Philippine revolts against Spain

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Philippine revolts against Spain
date=1567-1872
place=Philippines
result=Most revolts failed
combatant1=
combatant2=
commander1= other Spanish governor-generals and military commanders
commander2=
other Filipino rebel commanders

"'During the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, several revolts occurred that were instigated for a number of reasons. It can be agreed upon that the common underlying cause of these revolts were the generally repressive policies of the Spanish colonial government against native Filipinos. Most of these revolts failed however.

Dagami Revolt (1567)

The Dagami Revolt was a revolt against Spanish colonial rule led by the Filipino rebel, Dagami, in the island of Cebu in the Philippines, in 1567. [Citation
url=http://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/hero/cev/page2.html
title=Central and Eastern Visayas Dagami and Eugenio S. Daza
publisher=msc.edu.ph
accessdate=2008-07-04]

Manila Revolt (1574)

The Manila Revolt, also known as the Lakandula Revolt, or the Sulayman Revolt, was an uprising in 1574 against Spanish colonial rule led by Rajah Lakandula and Rajah Sulayman, in Manila, in the Philippines. The revolt occurred in the same year when the Chinese pirate, Limahong attacked the palisaded, yet poorly-defended enclosure of Intramuros.

Before the death of Governor-General Miguel López de Legazpi, Lakandula was baptized as "Carlos Lacandola", and he and his descendants (along with Sulayman), were justly compensated with exemption from tribute and forced labor, which their families enjoyed until 1884. The Lakandula and Sulayman families also received the exclusive right to keep their family names. Legazpi's successor, however, Governor-General Guido de Lavezaris, sequestered their properties, and even tolerated the abuse and oppression of their people by Spanish "encomienderos". With the help of Spanish and Filipino colonial troops, Governor-General Lavezaris was able to quell the rebellion and restore order in Manila.

Pampangos Revolt (1585)

The Pampangos Revolt, or the First Pampangos Revolt, was an uprising in 1585 by native Kapampangan leaders against Spanish landowners, or "encomienderos", in the Philippines. It began due to the abuses inflicted by the "encomienderos" on the natives of Pampanga. The revolt included a plot to storm Intramuros. However, the conspiracy was foiled before it could even be implemented, after a Filipino woman who was married to a Spanish soldier reported the plot to the Spanish authorities. Spanish and Filipino colonial troops were sent by Governor-General Santiago de Vera, and the leaders of the revolt were arrested and summarily executed.

Conspiracy of the Maharlikas (1587-1588)

The Conspiracy of the "Maharlikas", or the Tondo Conspiracy of 1587-1588 was a plot against Spanish colonial rule by the kin-related noblemen, or "datus", of Manila and some towns of Bulacan and Pampanga, in the Philippines. It was led by Agustin de Legazpi, nephew of Lakandula, and his first cousin, Martin Pangan. The datus swore to rise up in arms by anointing their necks with a split egg. The uprising failed when they were betrayed to the Spanish authorities by Antonio Surabao (Susabau) of Calamianes. [Citation
url=http://senorenrique.blogspot.com/2006/10/brunei-connection.html
title=Wish You Were Here
author=Señor Enrique
accessdate=2008-07-14]

Revolts Against the Tribute (1589)

The Revolts Against the Tribute occurred in the present-day provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur in 1589. The natives, which included Ilocanos, Ibanags and others, rose in revolt over alleged abuses by tax collectors, including the collection of unjust taxes. Governor-General Santiago de Vera sent Spanish and Filipino colonial troops to pacify the rebels. They were eventually pardoned, and reforms on the Philippine tax system were made.

*Dingras Revolt [Citation
url=http://www.bibingka.com/phg/ilocos/default.htm
title=Philippine History Group of Los Angeles
publisher=Alfonso S. Quilala Jr.
accessdate=2008-07-17]
*Cagayan Revolt [Citation
url=http://eksite.com/x.html?http://eksite.com/viray.071029.html
title=Electronic Kabalen
publisher=J. Reylan Bustos Viray
accessdate=2008-07-17]

Magalat Revolt (1596)

The Magalat Revolt was an uprising in the Philippines in 1596, led by Magalat, a Filipino rebel from Cagayan. He had been arrested in Manila for inciting rebellion against the Spanish, and after he was released on the importunities of some Dominican priests, he returned to Cagayan. Together with his brother, he incited the whole country to revolt. He was said to have committed atrocities upon his fellow natives for refusing to rise up against the Spaniards. He soon controlled the countryside, and the Spanish eventually found themselves besieged.

