Hija del Sol de Oriente

Prologue

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August 30, 1896.
San Juan del Monte, Manila Province


"Freedom!", yelled a group of men in peasant clothings, as they charge towards a heavily-guarded building. These rebels are members of a secret society called Katipunan, which aims to overthrow the Spanish authorities and establish an independent nation in the Philippines. And they've started that gigantic task in this upcoming battle. Spearheaded by its leader Andres Bonifacio, the poorly armed insurgents clashed with well-trained Guardia Civiles[1] and a few Spanish cazadores[2], particularly around the town's powder magazine. With numerical superiority on their side, the Katipuneros managed to push back the Spanish forces and take the powder magazine in the process. The insurgents become overjoyed with what seems to be their first victory.

But a larger storm is coming.

By noon, a large colonial force led by General Bernardo Echaluce y Jauregui joined forces with the remnants of the San Juan del Monte garrison and launched a counterattack. Bonifacio, courageous as he's reputed to be, urged his comrades to press on and protect their gains, despite being outnumbered three to one. So another battle begun.

But this time, it's a different story. Exhaustion, lack of provisions, and ferocious artillery fire send the Katipuneros in disarray. As casualties began to mount, the insurgents' frontline started to crumble. Bonifacio, fearing annhilation, attempted to order a retreat. But it was a little too late, as Spanish infantry suddenly broke through their lines and began slaughtering every rebel they can catch. In a spur of a moment, Bonifacio resolved to die fighting than to flee like a coward, and charge towards the enemy troops.

However, a twist of fate changed the outcome of this battle...


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[1] Guardia Civil was a local gendarmerie police force organized under the Spanish colonial government.
[2] Spanish soldiers in charge of maintaining peace and order (and to quell any insurrection), frequently assisting the Guardia Civil. Literally means "hunters".
 
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Chapter 1

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Andres Bonifacio's personal standard.


The Philippine Revolution is widely recognized as the first nationalist revolution in Asia, and the Battle of San Juan del Monte is considered it's first major battle. On August 30, 1896 the supreme leader of the Katipunan, Andrés Bonifacio, led the assault on the town's polvorin (powder magazine) seizing it in a few hours. When the reports reached Governor-General Ramon Blanco y Erenas, he immediately dispatches Manila's military governor Gen. Bernardo Echaluce y Jauregui and the No. 73 Native Regiment, with supporting auxilliaries and artillery, to San Juan del Monte in order to crush the insurgency. At the same time, Blanco placed eight provinces - namely Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pampanga - under martial law.

When the Spanish reinforcements arrived at the polvorin's perimeter, the insurgents attempted to defend their gains. But being outgunned literally and figuratively, the insurgents were slaughtered within minutes, particularly by cannon fire. Bonifacio's remaining forces attempted a retreat but their escape route is already blocked by more Spanish troops. Resolving to fight to the death, Bonifacio prepares for a last stand.

But a shocking turn of events decided the fate of the battle.

In an unexpected move, the native auxilliaries turn their rifles against their officers, precipitating a mutiny in the middle of battle. The mutineers seized the cannons and aimed it against their former comrades. The native soldiers of the No. 73 followed suit, and began firing on their commanders. Before the Spanish officers got a hold of the situation, Bonifacio seized the opportunity to break through the encirclement. Some more minutes of confusion, gunfires and melee fights ensued before Gen. Echaluce, never expected this sudden turn of events, panickly orders a retreat.

As the dust settled down, it becomes clear that the insurgents had just seized a major victory, along with obtaining much needed weaponry. The mutineers then officially proclaimed their allegiance to the Katipunan, as they helped Bonifacio in liberating the rest of San Juan del Monte.

The news of Bonifacio's victory spread throughout the nearby provinces, particularly in Cavite. This urged the two major Katipunan chapters - Magdalo and Magdiwang - to finally start the revolution in their home province.
 
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Driftless

Donor
I'm interested - keep going .

In 1896, how widespread and how committed were the anti-Spanish Filipinos? Basically, how sustainable was the Revolution?

Were the islands outside of Luzon involved?

What little I know of Philippine history for that stretch of time is limited to the US role at Manila Bay & the subsequent disaster of the Philippine-American War.
 
Very committed, particularly those from the lower classes. Even without guns, they will fight.

Yes. Although in OTL, they'll join a few years after the Revolution breaks out.

We know it is sustainable in an emotional sense especially when Rizal died or about to die. There was no turning back. I think what he meant was logistically and military leadership.

Both Bonifacio and Aguinaldo are not really military competent leaders. I can compare them to Churchill more than Montgomery.

I know you resolved the Battle of San Juan del Monte as political victory due to the change of heart of the 73rd Regiment.

However, the issue really for putting a military revolution successful under the leadership is once Aguinaldo or Bonifacio faces competent Spanish leadership like General Jose de Lachambre.

