by Albert Vincent F. Barretto
Museum Researcher II, Museo ni Jose Rizal Dapitan
On 19 May 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo, a Caviteño who was a former capitan municipal turned revolutionary president returned to Cavite from his voluntary exile in Hong Kong carrying the nation’s burning cause which was the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonizers, continuing the unfinished revolution that they started in August 1896.
PACT OF BIAK-NA-BATO AND THE DEPARTURE FOR HONG KONG
The return of Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite was the result of the failure of the Spanish government to fulfill its promises inscribed in the Pact of Biak-na-bato which was an peace agreement made between the Philippine revolutionary government led by Aguinaldo and the Spain though its Governor General Fernando Primo de Rivera.
It may be remembered that the conceptualization of Pact of Biak-na-bato was set forth by Spanish government who was having hard time to suppress the revolutionary forces by Aguinaldo. Thus, the Spanish government appointed Don Pedro Alejandro Paterno as an arbitrator of the conflict in August 1897. After four months of careful negotiation between the Philippine revolutionary government and the Spanish government, the Pact of Biak-na-bato was finally inked on 14 December 1897 with its first principal condition set by Aguinaldo himself, it follows:
“That I would, and any of my associates who desired to go with me, be free to live in any foreign country. Having fixed upon Hong Kong, as my place of residence, it was agreed that payment of the indemnity of $800,000 (Mexican) should be made in three installments, namely, $400,000 when all the arms in Biak-na-bato were delivered to the Spanish authorities; $200,000 when the arms surrendered amounted to eight hundred stands; the final payment to be made when one thousand stand of arms shall have been handed over to the authorities and the Te Deum sung in the Cathedral in Manila as thanksgiving for the restoration of peace. The latter part of February was fixed as the limit of time wherein the surrender of arms should be completed.”
In line with the provisions of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, Emilio Aguinaldo together with his companions will leave the country for Hong Kong to voluntary put themselves in exile. Their journey began when they left their revolutionary headquarters in Biak-na-Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan for Calumpit on 25 December 1897 after Aguinaldo declared the end of the revolution, here he proclaimed:
“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 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, Señor Don Fernando Primo de Rivera, Marques de Estela, who filled with love of our dear country inaugurated an era of peace from the time when he took up the reins of government of this Spanish territory.”
The following day, they boarded a special train set in Calumpit, Bulacan that brought them to Dagupan, Pangasinan. From Dagupan, Aguinaldo extended their journey using carromatas until they reached the port of Sual which was an international seaport. On 27 December 1897, Aguinaldo together with his companion boarded the SS Uranus for Hong Kong.
AGUINALDO IN EXILE
Emilio Aguinaldo and his company landed in Hong Kong on 30 December 1897, commencing their life in voluntary exile. Following their arrival in Hong Kong, a partial fulfilment of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato had also arrived on 2 January 1898, it was the first part of the installment of the Spanish indemnity amounting to $400,000 (Mexican) was deposited in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank under Aguinaldo’s name at 4 percent interest per annum. In spite the fact that Aguinaldo had a large amount of money that he and his company could use for personal and luxurious activities, they responsibly used only the interest amount of the deposited money to defray their basic needs in exile. On April 23 1898, forty-four Filipino patriots in Hong Kong, including revolutionary leaders attested over the good financial management carried out by Aguinaldo, stating that:
“…not the smallest amount has been misapplied, but that they [the funds] remain in their entirety, having been reserved for the service of the country, with the exception of a small portion employed for the maintenance of the companions who resided in Hong Kong… with a patriotism worthy of praise.”
The second installment of Spanish indemnity was made by the Governor General Primo de Rivera through his arbitrator, Pedro Paterno, in the second week of January amounting to $200,000 (Mexican). The payment was received by Isabelo Artacho, the secretary of interior of the revolutionary government who left behind at Biak-na-Bato, and who also handed the resolution dated 29 December 1897 asking for the remaining indemnity installments. The said amount was roughly distributed among revolutionary leaders left in the Philippines without the consent and knowledge of Aguinaldo who was already in Hong Kong. The act of insubordination conducted by Artacho and his group enraged Aguinaldo, which leads to nullification of the resolution headed by Artacho.
The dispute among the members of the revolutionary government compelled Governor General Primo de Rivera to suspend the transfer of its last installment of indemnity which already an act of unfulfillment of the peace pact. In addition to the impudence to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, Governor General Primo de Rivera’s promise to introduce certain religious and political reforms was finally fell on deaf ears as the month of February 1898 has ended. Thus, the Pact of Biak-na-Bato failed and now six feet under.