The Spanish Governor-General Francisco de Tello de Guzmán, sent Pedro de Chaves from Manila with Spanish and Filipino colonial troops. They fought successfully against the rebels, and captured and executed several leaders under Magalat. Magalat himself was assassinated within his fortified headquarters by his own men, who apparently had been promised a reward by the Spaniards. [Citation
url=http://www.bartleby.com/67/867.html
title=The Philippines 1500-1800
author=Bartleby
accessdate=2008-07-04]

Igorot Revolt (1601)

The Igorot Revolt was a religious revolt in 1601 against Spanish attempts to Christianize the Igorot people of northern Luzon, in the Philippines. Governor-General Francisco de Tello de Guzmán sent Captain Aranda with Spanish and Filipino colonial troops, who successfully crushed the Igorot rebellion. [Citation
url=http://www.elaput.org/chrm1601.htm
title=Aklasan ng mga Igorot nuong 1601
publisher=elaput.org
accessdate=2008-07-04]

=Irraya Revolt (1621)=THE THE IRRAYA REVOLT Becacuse of the cuelty of the spaniards to them and Felipe Catabay revolt Againts spain

Tamblot Revolt (1621-1622)

The Tamblot Revolt or Tamblot Uprising was a religious uprising in the island of Bohol, led by Tamblot in 1621. The Jesuits first came to Bohol in 1596, and eventually governed the island and converted the Boholanos to the Catholic faith. Tamblot, a "babaylan" or native priest, urged his fellow Boholanos to return to the old native religion of their forefathers. [ [http://www.nhi.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=2 The Revolts before the Revolution] www.nhi.gov.ph Retrieved 21 November, 2006.]

The revolt began on the day when the Jesuits were in Cebu, celebrating the feast day of St. Francis Xavier. It was finally crushed on New Year's Day, in 1622.

Bankaw Revolt (1621-1622)

The Bankaw Revolt was a religious uprising against Spanish colonial rule led by Bankaw, the "datu" of Limasawa, in Carigara, in the present-day Philippine province of Southern Leyte.

Bankaw had warmly received Miguel López de Legazpi as his guest, when he first arrived in the Philippines in 1565. Although baptized as a Christian in his youth, he abandoned his faith in later years. With a "babaylan", or religious leader named Pagali, he built a temple for a "diwata" or local goddess, and pressed six towns to rise up in revolt. Similar to the Tamblot Uprising, Pagali used magic to attract followers, and claimed that they could turn the Spaniards into clay by hurling bits of earth at them.

Governor-General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza sent the "alcalde mayor" of Cebu, Juan de Alcarazo, with Spanish and Filipino colonial troops, to suppress the rebellion. Bankaw's severed head was impaled on a bamboo stake and displayed to the public as a stern warning. One of his sons was also beheaded, and one of the "babaylans" was burned at the stake. Three other followers were executed by firing squad.

Isneg Revolt (1625-1627)

The Isneg Revolt, or the Mandaya Revolt, was a religious uprising against Spanish colonial rule led by Miguel Lanab and Alababan, two Christianized Filipinos from the Isneg or Mandaya tribe of Capinatan, in northwestern Cagayan, in the Philippines. The region is now part of the landlocked province of Apayao.

In June of 1625, Lanab and Alababan murdered, beheaded and mutilated two Dominican missionaries, Father Alonzo Garcia and Brother Onofre Palao, who were sent by the Spanish colonial government to convert the Isneg people to Christianity. After cutting Father Garcia's body into pieces, they fed his flesh to a herd of pigs. Afterwards, they compelled their fellow Isnegs to loot, desecrate Christian images, set fire to the local churches, and escape with them to the mountains.

In 1626, Governor-General Fernándo de Silva sent Spanish and Filipino colonial troops to suppress the rebellion. They destroyed farms and other sources of food to starve the Isnegs, and forced them to surrender in 1627.

CARAGA Revolt (1639)

Cagayan Revolt (1639)

Ladia Revolt (1643)

Zambales Revolt (1645)

Pampanga Revolt (1645)

umuroy Revolt (1649-50)

In what is today the town of Palapag in Northern Samar, Juan Ponce Sumuroy, a Waray, and some of his followers rose in arms on June 1, 1649 over the "polo" system being undertaken in Samar. This is known as the Sumuroy Revolt, named after Juan Ponce Sumuroy.

