FRANCISCO DAGOHOY
Francisco Dagohoy holds the distinction
of having ]ed the
longest revolt (1744-1829) in the Philippines.
There are no available records that
contain information about his parentage, birthday and boyhood.
Dagohoy's brother, a constable, was
requested by the Jesuit
Gaspar Morales, who was in charge of the
disrict of Inabangan, Bohol to go after and bring back a renegade indio
who had fled to the mountains. The renegade killed Constable Dagohoy instead.
When he heard of his brother's death, Francisco went to the mountain and
brought his brother's body back to the village so that it could be given a
Christian burial. Great was the disappointment of Francisco when Father
Morales, in whose service his brother had lost his life, refused.
The priest did not want to have the body
buried in consecrated ground because he had been killed in a fight. Far three
days the corpse remained unburied and rotting. Angered at this arbitrary and
harsh treatment, Dagohoy swore vengeance on the Jesuits, and persuaded the
natives of his district to join him. Soon he had about 3,Q00 men following him
to the mountains. On their way they plundered a large and valuable Jesuit
estate named San Xavier which was well stacked with cows, carabaos, horses?
pigs, and other animals.
In an inaccessible region in the
mountains between Inabangan and Talibon, Dagohoy established his headquarters
and proclaimed the independence of Bohol. Under his direction and supervision,
the Boholano patriots fortified their stronghold with. trenches of big rocks.
They built numerous dwellings for the families who joined their cause and cleared
the surrounding forest to plant food crops. They plundered the lowlands for
their other necessities.
Dagohoy and his men sallied out in
lightning raids on the lowland towns, assaulting the local Spanish garrisons,
looting the churches, and slaughtering Spaniards, particularly the Jesuit
priests. On January 24, 1745 one of Dagohoy's bold warriors killed Father
Ciuseppe Lamberti, an italian Jesuit and parish priest of Jagna. Shortly after,
the hated Father Morales was killed. Dagohoy's personal vengeance was
fulfilled. But he continued his rebellion, for his armed movement was organized
not merely to liquidate a personal enemy, but to regain the lost freedom of his
people and to make his beloved Bohol once more a land of free men.
The Spanish authorities were worried by
the remarkable successes of Dagohoy. In 1747 Bishop Juan de Arrechedera of
Manila, then acting governor-general, dispatched a Spanish expedition to Bohol
under the command of Don Pedro Lechuga Dagohoy resisted this expedition and forced
it to withdraw to Zamboanga. Later Bishop Line de Espeleta of Cebu, who became
acting archbishop and governor-general, tried to pacify the rebels. But Dagohoy
refused to listen to him The flames of rebellion rose higher than ever.
The Recollects replaced the Jesuits, and
Father Pedro de Santa Barbara, who was stationed in Baclayon, ascended the
mountains to interview Dagohoy. He was welcomed and well treated, but Dagohoy
courteously refused to give up Bohol's independence. Supplementing the peace
efforts of the Recollects, Governor-General Jose Raon offered amnesty and
pardon to Dagohoy and his followers if they would lay down their arms. Dagohoy
spurned this offer, saying that his people were enjoying the good life of a
free people.
From 1744 to 1829, a long period of 85
years, the Boholanos successfully maintained their independence and preserved
it with fierce courage and flaming partriotism. It seemed probable that Dagohoy
died before the year 1829 in his mountain kingdom either of old age or of
sickness. His followers, imbued by his indomitable courage and fearless heroism
carried on the fight for independence. Twenty Spanish governors-general, from
Gaspar de la Torre (1739-1745) to Mariano Ricafort (1825-1830), failed to
suppress the libertarian struggle.
The death of Dagohoy greatly weakened the
cause of the Boholanos. Governor Ricafort, an able and energetic administrator,
exerted efforts to conquer the island of Bohol. He dispatched strong
expeditions to the island in May, 1827 and in April, 1828. The following year,
Captain Manuel Sent, a veteran Spanish soldier conducted the last drive against
the Bohol patriots.
Missing Dagohoy's excellent leadership,
the Boholanos made their last stand in the mountain of Boasa. Two brave brothers
named Handog and Auag, commanded the patriots. They resisted the enemy with
extreme courage, but their efforts were in vain. They also had three
lieutenants who must have taken their place and at least one of them probably
lived to the time of the surrender. They were Ignacio Aranez, Pedro Bagio and
Bernabe Samonte. By August 31, 1829, the last flames of the rebellion were put
out. Dagohoy's survivors agreed to recognize Spain's rule once more.
According to Captain Sanz's combat
report, 19,420 Boholanos surrendered while 3,000 fled to other provinces. More
than 400 Bohol lanes died in action during the last battle.
Governor Ricafort, himself a brave
soldier, admired the fighting spirit of Dagohoy's men. With magnanimity, he
pardoned them and allowed them to live in peace in the lowland villages, now
the towns of Batuan, Balilihan, Catigbian, and Pilar.
During the 85 years of Bohol's
independence, the patriotic Boholanos lived as free and sovereign people. They did
not render forced labor nor pay tribute. They suffered neither racial
discrimination nor social humiliation from the hands of the Spaniards. Dagohoy
was able to maintain a government. His rule was firm and just. He was obeyed
and, respected by his people. Governing like the datus of the pre-Spanish era,
he was the chief executive, the supreme judge, and the military generalissimo.
He was assisted by the old men in peace affairs and by the military captains in
war matters.
A historical marker on Dagohoy's grave in
the mountain fastness of Danao, Bohol has been installed in his honor.