January 1, 1897
Aguinaldo launches an attack on the town of Taguig and Pateros and held the towns capturing supplies and armaments. The troops were welcomed by the townspeople who provided food and amenities. The battle rages all day long. (Ronquillo, 363-4)
January 2, 1896
Spanish reinforcements arrive from various places - from Manila, Pasig and Markina and Las Pinas - forcing Aguinaldo and his troops to withdraw and rerturn to Imus. At the end of the battle 200 Spanish were dead or wounded while 3 dead and 2 wounded on the Filipino side. (Ronquillo, 365-6)
January ??, 1897
The widening rift between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo, sometimes expressed in loose talk that smear at each other's reputation, comes to a head in a duel, in the presence of their seconds, in the dark alley in the town of San Francisco de Malabon. The two are about to shoot at each other, but are convinced to withdraw their weapons, owing to the pleading of General Santiago Alvarez. The would-be protagonists are eventually reconciled through the Katipunero priest, Fr. Manuel Trias, and General Ricarte. (Alvarez, 76)
January 11, 1897
Governor Polvieja telegraphs Madrid that twelve persons including Francisco Roxas, a millionaire and Councilor of Administration, Nijaga, Lieutenant of the native infantry, Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador, and several others, are convicted by the council of war with crime of treason and shot. (St. Clair, 182)
February 14, 1897
With 13,580 total force of which 10,922 were available and distributed in four brigades commanded each by Brigadier-Generals Cornel, Vega, Jaramillo, and Galbis, Polavieja begins the offensive at Cavite lasting 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 remains in the hands of the revolutionaries. (Taylor, 1:72; Fernandez, 27)
February 15, 1897
Brigadier General Galbis with 100 cavalry and 5,869 infantry take Pamplona. (Taylor, 1:73)
February 16, 1897
Brigadier General Jaramillo with 1,650 men takes Bayuyungan and drives the insurgents from their intrenched positions in Batangas. (Taylor , 1:73)
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. (Delos Santos, 42)
[After this date Spanish troops successively retake pueblos belonging to the Magdalo Council and the members found it necessary to withdraw to San Francisco de Malabon and join the members of the Magdiwang Council and agree on the most suitable measures for the defence of the province. (Delos Santos, 42)]
February 19, 1897
General Lachambre, with Cornel's and Marina Vega's brigades, move on and take Silang and place it on a condition of defense. (Taylor, 1:72)
February 25, 1897
The Carabineros, or Custom House Guards, stage a mutiny at the office of the Captain of the Port. The officer and sergeant on duty are shot by the mutineers, who made off with some arms and ammunition. They are pursued through the suburbs of Tondo as far as the San Lazaro Hospital, and such of them as are not killed, escape and join the rebels. (Blunt, 133)
February 26, 1897
Aguinaldo launches an attack on the town of Taguig and Pateros and held the towns capturing supplies and armaments. The troops were welcomed by the townspeople who provided food and amenities. The battle rages all day long. (Ronquillo, 363-4)
January 2, 1896
Spanish reinforcements arrive from various places - from Manila, Pasig and Markina and Las Pinas - forcing Aguinaldo and his troops to withdraw and rerturn to Imus. At the end of the battle 200 Spanish were dead or wounded while 3 dead and 2 wounded on the Filipino side. (Ronquillo, 365-6)
January ??, 1897
The widening rift between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo, sometimes expressed in loose talk that smear at each other's reputation, comes to a head in a duel, in the presence of their seconds, in the dark alley in the town of San Francisco de Malabon. The two are about to shoot at each other, but are convinced to withdraw their weapons, owing to the pleading of General Santiago Alvarez. The would-be protagonists are eventually reconciled through the Katipunero priest, Fr. Manuel Trias, and General Ricarte. (Alvarez, 76)
January 11, 1897
Governor Polvieja telegraphs Madrid that twelve persons including Francisco Roxas, a millionaire and Councilor of Administration, Nijaga, Lieutenant of the native infantry, Villaroel, Villareal, Moises Salvador, and several others, are convicted by the council of war with crime of treason and shot. (St. Clair, 182)
January 29, 1897
An attempt is made to secure the friendship and help of the United States by a group of Filipinos resident in Hongkong with the presentation of a memorial to the United States consul general at Hongkong, Mr. Wildman's predecessor, in which their countrymen's grievances against the Spanish government, particularly against the the friars, are set forth, and an appeal is made to the United States imploring help, so that their liberty and independence be restored to the Philippine Islands. The document is signed by Doroteo Cortes, Jose M. Basa and A. G. Medina. (Taylor, 1:289-94; Fernandez, 51-2)
February 14, 1897
With 13,580 total force of which 10,922 were available and distributed in four brigades commanded each by Brigadier-Generals Cornel, Vega, Jaramillo, and Galbis, Polavieja begins the offensive at Cavite lasting 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 remains in the hands of the revolutionaries. (Taylor, 1:72; Fernandez, 27)
February 15, 1897
Brigadier General Galbis with 100 cavalry and 5,869 infantry take Pamplona. (Taylor, 1:73)
February 16, 1897
Brigadier General Jaramillo with 1,650 men takes Bayuyungan and drives the insurgents from their intrenched positions in Batangas. (Taylor , 1:73)
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. (Delos Santos, 42)
[After this date Spanish troops successively retake pueblos belonging to the Magdalo Council and the members found it necessary to withdraw to San Francisco de Malabon and join the members of the Magdiwang Council and agree on the most suitable measures for the defence of the province. (Delos Santos, 42)]
February 19, 1897
General Lachambre, with Cornel's and Marina Vega's brigades, move on and take Silang and place it on a condition of defense. (Taylor, 1:72)
February 25, 1897
The Carabineros, or Custom House Guards, stage a mutiny at the office of the Captain of the Port. The officer and sergeant on duty are shot by the mutineers, who made off with some arms and ammunition. They are pursued through the suburbs of Tondo as far as the San Lazaro Hospital, and such of them as are not killed, escape and join the rebels. (Blunt, 133)
February 26, 1897
General Lachambre took Dasmarinas, which was defended by Aguinaldo in person. (Taylor, 1:72-3)
March 1, 1897
Spanish troops assaults the town of Salitran, Cavite and in the ensuing battle General Flaviano Yengco of the Magdalo Council, a student from Sta. Cruz, Manila, who quit law school to join the revolution, and successor to General Edilberto Evangelista, is killed. (Ricarte, 51)
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation defining the procedure for accepting the surrender of soldiers of the enemy who desire to come over to the insurgent army. It says a gift 35 pesos for each rifle surrendered by the enemy soldier. The gift doubles up as the rank is higher, viz: the corporal with his rifles receives double the amount of that of the soldier; a sergeant, double that of the; the lieutenant double that of sergeant, and thus successively to the other officers. (Taylor 1:295)