THE AMERICANS AND THE ARMS DEAL
Dismayed over the bad faith brought by the Spaniard on the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, Emilio Aguinaldo befriended a democracy-loving nation who was a former colony who fought for its independence, the United States of America. It was on 16 March 1898 when Aguinaldo first met Edward Wood, the American commander of steamship Petrel in Singapore, and was followed by another meeting on 6 April 1898. Both of two meetings encourage Aguinaldo to resume the revolution against Spain but this time with the help from America, he recalled:
“…the Commander urged me to return to the Philippines to renew hostilities against the Spaniards with the object of gaining our independence, and he assured me of the assistance of the United States in the event of war between the United States and Spain.”
On April 1898, the support for Aguinaldo for reigniting the Philippine’s fight for independence was seconded by George Dewey, the commodore of the Asian fleet through a telegram received on 22 April 1898 and read by Spencer Pratt, the United States Consul who was stationed in Singapore:
That the United States would at least recognize the independence of the Philippines under the protection of United States Navy. The Consul added that there was no necessity for entering into a formal written agreement because the word of the Admiral and of the United State Consul were in fact equivalent to the most solemn pledge that their verbal promises and assurance would be fulfilled to the letter and were not to be classed with Spanish promises or Spanish ideas of a man’s word of honor. In conclusion the Consul said “The Government of North America is a very honest, just, and powerful government.”
Emilio Aguinaldo left Singapore and arrived at Hong Kong on 1 May 1898, he met Rounsevelle Wildman, United States Consul at Hong Kong where he learned the attack of US Squadron led by Admiral George Dewey to Spanish naval forces, Aguinaldo recounted:
“In response to an invitation from Mr. Rounsevelle Wildman, United States Consul at Hongkong, I wended my way to the United States Consulate and, between 9 and 11 p.m. of the same day I, had an interview with him. Mr. Wildman told me that Admiral Dewy left for Manila hurriedly in accordance with imperative orders from his Government directing him to attack the Spanish Fleet. He was therefore unable to await my arrival before weighing anchor, and going forth to give battle to the Spaniards.”
Aguinaldo also secured an arms deal with Wildman, which he further recounted:
“… I spoke to him (Wildman) about the shipment of arms to the islands which I had previously planned with him, and it was then agreed among ourselves that he (Wildman) and the Filipino Mr. Teodoro Sandico should complete the arrangements for the dispatch of the expedition, and I there and then deposited with them the sum of $50,000. A steam launch was quickly purchased for $15,000, while a contact was made and entered into for the purchase of 2,000 rifles at $7 each and 200,000 rounds of ammunition at $33.50/100 per 1000.”
It was early morning of first of May 1898 when the United States Fleet attacked the batteries installed by the Spaniards at entrance of Manila Bay. Hence, commencing the Spanish-American War in the Philippines which was an spillover from the Caribbean theater. In just couple of hours of that dreadful day, the Spanish fleet composed of seven ships of inferior quality met their tragic fate on the Manila Bay from the mighty and well-equipped American squadron. Spanish Rear Admiral Patricio Montojo cabled his report to the Ministry of the Navy regarding the unfortunate outcome of the battle, the report reads:
“I deeply regret to inform Your Excellency that the fleet in the Philippines has been destroyed by that of Americans… Estimated casualties: about four hundred; Dead: captain [Luis] Cadarso of the navy, chaplain Navo and others. It was a disaster which I deeply lament.”
On 7 May 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo learned the American victory over the Spanish fleet on the Battle of Manila Bay by the news brought by the steamship McCulloch. A week later, McCulloch arrived again at Hong Kong with orders to convey Aguinaldo and his companions to Manila. Aguinaldo together with his company boarded the steamship McCulloch, left Hong Kong for Manila on 17 May 1898.
THE RETURN AND PREPARATION OF AGUINALDO
Emilio Aguinaldo finally returned in Philippines on 19 May 1898, he landed in Naval Headquarters in Cavite where he first met Admiral George Dewey, Aguinaldo recalled:
The McCulloch left Hong Kong at 11 a.m on the 17th May and arrived off Cavite (Manila Bay) between noon and 1p.m. on the 19th idem. No sooner had the McCulloch dropped anchor than the Admiral’s launch, carrying his Adjutant and Private Secretary, came alongside to convey me the flagship Olympia, where I was received with my Adjutant (Sr. Leyba) with the honours due to a General”
There on the US flagship Olympia, Dewey reaffirmed all the telegrammed messages which he sent to Aguinaldo through the US Consul Pratt at Singapore. Furthermore, Dewey asked Aguinaldo to stir up the people in the Philippines to rise once again against the Spaniards, which the latter responded with worry as he haven’t yet received the weapons, Aguinaldo remembered:
“…arms expedition was delayed in China we could do nothing, because without arms every victory would assuredly cost us the lives of many brave and dashing Filipino warriors.”