The government in Manila directed that all natives subject to the "polo" are not to be sent to places distant from their hometowns to do their "polo". However, under orders of the various town "alcaldes", or mayors, Samarnons were being sent to the shipyards of Cavite to do their "polo", which sparked the revolt. The local parish priest of Palapag was murdered and the revolt eventually spread to Mindanao, Bicol and the rest of the Visayas, especially in places such as Cebu, Masbate, Camiguin, Zamboanga, Albay, Camarines and parts of northern Mindanao, such as Surigao. A free government was also established in the mountains of Samar.

The defeat, capture and execution of Sumuroy in June 1650 delivered a big setback to the revolt. His trusted co conspirator David Dula sustained the quest for freedom with greater vigor but in one of a fierce battles several years later, he was wounded, captured and later executed in Palapag, Northern Samar by the Spaniards together with his seven key lieutenants, one of who was the great great grandfather of current Northern Samar Governor Raul Daza [http://pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p070828.htm&no=7&date=08/28/2007] .The capture of Dula marked the end of the revolt in its operational center in Northern Samar but the sporadic skirmises and hatred with the Spanish authorities started by Sumuroy and Dula in some parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao continues, and pursued by new faces in the rebellion fronts.This is marked as the beginning of the end of the long Spanish rule in the country.

Pintados Revolt (1649-1650)

Zambal Revolt (1660)

Maniago Revolt (1660)

MANIAGO REVOLT (was actually a non-revolt) led by Don Francisco Maniago, initially caused by natives' protest against the polo and bandala, later became a struggle to free the natives from Spanish rule. The rebels were weakened by Gov. de Lara's cooperation of Arayat chief Macapagal. [http://www.geocities.com/rowenareyesboquiren/Streams.htm]

Malong Revolt (1660-1661)

The Andress Malong Revolt

The Filipinos revolted against Spanish rule due to the oppressive treatment given them by the Spaniards. One of these revolts was the Malong Revolt. The people were suffering from forced labor and the non-payment of the timber used in the construction of galleons as well as rice and other foodstuffs.

The Malong Revolt was influenced by the Pampanga revolt because the prevailing conditions then at Pampanga and Pangasinan were almost the same. Andres Malong led the People in Pangasinan to take up arms against the Spaniards. The revolt spread throughout the province with great success so that he proclaimed himself King of Pangasinan.

Thousands of Filipinos joined this revolt and Malong was tempted to extend it to Pampanga, Ilocos, and Cagayan. The dispersal of his forces, however, proved to be his undoing. It weakened his own defenses in Pangasinan, enabling the Spaniards to capture him and suppress his revolt before reinforcements could arrive from the other provinces. Malong was subsequently executed.

In the 18th century the people of Binalatongan (now San Carlos City), Pangasinan, took arms demanding the removal of the tribute and the Alcalde-Mayor, Joaquin Gamboa who had been making illegal collections of the tribute. The defeat of the Spaniards in Manila by the British during the Seven Years' War and the occupation of the city by the British, contributed to the outbreak of the revolt.

The realization that the Spaniards could be defeated encouraged the Filipinos, who took advantage of the preoccupation of the Spaniards with their British enemies. But a Spanish force defeated the rebels in Bayambang.

Later, Juan dela Cruz Palaris, a native of Binalatongan, led a renewal of the revolt. It spread throughout the province, especially in the towns of Calasiao, Dagupan,Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Jacinto, Bayambang, Malasiqui, Santa Barbara, and Paniqui. As a concession, the Spanish authorities required the alcalde-mayor of Pangasinan to resign. The people of Pangasinan continued their resistance nonetheless, but were finally defeated in March, 1764. Palaris was captured and hanged. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/malong.htm]

Ilocano Revolt (1661)

Tapar Revolt (1663)

The Tapar Revolt was a religious uprising in 1663, that stemmed from the prevalent misdemeanors of Spanish friars that alienated countless Filipino natives from the Catholic faith. Tapar a native of of the island of Panay, in the Philippines, wanted to establish a religious cult in the town of Oton. He attracted many followers with his stories about his frequent conversations with a demon. Tapar and his men were killed in a bloody skirmish against Spanish and Filipino colonial troops. Their corpses were impaled in stakes.

Zambal Revolt (1681-1683)

Rivera Revolt (1718)

Magtanĝaga Revolt (1718)

Caragay Revolt (1719)

Dagohoy Rebellion (1744-1829)

In 1744 in what is now the province of Bohol, what is known today as the Dagohoy Revolt was undertaken by Francisco Dagohoy and some of his followers. This revolt is unique since it is the only Philippine revolt completely related to matters of religious customs, although unlike the Tamblot Uprising before it, it is not a complete religious rebellion.

