Jan 9, 1897. 11:20AM
Manila, Philippines - Correspondence acquired by Diario de Filipinas shows that revolutionary elements in Cavite have been aware and preparing for a ‘final’ assault by Spanish forces since late last year. The letters cover concerns about food supply, warnings about preparations and basic organizational orders from the Magdalo provincial command to various towns under their authority.
In a letter dated November 17, 1896, Cayetano Topacio, identified as Minister of Finance of the People’s Council of Magdalo and using his Katipunan name “Magtipon”, urged leaders of the local councils of the Katipunan to plant seasonal crops to avoid a food shortage. “…many of our brothers have publicly announced that, if we have no as yet felt the shortage of food, we shall soon suffer this hardship. This will happen all the more, if we do not work with the same industry as formerly…That is how we can evade a grim enemy like Hunger.” Topacio also goes on to recommend to continue planting tobacco as a cash crop.
Part in parcel with the preparations for the coming assault was a transfer of the seat of power of the Revolution to Imus, Cavite. In a letter dated December 21, 1896, “Mabangis” or Baldomero Aguinaldo, President of the People’s Council of the Magdalo, informed the various heads of the towns that: “…according to a decision made today, has deemed it proper to cause the transfer from now on of this Government to the Fort in the municipality of Haligui.” Sources indicate that the reason for the transfer is Imus is one of the more strongly fortified towns in the region.
In a letter on December 21, 1896, Emilio Aguinaldo issued an order to his various generals requesting for troop dispositions. “Upon receipt of this order, please prepare immediately a report in duplicate, mentioning all the guns under your command.” Analyst say that these letters, along with others acquired by Diario, indicate that the level of preparation of revolutionary forces far exceeds what the Spanish authorities projected.
Sources say that the Spanish authorities in the Philippines and Spain were surprised by the level of preparedness demonstrated by Cavite-based revolutionaries after the Revolution broke out. This was in contrast to the almost ad hoc approach that Manila-based revolutionaries took to preparations for organized military campaigns. As a result, Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja, since taking over the government on December 13, 1896, has taken a more measured approach to handling military affairs. Since then, there has been an unspoken ceasefire in Cavite, with only minor sorties occurring in places like Pateros and Taguig. Sources within the government also indicate that Polavieja will be receiving major reinforcements from Spain. This is also differs from the type of support offered to Governor-General Ramon Blanco, who Polavieja replaced. During Blanco’s tenure the position of the Spanish Crown was that Blanco could quell the rebellion with existing forces. This proved to be a faulty assumption.
Based on correspondence it appears that the Revolutionaries are attempting to expand their preparations in the face of Polavieja’s reinforcements and subsequent plans to decisively end the rebellion in the colony in the coming months.
Correspondents from Imus, Cavites and writers Pedro S, Achutegui, SJ, and Miguel A. Bernad, SJ contributed to this report.
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