sanctuary in Toronto, Canada, where he fled from the United States after the outbreak of the war for fear of being arrested by American authorities, Galiciano Apacible issues a pamphlet on behalf of the Central Filipino Committee entitled, To the American People an Appeal, asking the ordinary American citizen to be more sympathetic to the sad plight of the Filipino people in their struggle for independence against U.S. imperialism.
June 3, 1900
The Taft Commission arrives in Manila and issues manifestoes calling for peace.
June 21, 1900
Gen Arthur McArthur, succeeding General Otis as military governor, releases Filipino political prisoners and issues a general amnesty to those Filipinos who would lay down their arms and within three months and take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. He offers to pay P30 for each gun surrendered. He also promises to extend to all Filpinos individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the U.S. Aguinaldo urges the Filipinos to reject McArthur's offer. American soldiers intensify campaign on the civilian population to reduce them to submission. (Guerrilla, 29)
July ??, 1900
The Comite Nacional of the Filipinos is formed with the following objectives: “To the end that each town may be able to guard the sacred interest of our country in these present circumstances; to be prepared to give the necessary assistance to the people carrying arms, who are struggling for our independence; and to assist in the political and diplomatic action of our Comite abroad and the successful prosecution of our cause by our foreign policy.” The guidelines bears the signature of Teodoro Sandico, with the title, Superior Chief of the Republican Guard.
July ??, 1900
A petition to the United States congress signed by 2,006 'peaceful inhabitants' circulates in Manila, setting forth in eloquent phrases the passionate desire of the Filipinos for independence.
July 1, 1900
The civil guards capture Filipino Generals Ricarte and Estrella in Manila who boldly admit they have come to the city to effect an uprising.
September 13, 1900
Colonel Maximo Abad and 37 of his men ambush and defeat a force of 100 American soldiers led by Captain Devereux Shields in the battle of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos, Marinduque. The Filipinos fire a volley on the unsuspecting Americans and immediately follow it with a bolo rush. They engage in a hand to hand combat. The battle lasts till the morning of the following day when the Americans finally surrender en masse. (The Filipinos suffered 15 killed and 30 wounded; the Americans - 30 killed, 40 wounded. Of those American soldiers captured, some joined the Filipino cause, a few were executed at the town plaza, and the rest were set free. Colonel Abad was under the command of General Licerio Geronimo who led the Filipinos to victory at the battle of San Mateo, Morong (Rizal) where American General Henry Lawton was killed).
September 17, 1900
Filipino troops under General Juan Cailles defeat an American force commanded by Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham in the battle of Mabitac, Laguna. The Americans suffer 21 killed and 23 wounded. The Filipinos suffer 11 killed and 20 wounded, with Lt Col Fidel Sario among those killed.
September 23, 1900
Apolinario Mabini is released from prisons and settles in Nagtahan, Manila. He continues to appeal to Filipinos to serve the country and suggests ways to win the war against the Americans.
November 22, 1900
Troops from United States 27th and 42nd Infantry capture the stronghold of General Licerio Geronimo in Montalban.
November ??, 1900
Macario Sakay, a Katipunero initiated by Bonifacio into the Katipunan in 1894 and incarcerated by the Spaniards after the discovery of the Katipunan, continued the futile struggle against the Americans. He led a small remnants of the Filipino army in Southern Luzon that continually harass American outposts.
December 23, 1900
Pedro Paterno and Felipe Buencamino, former members of the cabinet of the Malolos government, together with T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Florentino Torres, Cayetano Arellano and several other prominent Filipinos, organize the Federal Party, which stood unqualifiedly for acceptance of American sovereignty. The party concentrates its efforts and succeeds in convincing various guerilla bands operating in the provinces to surrender to the Americans and take the oath of allegiance to the United States.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Year 1901
January 5, 1901
Thirty-two Filipino leaders, among them the high-minded but irreconcilable Apolinario Mabini, Artemio Ricarte, Pio del Pilar, Pablo Ocampo, Mariano Trias, Manuel E. Roxas, are exiled in a military prison in Guam.
January 8, 1901
Cecilio Sigismundo, a courier of Aguinaldo, is convinced to surrender to the Americans, providing them with important information on Aguinaldo's whereabouts and activities that lead to the capture of Aguinaldo.
February ??, 1901
Panay is pacified.
March 23, 1901
Aguinaldo is captured by Gen. Frederick Funston, aided by Macabebe scouts led by Hilario 'Tal Placido, who once served the Filipino Republican Army under Gen. Antonio Luna.
March 30, 1901
Gen. Licerio Geronimo, commander of the 2nd and 3rd zone and Province of Morong, 6 staff and 46 men, surrender to the Americans.
April 1, 1901
Aguinaldo takes the oath of allegiance to the United States.
April 19, 1901
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto urging the Filpinos to lay down their arms for the complete termination of hostilities.
May 1, 1901
Gen Manuel Tinio and Col Blas Villamor surrender to American Gen. Franklin Bell.
May 19, 1901
Gen. Urbano Lacuna and all his men, except the American negro renegade David Fagan who deserted from the U.S. army and joined the Filipino Republican Army, surrender to Gen Funston.
June 24, 1901
Gen Juan Cailles and his men surrender with more than 300 rifles.