After a duel in which Dagohoy's brother died, the local parish priest refused to give his brother a proper Christian burial, since dueling is a mortal sin. The refusal of the priest to give his brother a proper Christian burial eventually led to the longest revolt ever held in Philippine history: 85 years. It also led to the establishment of a free Boholano government. Twenty governors-general, from Juan Arrechederra to Mariano Ricafort Palacín y Ararca, failed to stop the revolt. Ricafort himself sent a force of 2,200 troops to Bohol, which was defeated by Dagohoy's followers. Another attack, also sent by Ricafort in 1828 and 1829, failed as well.

Dagohoy died two years before the revolt ended, though, which led to the end of the revolt in 1829. Some 19,000 survivors were granted pardon and were eventually allowed to live in new Boholano villages: namely, the present-day towns of Balilihan, Batuan, Bilar (Vilar), Catigbian and Sevilla (Cabulao).

Agrarian Revolt (1745-1746)

The Agrarian Revolt was a revolt undertaken between the years 1745 and 1746 in much of the present-day CALABARZON (specifically in Batangas, Laguna and Cavite) and in Bulacan, with its first sparks in the towns of Lian and Nasugbu in Batangas. Filipino landowners rose in arms over the land-grabbing of Spanish friars, with native landowners demanding that Spanish priests return their lands on the basis of ancestral domain.

The refusal of the Spanish priests resulted in much rioting, resulting in massive looting of convents and arson of churches and ranches. The case was eventually investigated by Spanish officials and was even heard in the court of King Philip IV, in which he ordered the priests to return the lands they seized. The priests were successfully able to appeal the return of lands back to the natives, which resulted in no land being returned to native landowners.

ilang Revolt (1762-63)

Arguably one of the most famous revolts in Philippine history is the Silang Revolt from 1762 to 1763, led by the couple of Diego and Gabriela Silang. Unlike the other revolts, this revolt took place during the British invasion of Manila.

On December 14, 1762, Diego Silang declared the independence of Ilocandia, naming the state "Free Ilocos" and proclaimed Vigan the capital of this newly-independent state. The British heard about this revolt in Manila and even asked the help of Silang in fighting the Spanish.

However, Silang was killed on May 28, 1763 by Miguel Vicos, a friend of Silang. The Spanish authorities paid for his murder, leading to his death in the arms of his wife, Gabriela. She continued her husband's struggle, earning the title "Joan of Arc of the Ilocos" because of her many victories in battle. The battles of the Silang revolt are a prime example of the use of "divide et impera", since Spanish troops largely used Kampampangan soldiers to fight the Ilocanos.

Eventually, the revolt ended with the defeat of the Ilocanos. Gabriela Silang was executed by Spanish authorities in Vigan on September 10, 1763.

Palaris Revolt (1762-1765)

The struggle of the Filipinos for freedom is a continuous one. In war as in peace they have never wavered. An example of this struggle is the Palaris Revolt of 1762-1765 led by Juan de la Cruz Palaris of Binalatongan, now San Carlos City. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The exact name of Juan de la Cruz Palaris is Pantaleon Perez. He was the son to Tomas Perez, a cabeza de barangay. He was born in Barrio Coliling, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, in the year ] 1733, third in a family of five, with three brothers and one sister. The first two elder brothers died when they were yet small and the youngest brother lived to marry yet. While the sister next to him grew into a beautiful but manly woman who used to kill a wild boar single handedly. She was finally killed in her own game, that is, she was killed and devoured by the wild boars. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

It was not known whether Pantaleon Perez was able to enter to school during his lifetime. The sources on this matter are silent, but he must have acquired some form of practical education while he was in Manila because when he returned to San Carlos, he was held in high esteem and the people looked up to him as a cultured and refined man. In the words of Simon de Anda: "he onced served as a coachman of Auditor Don Francisco Enriques de Villacorta." His dealing with his townsmen earned for him their confidence and respect and, being a dynamic and restless man, he easily became their leader. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

History records him as Juan de la Cruz "Palaripar" then as "Palaris," but for convenience he was more popularly known as "Palaris." He was called "Palaripar" as he was the fastest runner and his legs appeared to be twirling like an auger and the ground furrowed. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

Immediate Causes of the Revolt

The immediate causes of the revolt were the failure of the government to satisfy the petition of the people demanding: (1) The return of the tributes that had been collected, (2) the removal of the schoolmaster and the church officials, (3) the removal of the alcalde-mayor of the province, Don Joaquin Gamboa, (4) permanence in office for the then master-of-camp of the province, Andres Lopez, a native, and (5) a promise that they be exempted from the payment of the tributes if they go to Jolo to fight the Moros. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The Revolt Proper

The Spanish Force: the Battle of Bayambang (First Battle).