Although it aint ASB if you put a military competent Filipino leading the military, Aguinaldo and/or Bonifacio leading them as military generals to a military victory is really off character vs a competent foreign power leadership. The other issue that I have of the military competent leadership is that Filipinos that were military competent were not politically competent/savy which is why in OTL Aguinaldo or Bonifacio was leading it.
 
@Namayan: You have a point about Bonifacio's (and Aguinaldo's) military competency. Although I think Bonifacio had the chance to improve by experience. If only he had some books about military strategy, it would've been invaluable to him.

I know the lack of military expertise is one of the main reasons why the Katipunan suffered serious casualties during the initial phases of the Revolution. But there's also the dangers of putting both militarily and politically savy personalities in the leadership seat. South America & Mexico is a great example of that.
 
The reset seems promising, Admiral Awesome! :D

Subscribed. :cool:

Thanks. I'll do my best to make an interesting, if not an excellent, Philippine-centric TL. You know one the reason I restarted this TL? It's that awesome Katipunan TV Series by GMA. It's one of the most accurate portrayals of the Revolution out there. Well, I did read some books about the Revolution also.
 
Thanks. I'll do my best to make an interesting, if not an excellent, Philippine-centric TL. You know one the reason I restarted this TL? It's that awesome Katipunan TV Series by GMA. It's one of the most accurate portrayals of the Revolution out there. Well, I did read some books about the Revolution also.
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It's cool, dude! And I'm planning to use this GIF whenever I just saw something... You get the drift. :D
LOL, I'm more of a Kapamilya, but shows like Katipunan (and back then, Amaya) are the only good shows on the Kapuso Network. ;)
 
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@Namayan: You have a point about Bonifacio's (and Aguinaldo's) military competency. Although I think Bonifacio had the chance to improve by experience. If only he had some books about military strategy, it would've been invaluable to him.

I know the lack of military expertise is one of the main reasons why the Katipunan suffered serious casualties during the initial phases of the Revolution. But there's also the dangers of putting both militarily and politically savy personalities in the leadership seat. South America & Mexico is a great example of that.

They can always designate the military stuff to someone else more military competent. Winning San Juan del monte can recruit a lot of talent and doubters of the cause.
 

Driftless

Donor
I can imagine the Spanish made sure that there was limited access to military officer training for any of the local colonial populations. It's one more point in their self-interest and maintaining colonial control. Keep the locals from developing their own means for asserting independence.

Would there have been reasonable access at that time to outside help? Financial or military?
 
I can imagine the Spanish made sure that there was limited access to military officer training for any of the local colonial populations. It's one more point in their self-interest and maintaining colonial control. Keep the locals from developing their own means for asserting independence.

Would there have been reasonable access at that time to outside help? Financial or military?

Everybody who studied in Europe had access. There were a lot of Filipinos who studied in Europe. Every Filipino in the employ of the Spanish military or the Spanish civil guards also had access.

Being Filipino or local is a relative term. The Insulares, or the Spanish blood born in the Philippines are considered Filipino. There are also half-Spanish Half-Malay/Chinese that are considered mestizos and are also Filipinos. The only Spanish that Spanish authorities in the Philippines consider as Spanish are with Spanish blood born in Spain, which are the Peninsulares.

Outside help, USA, Japan, Germany....take your pick.
 
Chapter 2

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The flags of Magdalo (left) and Magdiwang (right).

The revolution officially started in Cavite on August 31, 1896 with three simultaneous uprisings at Cavite El Viejo, Noveleta and San Francisco de Malabon. The first uprisings were instigated by the Katipunan's Magdiwang chapter, led by Mariano Alvarez and his son, Santiago Alvarez. They started the campaign by seizing Noveleta's town hall, killing 2 Spanish officers and disarming the few Guardia Civiles. Noveleta was declared the seat of the Magdiwang. A similar scenario happened at San Francisco de Malabon, where the rebels are headed by Mariano Trias. The Magdalo followed suit when a group of men led by Emilio Aguinaldo, stormed Cavite El Viejo's government hall. Aguinaldo decides to ride on the momentum and prepared his ragtag force to march onto Imus.

On September 1, 1896 hundreds of insurgents, who took cover behind a marching band, attacked Imus' town church where the Colonial troops was supposed to be garrisoned. The rebels were fooled however, when they found it empty of any armed element. Aguinaldo later found out that the Guardia Civil had fortified themselves on a nearby friar-owned estate, surrounded by high walls. The Katipuneros immediately rushed to the place and quickly surrounded the building, placing it in a siege. Fortunetely, the insurgents managed to capture it after several attempts.

The next day, a relief force led by General Ernesto de Aguirre was dispatched by Governor Blanco to Cavite to quell the budding insurrection. He brought with him a small cavalry detachment, a battalion of Spanish cazadores, and the 69th Native Regiment[1]. Upon hearing the news, Aguinaldo assembled a 500-strong force and immediately departed to Bacoor, near the Zapote River, to intercept Aguirre. But in the ensuing battle, the rebels were virtually wiped out, and only a handful (including Aguinaldo himself) managed to escape. The rebels almost lost their hearts when rumors of Aguinaldo's death spreads out. They quickly regained morale however, when they found out that Kapitan Miong[2] was unscathed.