July 4, 1901
Civil government is inaugurated by the Americans to replace military administration. William Howard Taft is appointed the first American Governor General. This date is significant in respect of the American consideration of the nature of the conflict. From the American standpoint war has terminated and the remaining Filipino forces opposing the Americans are labeled bandits, ladrones or tulisanes. This date also ushers in the Philippine Scouts, an organization which is the formal implementation by the Americans of the traditional colonialist's tactic extensively practiced by England and Spain to employ native troops to fight their own countrymen.
August 23, 1901
The first contingent of American teachers - 160 young girls and 400 young men arrive on a rainy day aboard the steamship Thomas.
September 1, 1901
The appointment of three Filipinos, namely: T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Benito Legarda, and Jose Luzuriaga, into the Taft Commission took effect .- (Willis, 29)
September 29, 1901
The townspeople of Balangiga Samar led by Eugenio S. Daza, under direction by Filipino officers under Gen. Vicente Lukban, launches a sneak attack on the U.S. contingent stationed in the town and kills 48 soldiers. This is followed by the infamous order of Brig Gen Jacob Smith of the United States army, who implements the so-called scorching of Samar and is quoted as saying: "I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn: the more you kill and burn the better you will please me. " He is later tried and found guilty of issuing instructions contrary to good order by a court martial in Manila but is handed a very light sentence.
October 10, 1901
The Central Filipino Committee in Hong Kong issues a pamphlet entitled, A Petition to the President of the United States, essentially seeking the conclusion of peace in the Philippines, establishment of relations between the two countries, at the same time, satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people.
Thirty-two Filipino leaders, among them the high-minded but irreconcilable Apolinario Mabini, Artemio Ricarte, Pio del Pilar, Pablo Ocampo, Mariano Trias, Manuel E. Roxas, are exiled in a military prison in Guam.
January 8, 1901
Cecilio Sigismundo, a courier of Aguinaldo, is convinced to surrender to the Americans, providing them with important information on Aguinaldo's whereabouts and activities that lead to the capture of Aguinaldo.
February ??, 1901
Panay is pacified.
March 23, 1901
Aguinaldo is captured by Gen. Frederick Funston, aided by Macabebe scouts led by Hilario 'Tal Placido, who once served the Filipino Republican Army under Gen. Antonio Luna.
March 30, 1901
Gen. Licerio Geronimo, commander of the 2nd and 3rd zone and Province of Morong, 6 staff and 46 men, surrender to the Americans.
April 1, 1901
Aguinaldo takes the oath of allegiance to the United States.
April 19, 1901
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto urging the Filpinos to lay down their arms for the complete termination of hostilities.
May 1, 1901
Gen Manuel Tinio and Col Blas Villamor surrender to American Gen. Franklin Bell.
May 19, 1901
Gen. Urbano Lacuna and all his men, except the American negro renegade David Fagan who deserted from the U.S. army and joined the Filipino Republican Army, surrender to Gen Funston.
June 24, 1901
Gen Juan Cailles and his men surrender with more than 300 rifles.
July 4, 1901
Civil government is inaugurated by the Americans to replace military administration. William Howard Taft is appointed the first American Governor General. This date is significant in respect of the American consideration of the nature of the conflict. From the American standpoint war has terminated and the remaining Filipino forces opposing the Americans are labeled bandits, ladrones or tulisanes. This date also ushers in the Philippine Scouts, an organization which is the formal implementation by the Americans of the traditional colonialist's tactic extensively practiced by England and Spain to employ native troops to fight their own countrymen.
August 23, 1901
The first contingent of American teachers - 160 young girls and 400 young men arrive on a rainy day aboard the steamship Thomas.
September 1, 1901
The appointment of three Filipinos, namely: T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Benito Legarda, and Jose Luzuriaga, into the Taft Commission took effect .- (Willis, 29)
September 29, 1901
The townspeople of Balangiga Samar led by Eugenio S. Daza, under direction by Filipino officers under Gen. Vicente Lukban, launches a sneak attack on the U.S. contingent stationed in the town and kills 48 soldiers. This is followed by the infamous order of Brig Gen Jacob Smith of the United States army, who implements the so-called scorching of Samar and is quoted as saying: "I want no prisoners. I wish you to kill and burn: the more you kill and burn the better you will please me. " He is later tried and found guilty of issuing instructions contrary to good order by a court martial in Manila but is handed a very light sentence.
October 10, 1901
The Central Filipino Committee in Hong Kong issues a pamphlet entitled, A Petition to the President of the United States, essentially seeking the conclusion of peace in the Philippines, establishment of relations between the two countries, at the same time, satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people.
December 6, 1901
General Bell, in his report to Washington discloses the methods he will employ to rid Batangas of rebels, thus: "I am now assemblying in the neighborhood of 2,500 men who will be used in columns of fifty men each. I take so large a command for the purpose of thoroughly searching each ravine, valley and mountain peak for insurgents and for food, expecting to destroy everything I find outside the towns. All able-bodied men will be killed or captured... These people need a thrashing to teach them some good common sense, and they should have it for the good of all concerned." (Storey, 120)
December ??, 1901
Bohol and Cebu are pacified.
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