Palaris was prepared to meet the Spanish force. He instructed his men to get ready not to allow the Spanish force from Manila to reach Pangasinan. In a flash, Palaris gave the command to mobilize, in spite of Governor-General Anda's last minute rally to gain their support. They advanced to Bayambang to intercept the enemy there. They built some trenches in the western bank of the Bayambang River in a place called Manambong where they believed their enemies would pass through.

Some hours and perhaps a day or two, had already passed. The rebels were impatient waiting for their enemies. Was the Spanish force coming? Two, and then three more shots were heard. General Antonio of the rebel force went up a tall tree to find out. Verily, the Spanish force was coming. He blew his bugle and the rebels reported to their leader, Palaris. The latter instructed them to line up along the opposite west bank of the Bayambang River and spread themselves. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The Spanish force numbering 33 Spaniards and 400 natives headed by Francisco Arayat from Bacolor, finally arrived at the east bank of the river. As the river was impossible to crossed, the Spanish leader detained his men for some time. Then he thought best to send an embassy to the rebels so that they would submit. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

"If Your Majesty Has Muskets, We Have Cannons."

Palaris received the members of the embassy courteously, who accordingly told him of their plan. Immediately he replied (rather haughtily): "If your majesty has muskets, we have cannons." Thereupon, the Spanish commander was compelled to make war on them, attacking them in the trenches which they built with five hundred men equipped with thirty-four muskets and some cannons besides their bows and arrows. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The rebels hurled their banner to the breeze accompanied by a hot from a cannon of the caliber of four, and two shots from falconets. Spanish Lieutenant Pedro Hernani, with one sergeant, one corporal, and twenty soldiers began to cross the river on their horses. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The rest of the Spanish force was left as a reserve. Lieutenant Pedro Hernani was the first to reach the other bank; but he was at once shot by General Domingo by an arrow which pierced his breast. Lieutenant Hernani, at once returned his deadly blow by a gunshot crashing in at Domingo's temple, and they both died - the heroes of the occasion. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

The Rebel's Flag

Pedro Tagle succeeded Lieutenant Hernani. He shouted at his soldiers not to waver, and the battle was on. It later developed into a hand to hand fight; and the rebels, lacking in military training and equipment began to waver, and they broke. The Spanish force captured their flag which they immediately brought to their commander-in-chief, Francisco Arayat.

The rebel flag was two varas long and a trifle more narrow. At each corner was a two-headed eagle, and in the center an escutcheon with its border. Within it were the arms of the Order of St. Dominic. With the rebel flag in their possession, the Spanish force decided to return to Manila, thinking that the rebels were already gone for good never to offer trouble again. Palaris saw them leaving, and desirous still to kill some soldiers of the Spanish army, he adroitly crossed the river and attacked them from behind. After killing many of them to his heart's satisfaction he dashed to the thick underbrush and then escaped to join men. The Spanish commander forbore to attack them reiterating that he would act mildly, and he continued his march to Manila.

Preparing For a Second Battle

The rebels mended their broken fences and reinforced their armaments and ammunition at the west bank of the Bayambang River. For two months, in the early part of 1764, they prepared and waited for another battle. At last news was relayed to then that a formidable Spanish force under Manuel Arza which recently quelled the Silang Revolt in the Ilocos appeared in Mapatalan, San Fabian. It was headed for the rebels' headquarters. Palaris at once sent a reconnoitering force of cavalrymen headed by General Victor Valdez. It was planned that this cavalry force should intercept the Spanish force at Mangaldan, while Palaris, with the rest of his infantry should stay in the barrio of Pias, Sta. Barbara for some strategic reasons.

The reconnoitering force of General Victor Valdez reached Mangaldan as planned. But instead of keeping a close watch on the approach of their enemies, they indulged in merry-making, frolic, and fun. Wine flowed freely, and they drank themselves to sleep. It was about 2:00 o'clock in the morning when they woke up; and the Spanish force was already bombarding Palaris' place at Pias, Sta. Barbara. The Spanish force was able to escape the vigilant watch of the reconnoiters proving that General Victor Valdez was negligent. There was nothing more to do than to mount their horses for the succor of their leader, Palaris. On their way they met a group of fleeing soldiers of the Spanish force who were evidently but by Palaris from the main body of the Spanish army. Victor Valdez' cavalrymen charged upon them and they fled in another direction. They continued their way just the same, and at last they rejoined Palaris' beleaguered force.