Aguinaldo’s problem of lacking weapons was temporary aided by Dewey by giving him confiscated weapons from the Battle of Manila. Aguinaldo continued:
“…he (Dewey) at once place at my disposal all guns seized on board the Spanish warships as well as 62 Mausers and a good many rounds of ammunition which had been brought up from Corregidor Island by the U.S.S. Petrel.”
Moreover, Dewey advised Aguinaldo to make Philippine flag which intrinsically help identify the occupied areas by the Filipinos. Little did Dewey know, Aguinaldo already designed the Filipino flag in Hong Kong, sewn by Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, wife of Felipe Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Jose Rizal.
In the same day when Aguinaldo returned in the Philippines, he tirelessly put his companions in order by issuing circulars and directing definite instructions to all units regarding the renewal of nations revolt against Spain. Aguinaldo distributed the weapons to his men which by that time is pouring over and increasing in numbers offering their willingness to be armed and stand up for a fight. This was subsequently followed by significant events such as the establishment of the dictatorial government in 24 May, arrival of long-expected arms expedition consisting of 1,999 rifles and 200,00 rounds of ammunition, the Filipino victory in the Battle of Alapan in 28 May, and ultimately paved its way to proclamation of Philippine Independence on 12 June 1898.
Emilio Aguinaldo’s return to the Philippines became a unifying figure, a catalyst of the Filipinos to resume the fight against the Spanish colonizers and a cue for the re-ignition of people’s aspiration for independence.
Emilio Aguinaldo together with his companions left Biak-na-Bato for Sual, Pangasinan. They boarded a special train in Calumpit, Bulacan on 26 December 1897. In the photo (left to right): Gregorio del Pilar, Wenceslao Viniegra, Emilio Aguinaldo, Vito Belarmino, and Pedro Paterno.
MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA DE ESPAÑA
Emilio Aguinaldo together with his companion boarded the steamship Uranus at Port of Sual in Pangasinan and left for Hong Kong to spend their life in voluntary exile.
MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA DE ESPAÑA
Close-up image of Emilio Aguinaldo from the previous photo.
MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA DE ESPAÑA
1877 Map of Port of Sual, Pangasinan
MINISTERIO DE DEFENSA DE ESPAÑA
Emilio Aguinaldo (sitting, 2nd from right) led 36 other revolutionary leaders into exile in the British colony of Hong Kong. They were: Pedro Aguinaldo, Tomas Aguinaldo, Joaquin Alejandrino, Celestino Aragon, Jose Aragon, Primitivo Artacho, Vito Belarmino, Agapito Bonzon, Antonio Carlos, Eugenio de la Cruz, Agustin de la Rosa, Gregorio H. del Pilar, Valentin Diaz, Salvador Estrella, Vitaliano Famular, Dr. Anastacio Francisco, Pedro Francisco, Francisco Frani, Maximo Kabigting, Vicente Kagton, Silvestre Legazpi, Teodoro Legazpi, Mariano Llanera, Doroteo Lopez, Vicente Lukban, Lazaro Makapagal, Miguel Malvar, Tomas Mascardo, Antonio Montenegro, Benito Natividad, Carlos Ronquillo, Manuel Tinio, Miguel Valenzuela, Wenceslao Viniegra, Escolastico Viola and Lino Viola.
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN WAR WEBSITE VIA PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY PH (2010-2016)
USS Petrel the steamship where Emilio Aguinaldo and Edward Wood met to talk about the assistance of United States to help Philippines gain independence.
US NAVY
USS Olympia, the flagship of U.S. Asiatic Squadron lead by Admiral George Dewey which engaged in Spanish-American War in the Manila Bay on 1 May 1898. Emilio Aguinaldo and George Dewey met at USS Olympia on 19 May 1898.
US NAVY
USS McCulloch, the steamship that conveyed Emilio Aguinaldo and his company from Hong Kong to Philippines.
US NAVY
References:
Aguinaldo, Emilio. Memoirs of the Revolution. Manila: Cristina Aguinaldo-Suntay, 1967.
Saulo, Alfredo. Emilio Aguinaldo. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, 1995.
Kalaw, Teodoro. The Philippine Revolution. Mandaluyong: Jorge B. Vargas Filipiniana Foundation, 1969.
Alzona, Encarnacion. Galicano Apacible. Manila: National Historical Institute, 1999.
Aguinaldo, Emilio. Reseña Veridica de la Revolucion Filipina. Manila: National Historical Institute, 2002.
De Togores y Saravia, Jose Roca. Blockade and Siege of Manial in 1898. Manila: National Historical Institute, 2003.