Philippine Revolution Pact of Biak-na-Bato PDF

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS Father Pio Pi (Jesuit) and Rafael Comenge approached General Aguinaldo with peace proposals, but they were rejected. Paterno took over the negotiations, visiting Biak-na-Bato from August to December to confer with revolutionary leaders. August 9, 1897: The first...

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS Father Pio Pi (Jesuit) and Rafael Comenge approached General Aguinaldo with peace proposals, but they were rejected. Paterno took over the negotiations, visiting Biak-na-Bato from August to December to confer with revolutionary leaders. August 9, 1897: The first protocol of negotiations was discussed where 3 million pesos were demanded Key Demands of the Revolutionaries (as part of the protocol): - Expulsion of Religious Orders - Representation in the Spanish Cortes - True Justice for Filipinos - Adjustment of Property, Taxes, and Parishes - Proclamation of Individual Rights THE PACT OF BIAK-NA-BATO Mamerto Natividad, General of Central Luzon, opposed the peace efforts. He was considered one of the most capable leaders of the revolution according to General Alejandrino, the most level headed man of the revolution of 1896. Natividad died in the Battle of Kabiaw on November 9, 1897 December 14, 1897: General Primo de Rivera (representing the Spanish Government) and Pedro A. Paterno (representing the revolutionaries) signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. Key Provisions of the Pact: 1. Aguinaldo’s Exile: ○ Aguinaldo and his companions chose to live in Hong Kong ○ An indemnity of 800,000 pesos was to be paid in three installments: 400,000 pesos upon the surrender of all arms in Biak-na-Bato. 200,000 pesos when 800 arms were surrendered. 200,000 pesos when 1,000 arms were surrendered and after a Te Deum service in Manila. ○ Deadline for the arms delivery: Mid-February. 2. Payment and Liberty: ○ The money was to be delivered directly to Aguinaldo. 3. Spanish Hostages: ○ Before the revolutionaries evacuated Biak-na-Bato, two Spanish generals were to be sent as hostages. The hostages were to remain until Aguinaldo and his companions reached Hong Kong and the first indemnity payment was made. 4. Religious Corporations and Autonomy: ○ The pact agreed to suppress religious corporations in the Philippines and establish autonomy in administrative and political affairs. Additional Compensation: - The Spanish government agreed to pay 900,000 pesos in three installments of 300,000 pesos each to the families of individuals who had suffered losses but did not actively participate in the revolution.  - Total compensation promised by the Spanish government: 1,700,000 pesos. RATIFICATION OF THE PACT December 16, 1897 1. Aguinaldo fully approved the proposal presented by Don Pedro Alejandro Paterno, the mediator in the peace negotiations. 2. Those who refused to lay down their arms or opposed the peace efforts were declared outside the jurisdiction of the revolutionary government. They were not to participate in the benefits of the peace pact with Spain. 3. Individuals holding any rank, post, or office in the Revolutionary Government who defied Aguinaldo’s orders for peace were dismissed and declared outlaws and bandits. They were no longer under Aguinaldo's authority and would be treated as enemies of the revolution. PEDRO A. PATERNO Born in 1857 in Manila (father: Don Maximo Paterno) Attended Ateneo Municipal de Manila, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1871. Became one of the first Filipinos to study in Europe, particularly at the University of Salamanca in Spain. Earned Doctor of Laws and Canon Law degrees in 1880. Author of “Ninay”, the first novel that depicted Filipino culture. THE DEPARTURE FROM BIAK-NA-BATO December 24, 1897: Aguinaldo, accompanied by forty lieutenants, left Biak-na-Bato, passing Christmas Day in Baliuag. December 25, 1897: They continued their journey to Calumpit, then boarded a train to Dagupan. At the Dagupan railway station, Aguinaldo was joined by Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Primo de Rivera, Quartermaster Antonio Pessi, and Captain Celestino Espinosa to be held hostages (all from the Spanish army) December 27, 1897: The group traveled to Lingayen at 8 AM, arriving at 9 AM By 11 AM, they reached Sual, where the “S.S. Uranus” awaited to take them to Hong Kong. THE PEOPLE ACCLAIM THE REVOLUTIONISTS December 27, 1897: Before boarding the S.S. Uranus in Sual, the revolutionaries sent a heartfelt dispatch to General Primo de Rivera, which was later published in the Manila press with several omissions. In Biak-na-Bato, Generals Monet and Fernandez Tejeiro of the Spanish Army, along with their aides Colonel Torrontegui and Captain La Torre, were left as hostages under the vigilance of revolutionary leaders like Artemio Ricarte, Salvador Natividad, Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero Aguinaldo, Melecio Carlos, Isabelo Artacho, and Severino de las Alas.  