The battle dragged on unmercilessly, and the ground was already drenched in blood, and dead bodies could be counted by the hundreds. In the wake of the battle, neither force was the victor because there were but few fighting men left on both sides. Pias was converted into a veritable pool of blood. Whatever remained in the battlefield, either corpses or cannons, were ordered thrown into the Sta. Barbara Gorge by Palaris.

Death of General Antonio

Victor Valdez's cavalrymen presented themselves to Palaris after the battle, willing to suffer the consequences of their gross military blunder at Mangaldan. Between Valdez and Palaris there was only an understanding of personal friendship; but this time this friendship was hanging on the balance. Palaris received them quietly but indifferently, his eyes were burning with passion and anger. The soldiers remainly only passive and waited for their leader to "cool off." "Where is General Antonio?" was all that he could utter. Somebody informed him that he had been captured by the enemy, helplessly bound in fetters. Surprised, and apprehensive of any untoward development against General Antonio, Palaris immediately sent some of his men to rescue him.

General Antonio was at this time being cross-questioned by the Spanish commandant, under ordeals for any clue leading to the capture of Palaris. His questions were rather pressing and persistent, with a promise of freedom afterward. Would General Antonio tell the name and native town of his leader? It would be plain cowardice and treason on his part, pure and simple. At least, he must tell him the name but not the real one. Palaris was what he told the Spanish commandant, and Mangaldan was his native town. The Spanish commandant was overjoyed with the new recovery; but instead of giving General Antonio freedom, he had him beheaded, and his body thrown into the river.

The Spanish commandant immediately had the name of Palaris written in big letters on canvas together with the name of his native town, Mangaldan, and exhibited it in a conspicuous place where everybody could see. It was purposely done to facilitate the capture of Palaris. His name and native town were whispered from ear to ear until it was the most popular name in the whole province of Pangasinan at the time. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

"A Fight To The Death" At Dagupan

The rebels on the other hand were busy fortifying their trenches in Pias, Sta. Barbara, waiting again for the appearance of another force of Spanish soldiers. They were busy manufacturing their poisoned arrows which were then very effective in spelling doom for their enemies. Before long news was flashed to them that an enemy force from the Ilocos entered Dagupan from the sea and that they were headed for the headquarters of the rebels. There was not much time to be lost by this time; and Palaris ordered his men to mobilize.

Within a few minutes they were marching head-long to meet their enemy. At Calasiao, they almost captured the municipal officials who were luckily entrenched in a certain impregnable building. The rebels were however in a hurry, so they left and continued their march to meet their enemy somewhere.

At Dagupan, the two forces clashed, and the battle raged for days until it lasted for one week. Little by little the rebels gave way, retreating until they were on the dead run. Hunger was gripping them and when they reached Calasiao they were almost out of their senses. They crossed the bridge and broke it when they were already on the other bank.

A Spanih Commandant Locked Horns With a Rebel Chief

The Spanish force could not press on them further but they were so ingenious and determined that they all plunged into the river and swam to the opposite bank while the rebels kept up the song of their bullets and arrows. A hand to hand fight ensued, but this spelled great disaster for the rebel force.

The Spanish commandant, Manuel Arza met General Victor Valdez, and they grappled like wild beasts. They were masters of their own art, these two leaders. The attention of all soldiers, rebels and Spanish soldiers and volunteers alike, was centered on them. It seemed as if these two combatants would decide the outcome of the day's battle. It was a fight of the century, neither combatant gaining advantage of the other as both of them were well adept in their own craft. A hand, and then a leg rose up to land on the neck and lower extremities of the other, only to be unlocked and to be pushed aside by the other. They clinched again, at this time they rolled down the steep bank of the river down to the abysmal depth of the water below. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

There was a sepulchral silence. The onlookers were at a loss to explain what would happen next. Two minutes, five minutes, and ten minutes passed without any head to crop up from below. Suddenly, the water turned crimson with human blood punctuated by occasional bubbles here and there. A head appeared - a black head. It was Victor Valdez' head, the rebel general. With him tucked up in his right arm was the lifeless body of the Spanish commandant, with a twisted head. For was Valdez not a strong man? He was the Samson of the rebel forces. Shouts of victory from the rebels' ranks rent the air. Then bang! A shot was fired from the Spanish rank. And down went the swimming body of strong man Valdez. It was the curtain for him too. The two combatants died, one licked by a superior skill of an antagonist's limbs, and the other by a treacherous shot from a humbled enemy.

