Philippine revolts against Spain facts for kids

During the time when Spain ruled the Philippines (from 1521 to 1898), many groups of people fought back against the Spanish government. These groups included the native Moro, Lumad, Indios (local Filipinos), Chinese, and even Insulares (Filipinos with Spanish family roots). They often wanted to get back the rights and power that their communities, leaders (like Maginoo Rajahs and Moro Datus), had before the Spanish arrived.

Some of these uprisings happened because of problems with land, especially in farming areas like Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna. People also rebelled because of unfair taxes and being forced to work for the Spanish.

Most of these revolts didn't succeed. This was often because many local people ended up helping the well-armed Spanish government. They would even fight as soldiers to stop the rebellions.

In the southern parts of the Philippines, like Mindanao and Sulu, the Moro people and their allies kept fighting for their freedom throughout the entire time Spain was in charge.

Early Uprisings (1500s)

Dagami's Uprising (1565)

The Dagami Revolt started in 1565 on the island of Leyte. It was led by a chief named Dagami from the town of Gabi. His group of 16 people attacked Spanish soldiers. They even ambushed Pedro de Arana, who worked for the Spanish Governor, Miguel López de Legazpi. Dagami was eventually caught in 1567.

Lakandula and Sulayman's Fight (1574)

In 1574, two leaders, Lakandula and Rajah Sulayman, led an uprising in Tondo, Manila. This happened in the same year that a Chinese pirate named Limahong attacked Manila.

Pampanga's Protest (1585)

The Pampanga Revolt in 1585 involved local Kapampangan leaders. They were upset because Spanish landowners, called encomenderos, took away their traditional lands. The leaders planned to attack Intramuros (the walled city in Manila). However, a Filipino woman married to a Spanish soldier told the Spanish authorities about the plan. Spanish and Filipino soldiers were sent, and the revolt leaders were arrested and executed.

Tondo Conspiracy (1587)

The Tondo Conspiracy was a secret plan in 1587 by noble families, or datus, from Manila and nearby towns. It was led by Agustin de Legazpi, a nephew of Lakandula, and his cousin Martin Pangan. They planned to revolt, but their plot was discovered by Antonio Surabao from Palawan, and the uprising failed.

Revolts Against Unfair Taxes (1589)

In 1589, people in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte rebelled against unfair taxes. Ilocanos, Ibanags, and other Filipinos were angry about high taxes and abuses by tax collectors. The revolt started when six tax collectors were killed. The Spanish Governor-General sent troops to stop the rebellion. The rebels were later pardoned, and the tax system was improved.

Magalat's Rebellion (1596)

The Magalat Revolt in 1596 was led by Magalat from Cagayan. He had been arrested for rebellion but was released. Back in Cagayan, he and his brother encouraged people to revolt. Magalat controlled the countryside, and the Spanish found themselves surrounded. The Spanish Governor-General sent soldiers, who fought the rebels. Magalat was later killed by his own men.

Rebellions in the 1600s

Igorot Resistance (1601)

In 1601, the Spanish tried to convert the Igorot people in the Cordillera mountains to Catholicism. A priest named Esteban Marin tried to convince them peacefully, but the Igorots killed him. Spanish and Filipino soldiers were sent, but they were defeated. The Igorots continued to resist and defeat Spanish expeditions for many years.

Chinese Uprising of 1603

In 1603, a large number of Chinese people in Manila were killed by Spanish forces. This event is known as the Luzon Tragedy in Chinese history. The Chinese in Manila fought back, setting fire to parts of the city and even threatening the Spanish stronghold of Intramuros.

Caquenga's Religious Revolt (1607)

In 1607, a native priestess named Caquenga in Cagayan Valley rebelled against the Catholic Church. She gathered her people and fled to the mountains to prepare for war. Spanish friars and loyal locals stopped the rebellion. Caquenga was captured, but many of her followers continued to rebel, burning churches and starting other uprisings.

Tamblot's Uprising (1621)

The Tamblot uprising was a religious revolt in Bohol in 1621, led by Tamblot, a native priest. He urged his people to return to their old beliefs instead of Catholicism. The revolt began when the Jesuits (Catholic priests) were away. Spanish forces crushed the rebellion on New Year's Day, 1622. Tamblot was executed.

Bankaw's Revolt (1621)

The Bankaw Revolt was another religious uprising in Leyte in 1621. It was led by Bancao, a local chief who had welcomed Miguel López de Legazpi years earlier. Although he was baptized Catholic, he later returned to his old faith. With a religious leader named Pagali, he built a temple and convinced six towns to rebel. The Spanish sent troops, and Bankaw was executed.