March 7, 1897
The first line of works about Imus was taken by the Spaniards, but the resistance met was of such a nature that it was not considered advisable to attack the main position without reinfrcements, and the troops which had occupied them were withdrawn. (Taylor, 1:73)
March 8, 1897
General Lachambre's division moved on, took and occupied Salitran. (Taylor, 1:73)
Bonifacio writes Emilio Jacinto saying that 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. (Delos Santos, 43; KalawM[1], 79 )
March 10, 1897
The Lachambre division marches towards Zapote River and effected contact with the Fourth Brigade, then commanded by General Barraquer. (Taylor , 1:73)
March 16, 1897
Baldomero Aguinaldo, president of the Magdalo Council promotes Eleno Mendoza to the rank of Major in the Army and approved the Commander-in-Chief, Emilio Aguinaldo. (Taylor, 1:296)
March 21, 1897
Baldomero Aguinaldo, sends notice to Felix Cuenca and Mariano Noriel to select whoever is qualifed to attend the election at the Hacienda house in compliance with the invitation of Mariano Alvarez. (Ronquillo, 33)
March 22, 1897
The leaders of the Magdalo and Magdiwang Councils 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, who chaired the meeting, is elected to the lowest position, the Director of the Interior. The election signals the third and succsssful attempt to replace the Katipunan inspite of the opposition from Bonifacio and his supporters. Notwithstanding the prior understanding that the results of the elections will be respected, Daniel 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. (Fernandez, 29)
[According to Carlos Ronquillo, only 8 delegates were sent by Magdalo to the convention because they were manning the trenches in view of the impending attack by the Spaniards on Pasong Santol, Salitran Dasmarinas. Inspite of the numerical superiority of the Magdiwang, Aguinaldo who was out in the battlefiedl won over Bonifacio, 140 votes to 80. He believed that the transfer of Mariano Trias from the Magdiwang to the Magdalo, together with his officers and men contributed to the defeat of Bonifacio. (Ronquillo, 35)]
[According to Santiago Alvarez, the Supremo Bonifacio appointed Gen. Artemio Ricarte as secretary. Then with the help of Mr. Daniel Tirona, he distributed pieces of paper to serve as ballots. When the ballots had been collected and the votes were ready to be canvassed, Mr. Diego Mojica, the Magdiwang secretary of the treasury, warned the Supremo that many ballots distributed were already filled out and that the voters had not done this themselves. The Supremo ignored this remark. He proceeded with the business at hand as if nothing unusual had happened. (Alvarez, 85) On the other hand, seeing that discord was taking possession of some minds, the delegates from Batangas declared that “.. Everybody knows ... our loyalty to the founder of the Katipunan and Magdiwang; but if, against all reason, the result of an election so thoroughly agreed upon between all is to be invalidated, we, the Batanguenos, will impose it by force, and we will do it alone if the sons of Cavite will not respect it." The delegates from Central Luzon supported the Batanguenos and made those present come to reason that paved the way for taking of their oath of office by those elected. (Delos Santos, 53)]
March 23, 1897
The elected officers of the revolutionary government led by Aguinaldo, including those identified with the Magdiwang Council and associated with Bonifacio, namely: Mariano Trias as Vice President, the reluctant Artemio Ricarte as General in Chief, and Mariano Riego del Dios as Director of War - take the oath of office in a solemn ritual in the convent at Tanza, Cavite. (Delos Santos, 45)
Bonifacio together with Mariano Alvarez, Ricarte, Diego Mojica and 40 other persons signed a document (Acta de Tejeros) that as of this date they state that they cannot accept the results of the election of the 22nd of March, especially the election of president, because it lacked legality, and the ballots having been prepared by one person. The document demands that all those elected officials resign their offices. (Delos Santos, 46-47)
[The document was presented to Baldomero Aguinaldo who flatly rejected the demand on the basis that the elections were done fairly and the results were confirmed by the delegates after the Supremo left. What Bonifacio did was unjustifiable. The convention was called and managed by the Magdiwang and held in their territory. Alvarez sent the invitations, Bonifacio acted as the Chairman and Ricarte as Secretary. The ballots were distributed by Ricarte and Teodoro Gonzales. While this was being done Diego Mojica whispered to Bonifacio that some ballots had a name written on them already. But Bonifacio ignored him and continued with the election. He should have stopped the proceedings at the point and investigated the information given by Mojica. (Ronquillo, 64-5) That he complained of alleged cheating the day after he lost the presidency to Aguinaldo is really just sour-grapiing if not fault-finding.]
March 1, 1897
Spanish troops assaults the town of Salitran, Cavite and in the ensuing battle General Flaviano Yengco of the Magdalo Council, a student from Sta. Cruz, Manila, who quit law school to join the revolution, and successor to General Edilberto Evangelista, is killed. (Ricarte, 51)
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation defining the procedure for accepting the surrender of soldiers of the enemy who desire to come over to the insurgent army. It says a gift 35 pesos for each rifle surrendered by the enemy soldier. The gift doubles up as the rank is higher, viz: the corporal with his rifles receives double the amount of that of the soldier; a sergeant, double that of the; the lieutenant double that of sergeant, and thus successively to the other officers. (Taylor 1:295)
March 7, 1897
The first line of works about Imus was taken by the Spaniards, but the resistance met was of such a nature that it was not considered advisable to attack the main position without reinfrcements, and the troops which had occupied them were withdrawn. (Taylor, 1:73)
March 8, 1897
General Lachambre's division moved on, took and occupied Salitran. (Taylor, 1:73)
Bonifacio writes Emilio Jacinto saying that 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. (Delos Santos, 43; KalawM[1], 79 )
March 10, 1897
The Lachambre division marches towards Zapote River and effected contact with the Fourth Brigade, then commanded by General Barraquer. (Taylor , 1:73)
March 16, 1897
Baldomero Aguinaldo, president of the Magdalo Council promotes Eleno Mendoza to the rank of Major in the Army and approved the Commander-in-Chief, Emilio Aguinaldo. (Taylor, 1:296)
March 21, 1897
Baldomero Aguinaldo, sends notice to Felix Cuenca and Mariano Noriel to select whoever is qualifed to attend the election at the Hacienda house in compliance with the invitation of Mariano Alvarez. (Ronquillo, 33)
March 22, 1897