After the encounter at Bacoor Aguirre, who felt that his forces aren't enough, returns to Manila to request additional reinforcements, delaying the Colonial forces' advance. It'll later be proved as a fatal mistake.

On September 3, Aguirre's reinforced column arrives at Imus, unaware that they've been caught in a trap. After crossing the bridge leading to the recently besieged estate the Spaniards were ambushed by the concealed insurgents, and a grueling battle began right away. In spite of superior weaponry, the Spanish forces, overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, were routed. Aguirre attempted a tactical withdrawal, only to be blocked by additional insurgent force (led personally by Aguinaldo) who positioned themselves on the other side of the bridge, sealing their only escape route. Under the threat of annihilation, the beleaguered Spanish troops desperately fought their way out of the encirclement, and hastily fell back to Bacoor. Aguirre himself was reported to have fallen on his horse while frantically trying to run away, leaving his command sabre on the battlefield. Aguinaldo recovered the said weapon as it symbolizes the rebel's hard fought victory. Imus would later become the seat of the Magdalo chapter.


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[1] In OTL, it is the 73rd Regiment who went to Imus. But since most of them defected to the Katipunan, they've been disbanded.
[2] Emilio Aguinaldo's nickname.
 
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I've changed the font size for easier reading. And apologies for the somewhat incorrect use of grammar. English isn't my primary language.

Anyway, just a question: should I continue this TL up to the 1900s?
 
Chapter 3

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Macario Sakay

As the events in Cavite started to unravel, the battle rages on in its northern neighbor. On August 31, 1896 Gen. Echaluce led another attack at San Juan del Monte, only to find it devoid of any insurgent. The Katipuneros had decided to evacuate the town in an effort to stabilize the battle lines. Later, Echaluce continued pursuing the rebels. But as they reached Marikina, the Colonial troops faced an insurgent rearguard led by Sancho Valenzuela. A series of skirmishes ensued before Valenzuela's group retreat northward to Balara, successfully delaying the Spaniards. Bonifacio decided to held their ground at Balara, and instructed his men to prepare defenses.

By 12:00 pm, an exchange of artillery signalled the beginning of a new battle. An intense shootout within the forests of Balara continued for more than two hours. Bonifacio now thought that they can hold their lines, only to be surprised when Spanish riflemen suddenly began to pounce on their flanks. The insurgents continued exchanging shots with Echaluce's troops. When Bonifacio realized that they're now dangerously low on ammunition, he decides to call a retreat to San Mateo. The rebel were forced to destroy the cannons in order to deny their use (or reuse) by the Spaniards.

Bonifacio's rebel army reached San Mateo at 4:00 pm. There, he held a meeting to decide the next course of action. Majority of them wanted to set camp at Montalban, San Mateo's mountainous neighbor. After the meeting, provisions were given to the exhausted rebels by the town's populace, showing their support of the rebellion.

At nightfall, while Bonifacio and his men are resting, Spanish troops began a surprise attack. But the insurgents had readied for this eventuality, and proceeded to the prepared defenses at San Mateo's hillside. Macario Sakay asked Bonifacio to evacuate to Montalban, as he volunteered to command the defenders. Sakay asked the assistance of Licerio Geronimo to lead the defense of the municipio.

As they start to exchange fire with the Spaniards, the San Mateo defenders successfully lured the attackers further into the hills. Using disguised straw dummies, the rebels managed to outsmart the Spaniards. As the Colonial troops realized their mistake, and depleted their ammunition supplies, Sakay signalled a counterattack. Geronimo led the counterattacking insurgents, inflicting serious casualties upon the Spanish troops, and prompting them to fall back.

The rebels celebrated their victory with a small feast, as both Sakay and Geronimo were hailed as the town's heroes. After receiving news of the victory at San Mateo, Bonifacio rewarded Sakay by assigning him the rank of Brigadier General, while Geronimo on the other hand was promoted Colonel. It was the beginning of latter's colorful military career.
 
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Hi Admiral Awesome, do you have an idea what is the Rebel army count as of Chapter 3. Also, what is the equipment count, like rifles and artillery since there were local soldiers joining rebels at this ATL. Plus another question, the Spanish Asian Navy fully loyal to Spain or some of them joined the rebels?
 
Hi Admiral Awesome, do you have an idea what is the Rebel army count as of Chapter 3. Also, what is the equipment count, like rifles and artillery since there were local soldiers joining rebels at this ATL. Plus another question, the Spanish Asian Navy fully loyal to Spain or some of them joined the rebels?

I'm still estimating the total force of the Katipunan at this point, but their firearms are now around 300+ (including the improvised ones).

About the artillery, probably around 6 or more (but as of Ch. 3, it was all destroyed before the retreat to Morong).

The Spanish Navy is still generally loyal to the Colonial Government.
 
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