Itneg Revolt (1625)

The Itneg Revolt was a religious uprising in 1625 led by Miguel Lanab and Alababan. They were from the Itneg tribe in northwestern Cagayan. They had been forced to become Catholics but killed two Dominican missionaries. They then urged their people to destroy Catholic images, burn churches, and escape to the mountains. Spanish troops destroyed their farms, forcing them to surrender in 1627.

Ladia's Claim (1643)

Pedro Ladia, a Moro from Borneo, claimed to be a descendant of Lakandula. In 1643, his land was taken by the Spanish, and he planned an uprising to become "King of the Tagalogs." A priest tried to stop him, but Ladia continued. He was captured and executed in Manila.

Sumuroy's Rebellion (1649)

In 1649, Agustin Sumuroy, a Waray from Palapag, led a revolt against the polo y servicio, or forced labor system. The Spanish government had ordered that natives should not be sent far from home for forced labor. However, local mayors sent Waray people to shipyards in Cavite, sparking the revolt. The local priest was killed, and the rebellion spread across the Visayas and parts of Mindanao and Bicol. A rebel government was set up in the mountains of Samar. Sumuroy was captured and executed in 1650, which weakened the revolt.

Maniago Revolt (1660)

The Maniago Revolt in Pampanga (1660) was named after its leader, Francisco Maniago. Pampanga was rich, but its people faced heavy taxes, forced labor, and unfair rice purchases. They worked for eight months without pay. They started their rebellion by setting their camp on fire. The Spanish were busy fighting the Dutch, so they were weak in Pampanga. Maniago and his forces eventually met with the Governor-General and agreed to end the rebellion after their demands were met.

Malong's Kingdom (1660)

Andres Malong was a military leader in Pangasinan. Inspired by Maniago's revolt, he led his people to fight the Spanish. The rebellion spread quickly, and Malong declared himself "King of Pangasinan."

Almazan's Ilocos Revolt (1661)

The Ilocos Revolt in 1661 was connected to the Malong Revolt. It was led by Don Pedro Almazan, a wealthy leader from Ilocos Norte. He proclaimed himself "King of Ilocos" but was later captured and executed.

Chinese Revolt of 1662

In 1662, there was fear that a Chinese pirate named Koxinga would invade. This led to strong anti-Chinese feelings among the population. Although the invasion didn't happen, many Chinese people in Manila were killed by locals.

Panay Religious Uprising (1663)

The Panay Revolt in 1663 was a religious uprising led by Tapar from Panay. He wanted to start a new religious group and claimed to talk to a demon. Tapar and his followers were killed in a fight against Spanish and local soldiers.

Zambal Resistance (1681)

From 1681 to 1683, chiefs from Zambales refused to accept Spanish rule and started a revolt. The Spanish quickly sent 6,000 soldiers to stop the uprising. After two years, the Spanish took control of Zambales, and all the chiefs who rebelled were executed.

Rebellions in the 1700s

Agrarian Revolt (1745)

The Agrarian Revolt happened between 1745 and 1746 in areas like Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, and Bulacan. Native landowners rebelled because Spanish friars (priests) were taking their lands. They demanded that the priests return the lands, saying they were ancestral domains. When the priests refused, there were riots, looting of convents, and burning of churches and ranches. The Spanish king, Ferdinand VI, ordered the priests to return the lands, but the priests appealed, and no land was given back.

Dagohoy's Long Rebellion (1744–1829)

In 1744, in Bohol, Francisco Dagohoy led what became the longest revolt in Philippine history, lasting 85 years. It started when a local priest refused to give Dagohoy's brother a proper Catholic burial after he died in a duel. The Church did not allow dueling. This refusal led to the rebellion and the creation of a free Boholano government. Many Spanish governors-general tried to stop the revolt but failed. Dagohoy died two years before the revolt ended in 1829. About 19,000 survivors were pardoned and allowed to live in new Boholano villages.

Silang's Fight for Ilocos (1762)

One of the most famous revolts was the Silang Revolt from 1762 to 1763, led by Diego Silang and his wife, Gabriela Silang. This revolt happened while the British were occupying Manila. On December 14, 1762, Diego Silang declared Ilocos independent, calling it "Free Ilocos." The British even asked Silang for help against the Spanish.

However, Diego Silang was killed on May 28, 1763, by a friend who was paid by the Spanish. His wife, Gabriela, continued the fight. She became known as the "Joan of Arc of the Ilocos" for her victories. The Spanish used Kapampangan soldiers to fight the Ilocanos, showing a "divide and conquer" tactic. The revolt eventually ended, and Gabriela Silang was executed by the Spanish on September 10, 1763.

