The Ilongo "Revolucionarios" and the second phase of the Philippine revolution

Abstract

The revolutionary era in Iloilo Province can be divided into four distinct periods: the first, a period of active, pro-Hispanic loyalism from August 1896 when the Tagalog revolution began until August 1898 when the Spaniards surrendered to the Americans; second, a period of preparation and linking up with Malolos from August 1898 to October 1898; third, a period of brief local autonomy from November 1898 to January 1899, when a U.S. Army expeditionary force landed in Iloilo; and, finally, a period of sporadic fighting in 1899 and beyond as the U.S. military tried to establish control.

When the Katipunan revolution broke out in August 1896, the Ilongo elite responded with protestations of outrage and moving evocations of pro-Spanish loyalty. In fact, only a few days after news of the Luzon uprising reached Iloilo, the Jaro Ayuntamiento or municipal government — comprised entirely of Ilongos — convened a special session to pass a resolution condemning the act of rebellion and calling those who were responsible for it as “ungrateful”. They, at the same time, assured the Spaniards of the “unshakable” loyalty of the Ilongos. Many even enlisted as loyal volunteers in the different towns of the province committed to preserve Spanish hegemony.