Revolutionary War in the Ilocos - 1. The land of revolts

Source : Alfonso S. Quilala, Jr. © 1996 by Alfonso S. Quilala, Jr. and PHGLA
All rights reserved

Before the Spaniards came, the northwestern part of Luzon was known as Samtoy. It became one big province named Ilocos under Spanish rule until it was split into Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte by a royal decree in 1818. Abra and Benguet were carved out of Ilocos Sur to form independent provinces in 1846. La Union was later formed by merging the southern part of Ilocos Sur and the northeast portion of Pangasinan in 1854.

The Ilocos region today

The Ilocos is a long, narrow strip of land-- a rugged region that nestles between the South China Sea on the west and the great Cordillera ranges on the east. Its scenery combines the beauty of the mountain and the sea. The narrowness of the strip also means that natural resources are limited and this has had a tremendous effect on the character of the Ilocano. He is hardworking and frugal and is probably more adaptable to more situations than one from the other Filipino groups.

Land of revolts

During the Spanish regime, a number of armed protests, oralzamientos, took place in the Ilocos. The first recorded rebellion occurred in 1589 at Dingras, Ilocos Norte when its inhabitants killed six tribute collectors from Vigan. The Ilocos Revolt to protest forced labor in 1661 was next. Then came the Great Rebellion of 1762 led by Diego Silang, later by his wife, Gabriela. Tribute collection, forced labor, and various monopolies imposed on native industries triggered this revolt. The tobacco monopoly precipitated another uprising in Laoag in 1788. In 1807, the Basi Revolt led by Pedro Ambaristo broke out to protest the wine monopoly.

Diego Silang Macabuhay and Gabriela Silang

The Ilocanos, uncharacteristically, were left behind when Andres Bonifacio tore his cedula in the now famous "Cry of Balintawak" that signaled the start of armed struggle against Spanish authority. But in 1898, two Ilocano clans, the Abayas and the Guirnaldas, organized a Katipunan chapter in Candon. Despite its secrecy, the Candon Katipunan was uncovered on the night of March 24, 1898. Isabelo Abaya had no choice but to strike prematurely. His forces took control of the town and in the morning of March 25 announced the formation of the Republic of Candon. 

Isabelo Abaya

Fernando Guirnalda assumed authority and proclaimed martial law. Three days later, Spanish shock troops landed and easily retook the town. They executed all leaders of the takeover with the exception of the Guirnalda brothers and Isabelo Abaya who had escaped to the mountains.

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