Palaris' Last Stand At Calasiao: January, 1765

Palaris' self pride was hurt. It was foul play from the enemy. Leaving his perch, he swooped down on his enemies' rank, and smashed them right and left with his glistening sword. Many went down like grass, helpless against the onslaught of the maddened rebel leader. The battle between the Spanish force and the rebel force was resumed, and the Grim Reaper was busy with its toll. The rebels were being pushed little by little to the east until they reached the barrio of Ymbo in San Carlos. Hunger was gripping them. Their enemies knew this and they brought their suit harder until many of the rebels were killed. According to Sinibaldo de Mas, about 10,000 of the rebels were killed, while with the Spanish force, only 60 Spaniards and 140 natives suffered death. Carlos and Satur of rebel force were killed, Palaris knew this, and thus his valor was giving way. Without the knowledge of his soldiers and enemies, he cautiously slipped into a thick underbrush and then to the wilderness in the forest.

His rebels followed suit and fled in all directions; but some were however captured. They were later pardoned by "Governor" Anda through the entreaties of Bishop Fr. Bernardo Ustariz of Nueva Segovia. Palaris was still lurking in the forest of Ymbo, San Carlos; so the Spanish force riddled every nook and corner of the forest with bullets believing that Palaris could be caught dead. Many were killed of course. But they were the helpless women and children who left their homes to escape the fury of the Spanish force. Without the knowledge of hi enemies, Palaris slipped to Dedios, now barrio Torac, San Carlos. Here, he led a wild life, wandering from place to place, from Dedios to Magtaking, and then to Pao where he was finally killed in January, 1765. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

A Sister's Treachery

The story of his death was rather pathetic, filled with treachery was his own sister, Simona, almost strange and unbelievable. Simona used to ration her brother with his regular meals, and even his tobacco and other necessities were supplied him. But one time she failed to be on time in giving his meals and daily needs. The result was that Palaris beat her and kicked her unmercilessly. This provoked her to report to the Spanish commandant, Pedro Bonardel, the hiding place of her brother. There was no other alternative than this to end her sufferings. The Spanish commandant and his soldiers took the tip with great joy as they set on their journey to capture the rebel leader with Simona as their guide. Upon reaching the vicinity of Palaris' lair, she instructed the soldiers to keep low and to hide behind bushes. Palaris began to eat his noonday meal as usual without the slightest fear of danger.

Simona watched her brother eat his meal for a time. Then she sneaked into the place where her brother's bows and arrows were hidden and destroyed all of them. she Later raised the agreed signal of attack and the curtain for Palaris came. He died while he was eating without being able to defend himself. He was a victim of a treachery well planned, paying very dearly for the cruelty he inflicted on his sister.

Mutilation of Palaris' Body

The soldiers of the Spanish force brought the mutilated body of Palaris to the town of San Carlos where it was, in the words of Ramon Diaz, "paraded all over the principal streets accompanied by a band." Speeches were delivered, and then they began to administer a further mutilation of Palaris' corpse as if they were butchering a pig. His head was hung at the south end of the Cava Bridge, his left hand at the Caapangan Bridge (now Imbornalla), his right hand at the San Juan Bridge, his right leg at the Malabago (now in calasiao), his left leg at the manat Bridge, and finally his heart at Taloy.

With the death of Palaris, went also the end of the Palaris Revolt of 1762-1765. The people who fled to the mountains were thereby advised to return to their repective homes. Their suffering, both with the fear of the rebels and the Spanish forces, was also ended. Danger from animals was thereafter terminated. It should be noted that these people suffered the greatest hardship when the revolt was still raging. They all threw their babies into the river to avoid detection in their hiding places when they cried. In Catopactopacan, babies were killed by the hundreds under necessity. In Mamerlao, Ymbo, Taloy, and Panoypoy many built dugouts under the ground to avoid being seen and being hit by a stray bullet or arrow. While many preferred to hide in caves along the steep banks of the river, others chose to hide in the hollows of big trees, behind big boulders and other dark places. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

Many of them fell victims to snake bites and other poisonous and carnivorous animals. Others were devoured by crocodiles and wild boars. Still a great many died from hunger as few of them dared to venture into the open to procure fresh food supply. Those who survived contented themselves in eating young guava leaves to stave off hunger.