The exiles arrived in Hong Kong on the night of December 29, 1897, and landed on December 30, which marked the first anniversary of the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal PEACE CELEBRATIONS The arrival of peace was marked by a Te Deum sung at the Manila Cathedral General Primo de Rivera was congratulated by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, the Minister of War, and other high-ranking officials. Rafael Comenge, a Spanish writer and politician, described the joy and satisfaction of the Spanish community in his article published in the newspapers of the time. GENERAL ASSEMBLY January 25, 1898, Governor General Primo de Rivera issued an amnesty order for those involved in the recent rebellion against Spanish rule. The order granted full exemption from punishment to: - Rebels who participated in the revolt, sustained it, or propagated it. - Those who cooperated in the seditious movements for secession. - Prisoners found guilty of crimes related to the rebellion. Exemption from punishment applied broadly but with some exclusions: - Ministers, representatives, generals, leaders, governors, mayors, judges, and other officials who had held public office under the rebel government were not allowed to reside in Spanish territories without notifying the Governor General of their intended location. - Rebellion charges against the involved individuals were dropped, and prior orders, including the confiscation of property and deportation for political reasons, were revoked. - Exiled individuals were allowed to return to their homes, provided they notified the Governor General of their new place of residence. The same order also addressed the issue of bandits, tulisanes (robbers), and criminal groups. They were to be tried by court martial and subjected to the full penalty of the law. THE PACT NOT COMPLIED WITH After the revolutionary leaders arrived in Hong Kong, Pedro A. Paterno provided Emilio Aguinaldo with a 400,000 peso check from the Spanish Government Two additional checks for 200,000 pesos each were supposed to be given, but these were never delivered. Instead of fulfilling the financial commitments, General Primo de Rivera distributed a small dole in Manila at his own discretion after the Te Deum. The reforms promised by the Spanish Government were never implemented Despite the pact, when some exiled leaders attempted to return to the Philippines, they were imprisoned upon arrival in Manila. The Spanish Government believed the revolution would end once the leaders left for Hong Kong and thus did not prioritize further payment of the agreed sums.  The revolutionists, on the other hand, accepted the pact mainly to obtain the promised money, which they intended to use to purchase arms and continue the war. Consequently, the pact was not a true peace agreement but a temporary truce, and the revolution continued despite the formal agreement. THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN MADRID The Filipino community in Madrid issued a Manifesto-Program to continue their peaceful campaign for reforms on February 10, 1898. Application of the Spanish Constitution: - The manifesto called for the full application of the Spanish Constitution to the Philippines or, at the very least, the application of some of its provisions. Representation in the Spanish Parliament: - It demanded the restoration of Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes (parliament), a long-standing Filipino demand. Government Reforms: - Provincial Assemblies: Replace the provincial boards under the Maura regime with provincial assemblies similar to those in Spain. - Municipal Government: The system of municipal government should be generalized in towns with at least 200 cedula taxpayers. Ecclesiastical and Social Reforms: - Abolition of the reverend parish priest system and baranguves, which were seen as absurd and overly influential institutions. - Ecclesiastical