The leaders of the Magdalo and Magdiwang Councils 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, who chaired the meeting, is elected to the lowest position, the Director of the Interior. The election signals the third and succsssful attempt to replace the Katipunan inspite of the opposition from Bonifacio and his supporters. Notwithstanding the prior understanding that the results of the elections will be respected, Daniel 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. (Fernandez, 29)
[According to Carlos Ronquillo, only 8 delegates were sent by Magdalo to the convention because they were manning the trenches in view of the impending attack by the Spaniards on Pasong Santol, Salitran Dasmarinas. Inspite of the numerical superiority of the Magdiwang, Aguinaldo who was out in the battlefiedl won over Bonifacio, 140 votes to 80. He believed that the transfer of Mariano Trias from the Magdiwang to the Magdalo, together with his officers and men contributed to the defeat of Bonifacio. (Ronquillo, 35)]
[According to Santiago Alvarez, the Supremo Bonifacio appointed Gen. Artemio Ricarte as secretary. Then with the help of Mr. Daniel Tirona, he distributed pieces of paper to serve as ballots. When the ballots had been collected and the votes were ready to be canvassed, Mr. Diego Mojica, the Magdiwang secretary of the treasury, warned the Supremo that many ballots distributed were already filled out and that the voters had not done this themselves. The Supremo ignored this remark. He proceeded with the business at hand as if nothing unusual had happened. (Alvarez, 85) On the other hand, seeing that discord was taking possession of some minds, the delegates from Batangas declared that “.. Everybody knows ... our loyalty to the founder of the Katipunan and Magdiwang; but if, against all reason, the result of an election so thoroughly agreed upon between all is to be invalidated, we, the Batanguenos, will impose it by force, and we will do it alone if the sons of Cavite will not respect it." The delegates from Central Luzon supported the Batanguenos and made those present come to reason that paved the way for taking of their oath of office by those elected. (Delos Santos, 53)]
March 23, 1897
The elected officers of the revolutionary government led by Aguinaldo, including those identified with the Magdiwang Council and associated with Bonifacio, namely: Mariano Trias as Vice President, the reluctant Artemio Ricarte as General in Chief, and Mariano Riego del Dios as Director of War - take the oath of office in a solemn ritual in the convent at Tanza, Cavite. (Delos Santos, 45)
Bonifacio together with Mariano Alvarez, Ricarte, Diego Mojica and 40 other persons signed a document (Acta de Tejeros) that as of this date they state that they cannot accept the results of the election of the 22nd of March, especially the election of president, because it lacked legality, and the ballots having been prepared by one person. The document demands that all those elected officials resign their offices. (Delos Santos, 46-47)
[The document was presented to Baldomero Aguinaldo who flatly rejected the demand on the basis that the elections were done fairly and the results were confirmed by the delegates after the Supremo left. What Bonifacio did was unjustifiable. The convention was called and managed by the Magdiwang and held in their territory. Alvarez sent the invitations, Bonifacio acted as the Chairman and Ricarte as Secretary. The ballots were distributed by Ricarte and Teodoro Gonzales. While this was being done Diego Mojica whispered to Bonifacio that some ballots had a name written on them already. But Bonifacio ignored him and continued with the election. He should have stopped the proceedings at the point and investigated the information given by Mojica. (Ronquillo, 64-5) That he complained of alleged cheating the day after he lost the presidency to Aguinaldo is really just sour-grapiing if not fault-finding.]
March 24, 1897
The Lachambre division moves on Imus from Salitran with a force of about 12,000 combatants, obtained by adding the Fourth Brigade and detachments to the First and Second Brigades. By evening the first line of works about Imus is taken. (Taylor, 1:73)
Aguinaldo receives a letter from a certain PEPE(?) saying among other things that Bonifacio is in Limbon and "behaving himself in a very aggravating manner, and the inhabitants are very much grieved at it. If things continue as they are now I fear that they will inaugurate brigandage in this country with all its sequels." (Taylor, 1:297)
March 25, 1897
The 74th Regiment of the Spanish Native Infantry composed of Visayan recruits, after refusing to march against the rebels the day before when eight corporals were shot on the spot for disobeying orders, deserts in a body to Aguinaldo, saying they were willing to fight the foreign enemies of Spain, but not against their own friends. (Sawyer, 107)
March 26, 1897
General Polavieja offers amnesty to all who will surrender their arms before April 1. (Taylor,1 :73 and 278)
The insurgents abandon Bacoor on the approach of the Spanish troops, and an attack is delivered on Binakayan which fails, and the brigade falls back on Bacoor. (Taylor, 1:73)
March 31, 1897
The Lachambre leaves Imus for Noveleta and takes the town; the insurgents abandon Binakayan and Cavite Viejo. (Taylor, 1:73)
Miguel Malvar of Batangas is appointed General by Aguinaldo.
April 6, 1897
The Lachambre division moves on to San Francisco de Malabon, which is taken after an obstinate resistance by the insurgents under the command of Bonifacio. Santa Cruz and Rosario are occupied without resistance, and people flock in from every direction to take advantage of the amnesty offered by the Governor-General. (Taylor, 1:73)
April 7, 1897
Aguinaldo, signing as Commander-in-chief of the Army gives instructions to the presidents of the towns mentioned that it is time to put and lay down all dissensions and disagreements, to awake from lethargy and concentrate energies for the purpose of attaining the aspirations; that they must actively engage in the task of defending the territory and repelling the Spanish from it. (Taylor, 1:298)
April 14, 1897
Santiago Rillo, Director of the Interior of the Province of Batangas, writes to Aguinaldo saying among other things that his nephew "...saw there (Limbon) our friend Vibora (Ricarte) ... when he was stepping out of the house of the 'Supremo.' Vibora showed my nephew, Salazar, his resignation of the office of Commander-in-chief of the Army, which he was forced to accept by you ... I therefore, would advise you to consider the matter very well, for I am very apprehensive as to what their plans may be, you must also be cautious about your personal safety; lest the ill-feeling of some may prevent you from fulfilling the lofty mission which Providence has given you." The letter continues further saying "It is said that General Malvar has loaned and is loaning rifles to the 'Supremo'. That being the case, you must recall him in order that you may have a talk with him." (Taylor, 1:299)
Upon receiving reports: (1) that Bonifacio is recruiting forces, (2) inducing General Ricarte to resign as Captain General, (3) that General Malvar is loaning rifles to Bonifacio, Aguinaldo writes to the provincial government of Batangas instructing everyone to support the new government and 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. (KalawM[1], 83)
April 15, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Polavieja returns to Spain, broken in health, leaving behind an archipelago far from peaceful.