The End of the Revolt: a Lesson?

Thus, the Palaris Revolt of 1762-1765 ended. The Pangasinenses tasted for the second time the bitter pill of war and the Spaniards burned their fingers again and learned a great lesson. But history, as others say, repeats itself. The revolution of 1896, and the was of 1899 are still well known. [http://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/towns/palaris.htm]

Camarines Revolt (1762-1764)

Cebu Revolt (1762-1764)

Dabo and Marayac Revolt (1763)

Isabela Revolt (1763)

Lagutao Revolt (1785)

Ilocos Norte Revolt (1788)

Magtanong and Malibiran Revolt (1787)

Nueva Vizcaya Revolt (1805)

Ambaristo Revolt (1807)

The Ambaristo Revolt, also known as the Basi Revolt, was a revolt undertaken from September 16-28, 1807. It was led by Pedro Mateo with its events occurring in the present-day town of Piddig in Ilocos Norte. This revolt is unique as it revolves around the Ilocanos' love for "basi", or sugarcane wine.

In 1786, the Spanish colonial government expropriated the manufacture and sale of "basi", effectively banning private manufacture of the wine, which was done before expropriation. Ilocanos were forced to buy from government stores. However, wine-loving Ilocanos in Piddig rose in revolt on September 16, 1807, with the revolt spreading to nearby towns and with fighting lasting for weeks. Spanish troops eventually quelled the revolt on September 28, 1807, albeit with much force and loss of life on the losing side.

200th anniversary

On September 28, 2007, the nearby town of San Ildefonso in Ilocos Sur celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Basi Revolt. The celebrations were led by Ilocos Sur governor Deogracias Victor "DV" Savellano and Representative Ronald Singson. Recently, the Sangguniang Bayan of San Ildefonso approved a resolution declaring September 16 as a non-working holiday and named the old road in Gongogong as Ambaristo Street in honor of Salarogo Ambaristo, the right-hand man of the revolt leader, Pedro Mateo. Town mayor Christian Purisima also enrolled "basi" as their entry into the "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) program of Savellano. [ [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=94222 Abs-Cbn Interactive, Ilocanos mark 200 yrs. of Basi Revolt] ]

Ilocos Norte Revolt (1811)

Sarat Revolt (1815)

Bayot Revolt (1822)

Parang and Upay Revolt (1822-1835)

Pule Revolt (1840-41)

One of the most famous religious revolts is the Pule Revolt, more formally known as the Religious Revolt of Hermano Pule. Undertaken between June 1840 and November 1841, this revolt was led by Apolinario de la Cruz, otherwise known as "Hermano Pule".

De la Cruz started his own religious order, the Confraternity of Saint Joseph ( _es. Confradia de San José) in Lucban, located in the present-day province of Quezon (then called Tayabas), in June 1840. However, there were two types of priests in the Philippines then: "secular priests", or parish priests, which were usually Filipino, and "religious priests", or convent priests, which were usually Spanish. Due to the concentration of Spanish religious power and authority in the already-established religious orders (the Augustinians, Jesuits and Franciscans to name a few) and the concept that Filipino priests should only stay in the church and not the convent and vice-versa (although this was not always followed), the Spanish government banned the new order, especially due to its deviation from original Catholic rituals and teachings, such as prayers and rituals suited for Filipinos.

However, thousands of people in Tayabas, Batangas, Laguna and even Manila already joined. Because of this, the Spanish government sent in troops to forcibly break up the order, forcing De la Cruz and his followers to rise in armed revolt in self-defense. Many bloody battles were fought with the order's last stand in Mount San Cristobal, near Mount Banahaw, in October 1841. The Spaniards eventually won, and Apolinario de la Cruz was executed on November 4, 1841 in the then-provincial capital, Tayabas.

It did not end there, though. Many members of the Spanish armed forces' Tayabas regiment, based in Malate in Manila, had relatives that were members of the order, of which many of those relatives were also killed in the ensuing violence. On January 20, 1843, the regiment, led by Sergeant Irineo Samaniego, rose in mutiny, eventually capturing Fort Santiago in Intramuros. The next day, however, the gates of Fort Santiago were opened by loyalist soldiers. After a bloody battle, the mutineers were defeated by loyalist troops, resulting in the execution of Samaniego and 81 of his followers the same day.

Camerino Revolt (1865-1869)

Labios Revolt (1870-1871)

Cavite Mutiny (1872)

*"See also: Gomburza"

ee also

*History of the Philippines (1521–1898)
*Military History of the Philippines

References