reforms: Addressing the influence and role of the Church in governance. Legal Reforms: - Enforcement of the Penal Code in the Philippines without changes. - Abolition of flogging and the use of torturing stocks. - Extension of the Civil Code (specifically provisions related to marriage) to the Islands. Military Reforms: - Formation of a Filipino army to maintain public order and defend the Philippines. Other Demands: - Educational reforms, including improved schooling and opportunities. - Public charity improvements. - Filling of public offices with Filipinos, ensuring representation in the government. THE DISCONTENTMENT CONTINUES Aguinaldo and his followers approached General Primo de Rivera on Dec. 12, 1897 to discuss surrender terms after the Spanish military gained control of key positions (Morong, Puray, Minuyan, and Arayat). January 1898: news circulated in Madrid about a meeting of aristocratic women, led by Mr. Pidal, advocating for the abrogation of religious toleration and restoring the Pope’s temporal power. Failure of the Pact:  - The Pact of Biak-na-Bato was seen as half-hearted - Filipinos lacked full knowledge of the reforms promised. - No guarantee that reforms would be implemented. - Spanish authorities continued their repressive actions. - Some revolutionary leaders remained active, indicating the situation was still unresolved. NEW REVOLUTIONARY IRRUPTIONS. JOCSON, THE AGITATOR Revolutionary activity resumed in Zambales under Francisco Makabulos and Isidoro Torres, and in Candon, Ilocos Sur under Isabelo Abaya. Several conspiracies were uncovered in Manila, largely inspired by Jocson, a key agitator. Feliciano Jocson opposed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato and refused to go into exile with Aguinaldo's group in Hongkong. He retreated to the Pugad-Baboy barrio in Caloocan, where he actively preached revolution and convinced other insurgents not to surrender. Early March 1898, a parish priest in Barasoain was assassinated. Bulacan and several towns in Pampanga, Laguna, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Camarines Norte saw renewed revolts led by Jocson and other leaders. Revolutionary leaders in Central Luzon, led by General Makabulos, formed municipal councils and later a Central Government. CEBU JOINS THE REVOLUTION In early February 1898, Francisco Llamas, a former municipal treasurer from San Nicolas, Cebu, played a key role in starting the revolution in Cebu. A revolutionary committee was formed with Llamas, Candido Padilla, Catalino Fernandez, and Luis Flores. April 3, 1898: thousand conspirators gathered at Labangon, San Nicolas, armed mainly with machetes, poles, and a few firearms. (win) After the victory, the revolutionaries briefly took control of Cebu City. However, Spanish reinforcements, aided by a gunboat in the bay, drove the insurgents from the capital and surrounding towns. THE CONSPIRACY IN PANAY March 1898 - the revolution spread to Panay, with Molo becoming the central base of operations. Initial meetings were held in the home of Prof. Francisco Villanueva and attended by the Conspirators’ Committee, including Ramon Avanceña, Jose Tionko, Fernando Salas, Angel Corteza, Melecio Severino, and Villanueva. Raymundo Melliza, Pablo Araneta, Francisco Soriano, Felipe Gonzalez, Roque Lopez, Captain Simeon Ledesma’s house and others were invited to join the committee THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR General Basilio Augustin replaced Primo de Rivera as Governor-General of the Philippines on April 9, 1898.  Primo de Rivera sailed for Spain on April 12, leaving the Islands after his resignation. On April 19, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution declaring that Cuba had the right to independence and demanding Spain renounce its authority there. The first military actions occurred in Cuba. Admiral Sampson of the U.S. Navy bombarded the Bay of Matanzas after learning of Spanish battery construction there. After firing 300 cannon shots, the U.S. fleet withdrew, believing they had achieved their objective. However, the Spanish Captain General reported that the bombardment only resulted in the death of a mule, marking a rather anticlimactic start to the war. APPEAL TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE Governor-General Augustin's Manifesto (April 23, 1898) - Appeal for Loyalty to Spain: Augustin called on Filipinos to remain loyal to Spain in the face of American aggression. - Denunciation of