April 16, 1897
Bonifacio writes to Emilio Jacinto saying that a Jesuit priest named Pio Pi and a Spaniard by the name of Rafael Comenge submited a proposal for cessation of hostilities and amnesty to rebels, which Aguinaldo has considered with favor on condition that provision for specific reforms such as expulsion of the friars and deputation to the Cortes be included; that the proposal was forwarded to the Magdiwang Council and both he and Mariano Alvarez rejected it; that key officers of Magdalo, namely: Daniel Tirona, Juan Cailles and Jose del Rosario, Minister of war, Lieutenant General and Director of War, respectively, have surrendered to the Spaniards, along with other officers and some inhabitants of Tansa, all Magdalo men; that the Batangas Council had placed themselves under the authority of the Supreme Council and he has helped establish a provincial government there with General Miguel Malvar as their leader; that he intends to leave Cavite and proceed to Central Luzon to generalize the war; that the arms (ordered through Feliciano Jocson) have not arrived causing it to delay his departure. He also warns Jacinto to be careful with Mamerto Natividad, a Magdalo man, who will talk ill of them. (Delos Santos, 44)
April 24, 1897
Bonifacio again writes to Jacinto explaining what actuall happened during the Tejeros convention and the reason why he has not recognized the election results. He also mentions the seeming tendency of the Magdalo men to surrender the revolution to the Spaniards and his constant fear of a threat on his life not only from the Spanish soldiers but also from the Magdalo men. (Delos Santos, 45-46)
General Polavieja, who had applied to be relieved from his command on account of illness, is succeeded by Gen. Primo de Rivera as governor-general of the Philippines. [At the time of this change in the supreme command the insurrection had been almost extinguished in the provinces north of, as, with the exception of a few hundred insurgents who had taken refuge in the mountains, all armed resistance had disappeared. In Batangas and Cavite provinces the eastern part had been pacified, but in the mountainous western , the insurgents still held the towns in the foothills of the Sierra de Tagaytay and the towns of Ternate and Naic, near the seacoast, and prevented the inhabitants of the neighboring towns from appearing to take advantage of the amnesty, although elsewhere in Cavite, on April 13 alone, 24,000 had presented themselves for that purpose.] (Taylor, 1:74)
April 14, 1897
Santiago Rillo, Director of the Interior of the Province of Batangas, writes to Aguinaldo saying among other things that his nephew "...saw there (Limbon) our friend Vibora (Ricarte) ... when he was stepping out of the house of the 'Supremo.' Vibora showed my nephew, Salazar, his resignation of the office of Commander-in-chief of the Army, which he was forced to accept by you ... I therefore, would advise you to consider the matter very well, for I am very apprehensive as to what their plans may be, you must also be cautious about your personal safety; lest the ill-feeling of some may prevent you from fulfilling the lofty mission which Providence has given you." The letter continues further saying "It is said that General Malvar has loaned and is loaning rifles to the 'Supremo'. That being the case, you must recall him in order that you may have a talk with him." (Taylor, 1:299)
Upon receiving reports: (1) that Bonifacio is recruiting forces, (2) inducing General Ricarte to resign as Captain General, (3) that General Malvar is loaning rifles to Bonifacio, Aguinaldo writes to the provincial government of Batangas instructing everyone to support the new government and 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. (KalawM[1], 83)
April 15, 1897
Gov. Gen. de Polavieja returns to Spain, broken in health, leaving behind an archipelago far from peaceful.
April 16, 1897
Bonifacio writes to Emilio Jacinto saying that a Jesuit priest named Pio Pi and a Spaniard by the name of Rafael Comenge submited a proposal for cessation of hostilities and amnesty to rebels, which Aguinaldo has considered with favor on condition that provision for specific reforms such as expulsion of the friars and deputation to the Cortes be included; that the proposal was forwarded to the Magdiwang Council and both he and Mariano Alvarez rejected it; that key officers of Magdalo, namely: Daniel Tirona, Juan Cailles and Jose del Rosario, Minister of war, Lieutenant General and Director of War, respectively, have surrendered to the Spaniards, along with other officers and some inhabitants of Tansa, all Magdalo men; that the Batangas Council had placed themselves under the authority of the Supreme Council and he has helped establish a provincial government there with General Miguel Malvar as their leader; that he intends to leave Cavite and proceed to Central Luzon to generalize the war; that the arms (ordered through Feliciano Jocson) have not arrived causing it to delay his departure. He also warns Jacinto to be careful with Mamerto Natividad, a Magdalo man, who will talk ill of them. (Delos Santos, 44)
April 24, 1897
Bonifacio again writes to Jacinto explaining what actuall happened during the Tejeros convention and the reason why he has not recognized the election results. He also mentions the seeming tendency of the Magdalo men to surrender the revolution to the Spaniards and his constant fear of a threat on his life not only from the Spanish soldiers but also from the Magdalo men. (Delos Santos, 45-46)
General Polavieja, who had applied to be relieved from his command on account of illness, is succeeded by Gen. Primo de Rivera as governor-general of the Philippines. [At the time of this change in the supreme command the insurrection had been almost extinguished in the provinces north of, as, with the exception of a few hundred insurgents who had taken refuge in the mountains, all armed resistance had disappeared. In Batangas and Cavite provinces the eastern part had been pacified, but in the mountainous western , the insurgents still held the towns in the foothills of the Sierra de Tagaytay and the towns of Ternate and Naic, near the seacoast, and prevented the inhabitants of the neighboring towns from appearing to take advantage of the amnesty, although elsewhere in Cavite, on April 13 alone, 24,000 had presented themselves for that purpose.] (Taylor, 1:74)
Aguinaldo writes to the President of the Regional Government of Batangas exhorting him and his associates not to fail to use or lessen any efforts to insure the happiness and welfare of those who are under his authority and be united in rendering the services and giving support for the success of the arms, and finally warning: "...I wish to impress upon your minds the fact that the Government in its efforts to carry out its purposes must be supported by everyone, and that if you give it your assistance you will deserve not only the thanks of the whole country but mine as well; but, on the other hand, if you should fail to give me the assistance which I request of you my regret will be great, for I shall consider your indifference to matters affecting our country as a sign of lack of patriotism, which the Nation should punish with utmost severity and without delay." (Taylor, 1:302)
April 26, 1897
President Aguinaldo orders the arrest of Andres Bonifacio in Limbon, to be tried and punished as may be appropriate. (Ronquillo, 92)
April 26, 1897
President Aguinaldo orders the arrest of Andres Bonifacio in Limbon, to be tried and punished as may be appropriate. (Ronquillo, 92)
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. (KalawM[1], 84; Taylor, 1:304)
Aguinaldo issues an order referring the report of General Noriel to the military authorities for the appointment of an Investigating Judge who will examine into the facts stated in said communication, and who must be an officer with the of Colonel. (Taylor, 1:304)
General Noriel appoints Colonel Pantaleon Garcia as the Investigating Judge who, in turn, appoints Major Lazaro Makapagal as Secretary. (Taylor , 1:305)
[Click here for details about the trial of Andres Bonifacio]
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. (KalawM[1], 84)
May 4, 1897
Pantaleon Garcia submits to Aguinaldo a report on the result of the investigation on matters relating to Bonifacio. The report says that Bonifacio refuses to recognize the Revolutionary government and its head, and that Bonifacio is recruiting people in Limbon, Cavite and putting to jail those who opposed him; that Bonifacio has hired a certain Pedro Giron for ten pesos to kill Aguinaldo. The report recommends a court martial be appointed to study more carefully and to determine if law and justice could be executed. (KalawM[1], 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. Bonifacio's lawyer, 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
Aguinaldo commutes the sentence of the Bonifacio brothers from death to permanent exile on an island (KalawT[1], 39), but several of Aguinaldo's men, notably Feliciano Jocson, Antonio Montenegro, Teodoro Gonzales, Severino de las Alas, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Mariano Trias Closas, urge him to proceed with the death sentence. (Ricarte, 82)
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.
May 30, 1897
General Malvar is driven out from the intrenchments which he had built after taking possession of Talisay, on Lake Taal. (Taylor, 1:75)
June 10, 1897
Aguinaldo with some 500 devoted followers, elude Spanish forces within sight and hearing of Manila to the mountains of San Mateo, then to Biaknabato in Bulacan. (Taylor, 1:75; Fernandez, 31-32)
June 14, 1897
A Spanish column withdraws with heavy loss after an encounter with Aguinaldo forces in the northern part of Manila Province. (Taylor, 1:75)
June 24, 1897
General Gregorio del Pilar receives the flag of the batallion of the Spanish garrison at Bulacan, Bulacan, under the command of Comandante Ortiz as an act of surrender in consequence of their defeat in the hands of the Filipino rebels. (Khaki[2], 15)
After the rebels lose several battles, Spanish troops retake Cavite as Aguinaldo and his men flee.
