#TodayinHistory in 1903, Simeón Ola y Arboleda, Filipino revolutionary general from Bicol, and his troops, surrendered to U.S. Col. Harry Bandholtz. He was one of the last Filipino generals to surrender to the Americans in the Philippine-American War. (THREAD). #PH #history
Hailing from Guinobatan, Albay #PH, Ola was born on 2 Sept 1865. Abuses committed by the Spanish colonial gov convinced him to join the local chapter of the #Katipunan. He used his position as teniente de cuadrillos to gather arms & recruit members to the underground movement.
On 2 April 1898, even before the arrival of Aguinaldo from exile, together w/ Gen. Vito Belarmino, and Glicerio Delgado, fought the Spaniards in the Battle of Camalig and won. Ola was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Exactly a year after the 1st #PH Republic was inaugurated, & almost a yr after the outbreak of the Philippine-American War, Ola was promoted again w/ the rank of Major, for his successful capture of 3 notable American soldiers.
He never surrendered even after Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo's capture on 23 March 1901, the American civil gov establishment in Albay on 22 April, & Gen. Vito Belarmino's surrender on 4 July.
In August 1902, Ola's attacks on the American detachments in Oas & Macabugos made him a thorn on their side in Bicol. Several efforts to woo him to surrender was made but was all denied. On 15 June 1903, Ola led another successful attack on the 31st Philippine Scouts at Joveliar.
Ola also caused approx. $6M loss on the hemp industry in Bicol. In latter part of 1903, the Americans began implementing reconcentration policies in an attempt to cut off his supply, & in effect causing suffering to civilians.
Recognizing the futility of his situation, & wishing for the civilian suffering to cease, Ola participated in the negotiation for surrender. #OnThisDay in 1903, Simeón Ola surrendered, along w/ 1,500 men. He was sentenced to 30 yrs in prison but was pardoned & released in 1904.
Ola became the presidente municipal (mayor) of Guinobatan (1910-1913, & 1916-1919).
Photos:
- Portrait of Simeon Ola, from @NCCAOfficial
- An article from The Minneapolis Journal, 26 Sept 1903, from Arnaldo Dumindin
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