the U.S.: He portrayed the Americans as uncivilized and predatory, accusing them of attempting to undermine Filipino religion, honor, and resources. - Call to Arms: Filipinos were urged to unite under the Spanish flag, defend their faith, and fight against the American "invasion" with courage and patriotism. Archbishop Nozaleda's Appeal (April 26, 1898): - Defending Catholicism: Archbishop Nozaleda warned Filipinos against the "heretical" Americans, who he claimed sought to destroy their Catholic faith and culture. - Religious Duty: He emphasized that defending Catholicism was a sacred duty, calling on Filipinos to resist the threat to their religion, homes, and welfare. - Consequences for Traitors: Filipinos who supported the American forces or abandoned their faith were warned of severe consequences from the Filipino people, who would protect their religion at all costs. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY The U.S. Pacific squadron, led by Admiral George W. Dewey was ordered on April 25 to find and destroy the Spanish fleet stationed in Manila Bay. Admiral Montojo commanded the Spanish fleet, including four cruisers, with the flagship Reina Cristina (3,500 tons), the Castilla, the Velayo, and others American ships - Flagship Olympia - 5,900 tons - Cruiser Baltimore - 4,400 tons - Raleigh - 3,200 tons - Boston - 3,000 tons April 30, 1898: (first in Bay of Subic) Dewey's fleet entered Manila Bay at night The battle began with an exchange of fire, but no significant damage was done at first. Dawn, May 1: The two fleets lined up, and the bombardment began. Admiral Montojo's flagship Reina Cristina was heavily targeted and set on fire. Montojo personally took the Spanish flag and transferred to the Isla de Cuba to continue commanding.  A brief pause in the fighting occurred before the battle resumed at 11:00 AM. By noon, the Spanish fleet was either destroyed, on fire, or fleeing. The white flag was raised over the arsenal and port of Cavite. The battle ended with a decisive American victory due to the overwhelming superiority of the American fleet. MOMENTS OF VACILLATION. THE MANIFESTO OF MABINI After war broke out between Spain and the United States, Filipino revolutionists were uncertain about how to respond. Some favored supporting Spain, while others were uncertain of the best course of action. Apolinario Mabini issued a manifesto calling for the mobilization of revolutionary forces across towns and provinces to prepare for any eventuality, primarily the defense of the Philippines' independence. PROPOSITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES Aguinaldo, with Generals Gregorio H. del Pilar and Jose M. Leyva, left Hong Kong for Europe on April 7 but turned back to Singapore upon hearing of the war between Spain and the U.S. In Singapore, U.S. Consul Spencer Pratt sought multiple interviews with Aguinaldo. Pratt’s Proposal: Consul Pratt urged Aguinaldo to support the U.S. in the war, claiming that the U.S. would offer Filipinos more freedom and benefits than Spain had promised. Aguinaldo’s Request: Aguinaldo asked for written terms. Pratt communicated that Admiral Dewey, under President McKinley’s orders, would recognize Philippine independence under U.S. protection. Pratt’s Assurance: The U.S. government was described as trustworthy and just, with no need for formal written agreements as the verbal promises from the U.S. were as binding as any contract. Bases of Agreement (from a letter by Isidoro de Santos): H.W. Bray, an Englishman who facilitated Aguinaldo’s talks with Consul Pratt, confirmed that Aguinaldo agreed to cooperate with the U.S. for independence under a protectorate. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Aguinaldo met U.S. Consul General Wildman, representing Dewey, who urged Aguinaldo to return to the Philippines to assist the Americans in defeating Spanish tyranny. AGUINALDO CONFERS WITH THE HONGKONG COMMITTEE On May 4, 1898, the Filipino Committee of Hongkong met at the instigation of Aguinaldo to discuss the American proposal regarding his return to the Philippines to renew the revolution against Spain. The meeting was initially presided over by Felipe Agoncillo and later chaired by Aguinaldo. After debating the pros and cons, the committee unanimously approved the proposition for Aguinaldo’s return to the Philippines.  Aguinaldo, accompanied by Gregorio del Pilar and Leyva, boarded the American gunboat MacCulloch and reached Cavite on May 19, 1898.