July ??, 1897
An unsigned, undated manifesto circulates which formalizes the demands of the Filipinos, namely: (1) Expulsion of the friars, and restitution to the townships of the lands which the friars have appropriated, dividing the incumbencies held by them, as well as the episcopal sees, equally between Peninsular [Spanish] and Insular [Filipino] secular priests. (2) Spain must concede to us, as she has to Cuba, parliamentary representation, freedom of the press, toleration of all religious sects, laws common with hers, and administrative and economic autonomy. (3) Equality in treatment and pay between Peninsular and Insular civil servants. (4) Restitution of all lands appropriated by the friars to the townships, or to the original owners, or, in default of finding such owners, the state to put them up at public auction in small lots of a value within the reach of all, payment to be made within four years, as in the case of the present state lands. (5) Abolition of the government's authority to banish citizens, as well as of all unjust measures against Filipinos; legal equality for all persons, whether Peninsular or Insular, under the civil as well as the penal code. (Robinson, 32)
July ??, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto which essentially declares the aspiration of the Filipinos to attain independence, viz: “We aspire to the glory of obtaining the liberty, independence and honor of the country.... We aspire to a government representing all the live forces of the country, in which the most able, the most worthy in virtue and talent, may take part, without distinction of birth, fortune or race. We desire that no monk nor friar shall sully the soil of any part of the archipelago, nor that there shall exist any convent, etc.” (Robinson, 33)
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. (KalawM[1], 89)
July 1897
Pedro Parerno volunteers to Governor General Rivera to negotiate a peace agreement with the insurgents, which was accepted by the latter but on the condition that his effort is not officially authorized by the government and is warned: "Do not come back and talk to me about the expulsion of the friars and reforms and representation in the Cortes as conditions. There is only one condition which I shall consider - unconditional surrender." (Taylor, 1:81)
August 3, 1897
Paterno departs for Biak-na-bato, carrying only a pass, his personal views and a charge from Rivera to exert the utmost circumspection during his negotiation, whatever might be the outcome of the same. (Taylor, 1:81)
August 9, 1897
On reaching Biak-na-Bato, Paterno draws up and hands to Aguinaldo a note in which he describes the mutual desire of himself and the government for the cessation of hostilities. In this note he says that the governor general is only waiting for peace to be established to institute a satisfactory series of reforms, and implies that these reforms include the abolition of the religious orders and civil and political equality between Spaniards and Filipinos, a promise which the governor general says he had specifically forbidden Paterno to make. (Taylor, 1:82 and 1:358)
Aguinaldo signs a power of attorney in favor of Pedro Paterno, stating his terms, which were tantamount to a protocol of peace, and which was to serve as a basis for a peace agreement known as the Pact of Biaknabato providing for monetary compensation to the victims of the revolution and a promise of political reforms. (Taylor, 1: 82; Foreman[1899], 544; Fernandez, 36)
August 13, 1897
Paterno presents to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera the demands of the revolutionaries, to wit: (1) 3 million pesos indemnity, (2) expulsion of religious orders, (3) representation of the Philippines in the Cortes, (4) application of true justice for both Spaniard and the native, (5) natives to have places in the highest offices of the administration, (6) changes in favor of natives to be made in ownership of parish property, and in taxation, (7) liberty of association, and, 8) freedom of the press. Rivera finds these demands absolutely inadmissible and did not consider it as a point of departure for further negotiations. (Taylor, 1:341-2; Fenandez, 37)
September 27, 1897
An oath is taken by the revolutionary leaders and signed in the presence of President Emilio Aguinaldo, to wit: (1) "For the increase and strengthening of the resources of Government we promise to add to the same our private fortunes"; (2) "We will also turn over to the Government Treasury all taxes which we may collect in any town or village"; (3)"We will not have the power to dispose of said funds without the knowledge and authorization of the President." Violation of the oath would mean a penalty of one or two gunshots in the breast until the violator is dead. (Taylor, 1:369)
[Aguinaldo asserted in his account of the insurrection that there was an agreement drawn up by the insurgents in Biak-na-bato to the effect that in case the Spaniards did not comply with the stipulations the money paid as an indemnity would not be divided , but would be set aside to purchase arms to renew the war. (Taylor, 1:86) The above is probably the agreement - author]
September 4, 1897
Some 5,000 insurgents attack Aliga, Nueva Ecija and the small Spanish garrison succeeds in holding its position only owing to the exhaustion of the attacking force. (Taylor, 1:77)
September 6, 1897
While the negotiations for peace were proceding, Aguinaldo, at Biak-na-bato, formally renounces open warfare and issues a proclamation advocating guerrilla tactics, stating that if they submitted meekly Spain not only will not grant the reforms for which they had been fighting, but will curtail such privileges as they then had. (Taylor, 1:83; Fernandez, 38 )
October 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. (KalawM[1], 84; Taylor, 1:304)
Aguinaldo issues an order referring the report of General Noriel to the military authorities for the appointment of an Investigating Judge who will examine into the facts stated in said communication, and who must be an officer with the of Colonel. (Taylor, 1:304)
General Noriel appoints Colonel Pantaleon Garcia as the Investigating Judge who, in turn, appoints Major Lazaro Makapagal as Secretary. (Taylor , 1:305)
[Click here for details about the trial of Andres Bonifacio]
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. (KalawM[1], 84)
May 4, 1897
Pantaleon Garcia submits to Aguinaldo a report on the result of the investigation on matters relating to Bonifacio. The report says that Bonifacio refuses to recognize the Revolutionary government and its head, and that Bonifacio is recruiting people in Limbon, Cavite and putting to jail those who opposed him; that Bonifacio has hired a certain Pedro Giron for ten pesos to kill Aguinaldo. The report recommends a court martial be appointed to study more carefully and to determine if law and justice could be executed. (KalawM[1], 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. Bonifacio's lawyer, 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
Aguinaldo commutes the sentence of the Bonifacio brothers from death to permanent exile on an island (KalawT[1], 39), but several of Aguinaldo's men, notably Feliciano Jocson, Antonio Montenegro, Teodoro Gonzales, Severino de las Alas, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Mariano Trias Closas, urge him to proceed with the death sentence. (Ricarte, 82)
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.
May 30, 1897
General Malvar is driven out from the intrenchments which he had built after taking possession of Talisay, on Lake Taal. (Taylor, 1:75)
June 10, 1897
Aguinaldo with some 500 devoted followers, elude Spanish forces within sight and hearing of Manila to the mountains of San Mateo, then to Biaknabato in Bulacan. (Taylor, 1:75; Fernandez, 31-32)
June 14, 1897
A Spanish column withdraws with heavy loss after an encounter with Aguinaldo forces in the northern part of Manila Province. (Taylor, 1:75)
June 24, 1897
General Gregorio del Pilar receives the flag of the batallion of the Spanish garrison at Bulacan, Bulacan, under the command of Comandante Ortiz as an act of surrender in consequence of their defeat in the hands of the Filipino rebels. (Khaki[2], 15)
After the rebels lose several battles, Spanish troops retake Cavite as Aguinaldo and his men flee.