Palaris's Uprising (1762)

During the British invasion of Manila in 1762, the Spanish government moved to Pampanga. At this time, leaders in Binalatongan, Pangasinan, protested against the abuses of the provincial governor. They demanded his removal and an end to tax collection, as the British now controlled the islands. When Governor-General Simon de Anda refused, the revolt began in November 1762. Palaris became one of its leaders.

By December, most Spanish officials had left Pangasinan. The Spanish government was busy fighting the British and the Silang Revolt. Palaris commanded 10,000 men and worked with Silang. However, the Seven Years' War ended in 1763, and Silang was assassinated. The Spanish could then focus on Palaris. By March 1764, most of Pangasinan had fallen. Palaris hid among his supporters, but his own sister, Simeona, betrayed him. Palaris was arrested on January 16, 1765, and executed on February 26, 1765.

Rebellions in the 1800s

Basi Revolt (1807)

The Basi Revolt, also called the Ambaristo Revolt, happened from September 16 to 28, 1807, in Piddig, Ilocos Norte. It was led by Pedro Mateo and Salarogo Ambaristo. This revolt was unique because it was about the Ilocanos' love for basi, a sugarcane wine. In 1786, the Spanish government took control of making and selling basi, banning private production. Ilocanos were forced to buy from government stores. Angry Ilocanos rebelled, and the fighting lasted for weeks. Spanish troops eventually stopped the revolt, with many lives lost. Paintings by Esteban Pichay Villanueva about the Basi Revolt are displayed in the Ilocos Sur National Museum.

Novales's Mutiny (1823)

Andrés Novales was a Spanish officer born in the colonies (a Criollo). He was unhappy with how Spanish authorities treated Criollo and Latin American soldiers. This grew worse when Spanish-born officers (called peninsulares) were sent to replace Criollo officers. Novales was exiled but secretly returned to Manila. On June 1, 1823, Novales, with other officers and 800 native soldiers, seized the royal palace, the Manila Cathedral, and other government buildings in Intramuros. They killed the lieutenant governor. The soldiers shouted, "Long live the Emperor Novales!" Many townspeople joined them. However, they failed to capture Fort Santiago because Andrés's brother, Mariano, who commanded the fort, refused to open the gates. Spanish soldiers quickly arrived. Novales was caught hiding and was executed by firing squad on June 2, 1823, along with his comrades.

Palmero Conspiracy (1828)

The Palmero Conspiracy in 1828 was a secret plan to overthrow the Spanish government that failed. The Spanish government kept information about it quiet. In 1823, Spain had ordered that military officers born in Spain should have higher rank than those born in the colonies. This was because of the wars for independence happening in Latin America. In 1828, provincial governors were also being replaced by Spanish-born officials. The Palmero brothers, from a well-known family, along with other military and civil servants, planned to take over the government. When the Spanish government found out, they exiled the main conspirators to avoid embarrassing themselves, as the plotters were Spaniards themselves.

Pule's Religious Revolt (1840)

One of the most famous religious revolts was the Pule Revolt (1840-1841), led by Apolinario de la Cruz, known as "Hermano Pule". In June 1840, De la Cruz started his own religious group, the Confraternity of Saint Joseph. At that time, there were two types of priests: local Filipino priests (secular) and Spanish priests (religious). The Spanish government banned Pule's new order, partly because it mixed Catholic and native practices.

Thousands of people joined Pule's group. The Spanish government sent troops to break up the order, forcing De la Cruz and his followers to fight back. Many battles were fought. The Spanish eventually won, and Apolinario de la Cruz was executed on November 4, 1841.

Tayabas Regiment Revolt (1843)

Tayabas Regiment Revolt NHCP historical marker

On January 20, 1843, the Tayabas Regiment, led by Sergeant Irineo Samaniego, rebelled against Spain. This was in response to the Spanish army killing many old men, women, and children in Alitao in 1841. The uprising successfully captured Fort Santiago and other parts of Intramuros. For the first time, the word "Independence" was shouted by the Tayabas Regiment, encouraging others to revolt. However, the next day, loyalist soldiers opened the gates of Fort Santiago. The rebels were defeated, and Samaniego and 81 of his followers were executed on the same day.

Cavite Mutiny (1872)

Flag of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny

The Cavite Mutiny was an uprising of about 200 soldiers and laborers at the Spanish arsenal in Cavite on January 20, 1872. They believed it would lead to a bigger national rebellion. The mutiny failed, and the government executed many participants. This event also led to a crackdown on the growing nationalist movement in the Philippines.

See also

In Spanish: Rebeliones filipinas contra España para niños

• History of the Philippines (1521–1898)
• Military History of the Philippines
• Battles of Manila
• Battles of the Philippines