July ??, 1897
An unsigned, undated manifesto circulates which formalizes the demands of the Filipinos, namely: (1) Expulsion of the friars, and restitution to the townships of the lands which the friars have appropriated, dividing the incumbencies held by them, as well as the episcopal sees, equally between Peninsular [Spanish] and Insular [Filipino] secular priests. (2) Spain must concede to us, as she has to Cuba, parliamentary representation, freedom of the press, toleration of all religious sects, laws common with hers, and administrative and economic autonomy. (3) Equality in treatment and pay between Peninsular and Insular civil servants. (4) Restitution of all lands appropriated by the friars to the townships, or to the original owners, or, in default of finding such owners, the state to put them up at public auction in small lots of a value within the reach of all, payment to be made within four years, as in the case of the present state lands. (5) Abolition of the government's authority to banish citizens, as well as of all unjust measures against Filipinos; legal equality for all persons, whether Peninsular or Insular, under the civil as well as the penal code. (Robinson, 32)
July ??, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a manifesto which essentially declares the aspiration of the Filipinos to attain independence, viz: “We aspire to the glory of obtaining the liberty, independence and honor of the country.... We aspire to a government representing all the live forces of the country, in which the most able, the most worthy in virtue and talent, may take part, without distinction of birth, fortune or race. We desire that no monk nor friar shall sully the soil of any part of the archipelago, nor that there shall exist any convent, etc.” (Robinson, 33)
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. (KalawM[1], 89)
July 1897
Pedro Parerno volunteers to Governor General Rivera to negotiate a peace agreement with the insurgents, which was accepted by the latter but on the condition that his effort is not officially authorized by the government and is warned: "Do not come back and talk to me about the expulsion of the friars and reforms and representation in the Cortes as conditions. There is only one condition which I shall consider - unconditional surrender." (Taylor, 1:81)
August 3, 1897
Paterno departs for Biak-na-bato, carrying only a pass, his personal views and a charge from Rivera to exert the utmost circumspection during his negotiation, whatever might be the outcome of the same. (Taylor, 1:81)
August 9, 1897
On reaching Biak-na-Bato, Paterno draws up and hands to Aguinaldo a note in which he describes the mutual desire of himself and the government for the cessation of hostilities. In this note he says that the governor general is only waiting for peace to be established to institute a satisfactory series of reforms, and implies that these reforms include the abolition of the religious orders and civil and political equality between Spaniards and Filipinos, a promise which the governor general says he had specifically forbidden Paterno to make. (Taylor, 1:82 and 1:358)
Aguinaldo signs a power of attorney in favor of Pedro Paterno, stating his terms, which were tantamount to a protocol of peace, and which was to serve as a basis for a peace agreement known as the Pact of Biaknabato providing for monetary compensation to the victims of the revolution and a promise of political reforms. (Taylor, 1: 82; Foreman[1899], 544; Fernandez, 36)
August 13, 1897
Paterno presents to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera the demands of the revolutionaries, to wit: (1) 3 million pesos indemnity, (2) expulsion of religious orders, (3) representation of the Philippines in the Cortes, (4) application of true justice for both Spaniard and the native, (5) natives to have places in the highest offices of the administration, (6) changes in favor of natives to be made in ownership of parish property, and in taxation, (7) liberty of association, and, 8) freedom of the press. Rivera finds these demands absolutely inadmissible and did not consider it as a point of departure for further negotiations. (Taylor, 1:341-2; Fenandez, 37)
September 27, 1897
An oath is taken by the revolutionary leaders and signed in the presence of President Emilio Aguinaldo, to wit: (1) "For the increase and strengthening of the resources of Government we promise to add to the same our private fortunes"; (2) "We will also turn over to the Government Treasury all taxes which we may collect in any town or village"; (3)"We will not have the power to dispose of said funds without the knowledge and authorization of the President." Violation of the oath would mean a penalty of one or two gunshots in the breast until the violator is dead. (Taylor, 1:369)
[Aguinaldo asserted in his account of the insurrection that there was an agreement drawn up by the insurgents in Biak-na-bato to the effect that in case the Spaniards did not comply with the stipulations the money paid as an indemnity would not be divided , but would be set aside to purchase arms to renew the war. (Taylor, 1:86) The above is probably the agreement - author]
September 4, 1897
Some 5,000 insurgents attack Aliga, Nueva Ecija and the small Spanish garrison succeeds in holding its position only owing to the exhaustion of the attacking force. (Taylor, 1:77)
September 6, 1897
While the negotiations for peace were proceding, Aguinaldo, at Biak-na-bato, formally renounces open warfare and issues a proclamation advocating guerrilla tactics, stating that if they submitted meekly Spain not only will not grant the reforms for which they had been fighting, but will curtail such privileges as they then had. (Taylor, 1:83; Fernandez, 38 )
October 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. (Taylor , 1:77)
October 5, 1897
After advising Madrid of the progress of his unofficial arrangement with Pedro Paterno on the latter's proposal to work for peace and outlining the alternatives for the Spanish government could take such as to buy off the leaders with 1,700,000 pesos with amnesty and option to emigrate in exchange for surrender of men and arms, Governor-General Primo de Rivera submits his resignation. (Taylor, 1:338)
October 5, 1897
After advising Madrid of the progress of his unofficial arrangement with Pedro Paterno on the latter's proposal to work for peace and outlining the alternatives for the Spanish government could take such as to buy off the leaders with 1,700,000 pesos with amnesty and option to emigrate in exchange for surrender of men and arms, Governor-General Primo de Rivera submits his resignation. (Taylor, 1:338)
October 7, 1897
Governor-Primo de Rivera telegraphs Madrid two options: first, to buy off the leaders with 1,700,000 pesos indemnity with amnesty and choice of emigration, or, second, to conquer them by arms which will require 8,000 more men and money to support and resupply the army and reorganize it. (Taylor, 1:338)
October 10, 1897
Madrid replies to Governor-General Primo de Rivera accepting his proposal and authorizing him to proceed to buy off the leaders to be paid in three payments: the first 700,000 pesos after Agunaldo surrenders, the second 500,000 pesos after 4 months provided the other bands surrendered, and the third, after 2 months, when peace is assured. (Taylor, 1:340-1)
October 16, 1897
The Governo-General realizes the necessity of additional troops, but since he is unable to obtain from Spain, he issues a decree calling for two classes of volunteers - local and mobilized. The local volunteers were to be employed in the defense of their own towns and for patrol service. The mobilized volunteers were to be armed, equipped and fed by the government, and were to act in combination with the regular troops. This decree was able to raised 22,000 volunteers. (Taylor, 1:77)
President Emilio Aguinaldo issues a decree prohibiting officers and soldiers from leaving their barracks without permit in view of reports that bands of armed men were perpetrating robbery, kidnapping of women and committing criminal acts. (Taylor, 1:375)
October 21, 1897
Commodore Dewey receives an order detaching him as president of the board of inspection and survey and to take passage to Japan in a Pacific mail steamer sailing from San Francisco on December 7 and to relieve Acting Rear Admiral McNair on board the ship Olympia. Dewey spends the one month sojourn at Washington studying charts and maps of the Philippine Islands. (Dewey, 170; Olcott, 39)
October 28, 1897
The revolutionaries, upon instigation by those who are opposed to the peace negotiations, gave Paterno a pessimistic view of the negotiations having decided to repudiate all plans of peace and agreeing to resist. (Taylor, 1:343)
A certain Juliana Aguilar, claiming to be the widow of slain Brig. Gen. Julian dela Cruz writes to the Director of War seeking justice for the alleged murder of her husband, accusing a certain Sr. Montenegro (Antonio?) and several other persons of the crime. (Taylor 1:407-8)
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 lays anchored in the Gulf of California, whereupon he seeks the command of the asiatic squadron and with Mr. Roosevelt's aid obtains 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. (Taylor, 1:376-80; KalawM[1], 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 acceptable to 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. ( KalawM[1], 92-93)
November 2, 1897
The assembly of the representatives of the Philippines currently convened since the 1st day of the month at Biak-na-bato resolve to put into force the provisions of the recently proclaimed Constitution and organize a Supreme Council of Government composed of Sr. Aguinaldo, President; Sr. Mariano Trias, Vice President; Sr. Isabelo Artacho, Secretary of the Interior; Sr. Antonio Montenegro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Sr. Baldomero Aguinald, Secretary of Treasury; and Sr. Emiliano Riego de Dios, Secretary of War. (Taylor, 1:381)
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. (Olcott, 142-143; Atkinson, 48; Taylor, 1:102)
November 7, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a new power of attorney in favor of Pedro Paterno to proceed with the peace negotiations with certain amendments, including the reduction of compensation from $3 million to $1.7 million. (Foreman[1899], 545; Taylor, 1:391-4)
November 10, 1897
President Aguinaldo issues a decree requiring all citizens to contribute 3 ganta (liter) of shelled rice and 6 ganta of unshelled rice for the maintenance of the troops, providing for the manner of collection and punishment for violation of the decree. (Taylor , 1:382-3)
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 11, 1897
President Aguinaldo issues a decree requiring all municipal councils to organize a force of "sandatahanes" (or bolomen) whose function is to cut off and capture fugitives of the enemy in their flight from one town to another and to help the troops of the regular army in pursuing them. The decree makes it compulsory for all Katipunan members to join. It also provided for benefits and compensation including promotion to the regular army. (Taylor, 1:384-9)
November 14, 1897
Pedro Paterno succeeds 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) [The draft of Agreement in original Spanish signed by Aguinaldo, Mariano Llanera and Mamerto Natividad and the English translation can be found in Taylor vol. 1, pages 359-364. Note that some paragraphs pertaining to reforms asked are enclosed in brackets which according to Taylor appeared to have been removed. It is not clear if Aguinaldo authorized Paterno to remove the provisions on reforms because it had become an issue later. Primo de Rivera claimed that the agreement only covered payment of indemnity without any mention of reforms, while Aguinaldo insisted that the reforms were part of the agreement and these were not complied with by the Spaniards. The final agreement which bore only the signature of Rivera and Paterno acting as Aguinaldo's authorized representative, showed no reference to reforms. Did Paterno prepare a final document of the agreement without the reforms originally contained in the draft of the agreement duly signed by Aguinaldo,et. al. just so Rivera would sign? - author]
November 20, 1897
Spanish authorities in Madrid give Gov. Gen. Rivera the full authority to conclude negotiations at once with the Filipino rebels. (Taylor, 1:345; Fernandez, 38)
December ??, 1897
President McKinley, in a message to Congress about U.S. Intentions in Cuba, says: “I speak not of forcible annexation, because that is not to be thought of, and under our code of morality that would be criminal aggression.” (Swift, 39)
[One year later, President McKinley did exactly the opposite by forcibly imposing American sovereignty over the unwilling Filipinos. - author]
December 7, 1897
Commodore Dewey, after obtaining the commandership of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron with the help of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, sailed Japan to take his position. (KalawM[2], 19)
December 12, 1897
Pedro Paterno, accompanied by two Filipino rebel leaders, returns to Manila from Biak-na-bato, with authorization from Aguinaldo to enter into a peace agreement with the Spanish authorities on his behalf. (Fernandez, 38)
December 14, 1897
Aguinaldo calls a , meeting of the leaders of the revolution, about sixty of them all, and lays his plan to ask for peace and submit himself to Spanish sovereignty before the devastation of the country had been completed. The leaders gave the Supreme council the authority to act on the proposal. In the meeting of the Supreme Council composed of President, Emilio Aguinaldo; Vice-President, Mariano Trias; Secretary of Interior, Isabelo Artacho; Secretary of Foreing Affairs, Antonio Montenegro; of war, Emiliano Riego de Dios; of the Treasury, Baldomero Aguinaldo; Sub-secretary of the Interior, Lino Viola; of war, Vito Belarmino, and of Treasury, Paciano Rizal the plan of Aguinaldo was approved unconditionally, with objections from Paciano Rizal and Malvar who wish the war should continue. (Taylor, 1:422 and 444)
December 15, 1897
Third Asst. Secretary Thos. W. Cridler 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 ammunition. 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. (Olcott, 144)
December 16, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation stating that he approves all the terms and programme of the peace agreement with the Spanish government as presented by Pedro Paterno, the arbitrator, and disowns all those who hold ranks, office or employment in the revolutionary government that disobeys or impedes his orders for its execution who shall be abandoned as tulisanes or bandits. (Taylor 1:414)
December 16, 1897
Aguinaldo issues a proclamation stating that he approves all the terms and programme of the peace agreement with the Spanish government as presented by Pedro Paterno, the arbitrator, and disowns all those who hold ranks, office or employment in the revolutionary government that disobeys or impedes his orders for its execution who shall be abandoned as tulisanes or bandits. (Taylor 1:414)
December 20, 1897
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.(KalawM[1], 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)]
[Click here for the draft of agreement signed by Aguinaldo, Natividad and Llanera]
[Click here for the copy of the final agreement signed by Paterno and Primo de Rivera]
[Click here for the program for execution of agreement
December 22, 1897
Aguinaldo formally assigns Secretary of Interior Isabelo Arttacho and Secretary of Treasury Baldomero Aguinaldo who are left behind to witness the surrender of arms, release of hostages, distribution of cash and the full execution of the agreement. (Taylor, 1:415-6)
December 23, 1897
Spanish Generals Tejeiro and Ricardo Monet arrive in Biaknabato, there to remain as hostages for safe passage of the Filipino rebel leaders as provided for in the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)
December 24, 1897
Aguinaldo writes a letter to "Berong" [Baldomero Aguinaldo] advising him to be on the lookout for Gen. Torres who, according to information he has, is entertaining some designs against them; to tell Artacho and "Panta" [Pantaleon Garcia] about the matter, and watch also the two Spanish generals [hostages]. He also advises that great care be displayed in the surrender of arms while the "hostages' are kept in Biak-na-bato and to stay ther until the surrender was completed and the money is received from Paterno. He also asks to send in his sabre to Hongkong which under the care of a certain Major Lucas. (Taylor, 1:417)
December 25, 1897
Aguinaldo bids the people goodbye with this address: "To the maniolos [people of the Philippines]. I lay down my arms because continuing the war will produce turmoil and evil, in place of happiness. This is not the end sought by the insurrection. I lay down my arms, because my expectations are at one with the lofty designs of the noble Governor-General, His Excellency, Senor Don Fernando Primo de Rivera, Marques de Estella, who filled with love for our dear country, inaugurated an era of peace from the time when he took up the reins of government of this Spanish territory. I lay down my arms in accordance with the patriotic advice of the Arbitrator, the Maginoo, Pedro A. Paterno, lover of the well-being of our native land. I go of my own will. I go, for in spite of the personal immunity which is given me by the laws, by promises and by Spanish honor, yet the violent passion of hatred, or some other political passion, might be able to raise its suicidal hand and make victims, creating [anew] disturbance and turmoil in the life of our land. Viva Espana! Viva Filipinas!" (Taylor, 1:418)
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 were: 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]
Aguinaldo and his companions, send this telegram to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, viz: "Those who were the 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 first they saw the light of day. All are confident that Spain, impelled by right and justice, will grant reforms without bloodshed or combat, since so much has already stained the soil of Luzon - blood of heroes and martyrs, now brothers in peace. Those who today offer themselves loyally to Spain recommend as the paternal policy of Your Excellency a real agreement between rights and liberty. " (Taylor, 1: 426-7)
[In this telegram, Aguinaldo again mentions reforms which he hope will be granted by Spain, the same reforms denied by Primo de Rivera and are not found in the final copy of the peace agreement. This apparent omission of the reforms can also be gleaned from the last interview Aguinaldo had with Madrid's newspaper, the "El Imparcial". As far as Aguinaldo was concerned the surrender was in exchange for indemnity and reforms which were specified in the draft agreement which he, Llanera and Narividad signed. But the text of this interview mentions that the reforms were not asked. On top of that, this interview had become controversial not only because of the misrepresentation about the reforms but more so because it mentions Aguinaldo had Bonifacio shot. Click here for the copy of the controversial interview - author]
December 29, 1897
At Biak-na-bato, a meeting is held presided by Isabelo Artacho as the provisional president in the absence of Aguinaldo in which a petition is drawn up and signed by him, by Macabulos, who had led the objection to the surrender, Ricarte, I. Torres, P. Rizal, and Jose Salvador Natividad addressed to the Spanish government stating their desire that the money should be distributed among them upon the surrender of the arms of those leaders who are remaining in the country. (Taylor, 1:92)
December 31, 1897
Aguinaldo and 26 companions arrives in Hongkong. (Taylor, 1:93)
As provided in the peace agreement, the surrender of arms of the Filipino rebels begins and will continue 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)]
[Click here for the program for execution of agreement
December 22, 1897
Aguinaldo formally assigns Secretary of Interior Isabelo Arttacho and Secretary of Treasury Baldomero Aguinaldo who are left behind to witness the surrender of arms, release of hostages, distribution of cash and the full execution of the agreement. (Taylor, 1:415-6)
December 23, 1897
Spanish Generals Tejeiro and Ricardo Monet arrive in Biaknabato, there to remain as hostages for safe passage of the Filipino rebel leaders as provided for in the peace agreement. (Fernandez, 43)
December 24, 1897
Aguinaldo writes a letter to "Berong" [Baldomero Aguinaldo] advising him to be on the lookout for Gen. Torres who, according to information he has, is entertaining some designs against them; to tell Artacho and "Panta" [Pantaleon Garcia] about the matter, and watch also the two Spanish generals [hostages]. He also advises that great care be displayed in the surrender of arms while the "hostages' are kept in Biak-na-bato and to stay ther until the surrender was completed and the money is received from Paterno. He also asks to send in his sabre to Hongkong which under the care of a certain Major Lucas. (Taylor, 1:417)
December 25, 1897
Aguinaldo bids the people goodbye with this address: "To the maniolos [people of the Philippines]. I lay down my arms because continuing the war will produce turmoil and evil, in place of happiness. This is not the end sought by the insurrection. I lay down my arms, because my expectations are at one with the lofty designs of the noble Governor-General, His Excellency, Senor Don Fernando Primo de Rivera, Marques de Estella, who filled with love for our dear country, inaugurated an era of peace from the time when he took up the reins of government of this Spanish territory. I lay down my arms in accordance with the patriotic advice of the Arbitrator, the Maginoo, Pedro A. Paterno, lover of the well-being of our native land. I go of my own will. I go, for in spite of the personal immunity which is given me by the laws, by promises and by Spanish honor, yet the violent passion of hatred, or some other political passion, might be able to raise its suicidal hand and make victims, creating [anew] disturbance and turmoil in the life of our land. Viva Espana! Viva Filipinas!" (Taylor, 1:418)
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 were: 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]
Aguinaldo and his companions, send this telegram to Gov. Gen. Primo de Rivera, viz: "Those who were the 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 first they saw the light of day. All are confident that Spain, impelled by right and justice, will grant reforms without bloodshed or combat, since so much has already stained the soil of Luzon - blood of heroes and martyrs, now brothers in peace. Those who today offer themselves loyally to Spain recommend as the paternal policy of Your Excellency a real agreement between rights and liberty. " (Taylor, 1: 426-7)
[In this telegram, Aguinaldo again mentions reforms which he hope will be granted by Spain, the same reforms denied by Primo de Rivera and are not found in the final copy of the peace agreement. This apparent omission of the reforms can also be gleaned from the last interview Aguinaldo had with Madrid's newspaper, the "El Imparcial". As far as Aguinaldo was concerned the surrender was in exchange for indemnity and reforms which were specified in the draft agreement which he, Llanera and Narividad signed. But the text of this interview mentions that the reforms were not asked. On top of that, this interview had become controversial not only because of the misrepresentation about the reforms but more so because it mentions Aguinaldo had Bonifacio shot. Click here for the copy of the controversial interview - author]
December 29, 1897
At Biak-na-bato, a meeting is held presided by Isabelo Artacho as the provisional president in the absence of Aguinaldo in which a petition is drawn up and signed by him, by Macabulos, who had led the objection to the surrender, Ricarte, I. Torres, P. Rizal, and Jose Salvador Natividad addressed to the Spanish government stating their desire that the money should be distributed among them upon the surrender of the arms of those leaders who are remaining in the country. (Taylor, 1:92)
December 31, 1897
Aguinaldo and 26 companions arrives in Hongkong. (Taylor, 1:93)
As provided in the peace agreement, the surrender of arms of the Filipino rebels begins and will continue 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)]
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