ROTC MS 1:

MILITARY KNOWLEDGE MODULE

PHILIPPINRE MILITARY HISTORY
OBJECTIVES:  

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Refresh your knowledge on the specific details on the history of the Philippines;
2. Identify the characteristic of the different core values of the AFP;
3. Explain the different core values;
4. Know the general duty or responsibility towards the society; and
5. Apply the core values.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AFP

Pre-Spanish Occupation

The first recorded organized resistance against foreign aggressor took place in the Visayas
during the Battle of Mactan on 27 Apr 1521 when the native chieftain named Lapu-lapu, the
acknowledged Father of the AFP, fought against the Spaniards led by Magellan in the latter’s
effort to subdue the former. Lapu-lapu refused to pay homage to the King of Spain. Under
estimating the capability of the natives, the foreigners lost in the battle and Magellan was killed.

Spanish Occupation

Some islands of the archipelago were successfully occupied by the Spaniards. In 1570, they
tried to land in Manila, however, the Muslim leader, Rajah Soliman resisted their effort. In 1571,
Legaspi conquered Manila and made it as the capital of the Philippines.

Pockets of rebellion took place. Notable of which was the uprising led by Diego Silang where he
displayed his exemplary military leadership style and tactics in defeating the Spaniards.

The Filipino soldiers were also organized to fight for Spain and to support some expeditions.
Filipino forces were also sent to reinforce Spanish troops during the Chinese revolt in 1603.

General Jose Prim dethroned Queen Isabela II of Spain in 1868. The latter espoused the liberal
principles of democracy. This paved the way for the exposure of the Filipinos in foreign culture
leading to the development of strong sense of nationalism among Filipinos. The works of
famous propagandists Marcelo H del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena and Jose Rizal further
nurtured the national spirit. Andres Bonifacio, who is considered as the father of the Philippine
Army, founded a more radical group called the “Katipunan” on 7 Jul 1892. In August 23, 1896,
the Cry of Pugad Lawin signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This was
followed by pockets of rebellion which inflicted so much loss to the Spaniards. While Katipunan
was gaining strength, two factions emerged – the Magdalo led by Aguinaldo and the Magdiwang
led by Bonifacio. On 22 Mar 1897, the Tejeros Convention was called to resolve the conflict
between the two factions. As a result, Aguinaldo won the presidency. The occasion also gave
birth to the Philippine Army.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 1|Page

American Influence

As the war broke out between the United States and Spain on April 23, 1898, the Americans
convinced the Filipinos to cooperate with the Americans against Spain with the promise that the
United States will grant independence to the Philippines. Aguinaldo declared war against
Spain. In June 12, 1898, the Philippine Independence from Spain was declared in Kawit, Cavite.
Later on, the Philippine Navy was created 22 June 22, 1898 by the Revolutionary Army.

The occupation of the American forces did not gain much acceptance from the Filipinos
because of many restrictions imposed to the Filipino forces as to access to some areas. The
harse treatment by the Americans ignited the conflict between them and the Filipinos. The latter
were defeated which led to the fall of the Malolos Republic.

With the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. Finding the
archipelago as a lucrative place for some economic activities, the United States strengthened
their presence in the Philippines. This prompted the Filipinos to again unite and fight for the
freedom they have just won. Significant battles followed suit exemplifying the fighting spirit and
skills of the Filipino soldiers against formidable opponents. The capture of General Aguinaldo by
the Americans in Palanan, Isabela in March 23, 1901 and the laying down of arms of General
Malvar in April 16, 1902 ended the organized resistance against the American forces.

To hasten the Philippine campaign and to establish peace and order, an insular police force
known as the Philippine Constabulary was organized on August 8, 1901 followed by the
establishment of the Philippine Military Academy on February 7, 1905.

On December 21, 1935, the National Defense Act was enacted which officially created the
Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Philippine Air Force was later established on July 1, 1947

The Japanese Occupation

Consequent to the declaration of war by Japan with the United States, the invading Japanese
Forces landed in Vigan and Aparri in Luzon on December 10, 1945. Un-able to withstand the
very strong adversary and to save more lives and properties from destruction, the combined
military forces of the United States and the Filipinos withdrew to Bataan for the implementation
of War Plan Orange. Un-abated Japanese strikes caused the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 and
Corregidor on May 6, 1942. These events ended the organized resistance against the Japanese
invasion.

The defeat of the Fil-Am forces did not end the armed struggle in the Philippines. Those who
refused to surrender went underground and waged a guerilla fighting against the Japanese. The
activities of the guerilla forces were very instrumental in the successful come back of the
liberating US Forces under Gen Douglas Mc Arthur who landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944.

International Peace Keeping Operations

It is also noteworthy that the AFP had participated in international peace keeping efforts as its
commitment to the United Nations such as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea
(PEFTOK) in the early 50’s, the Philippine Air Force Contingent in Congo, Africa in the early
60’s and the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) in South Vietnam in the 60’s. Philippine

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 2|Page

contingents were also sent to East Timor, Iraq and Liberia to participate in UN peace keeping
operations.

EVOLUTION AND ROLE OF THE ROTC IN THE PREVIOUS WARS

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program has gone a long way in the Philippine
history. The Commonwealth Act Number 1 otherwise known as the National Defense Act
provided the legal basis for the conduct of ROTC instruction, the need for a citizen reserve force
had been realized as early as before the American occupation of the Philippines. In fact, it was
utilized even during the long and arduous Spanish colonial rule in the archipelago. A military
training course, that time, became inevitable in the light of the constant

As the result of the so called Seven Year’s War in Europe between France and Great Britain, a
British flotilla of thirteen ships, headed by Admiral Samuel Cornish and General William Draper,
arrived in the Colony on September 22, 1762. The Philippines got entangled in this European
power struggle because the monarchs of Spain and France both belonged to the Bourbon
Dynasty. On the one side where the combined French and Spanish forces together with their
colonies; on the other, the rising tide of British colonialism in Asia. In retaliation for this
entanglement, a military expedition from Madras was sent to India, then a British colony.

Spanish authorities in the colony were ill- prepared for such kind of international assault. During
this tumultuous period, the Philippines was headed by Archbishop Manuel Rojo, a situation
clearly indicative of the unstable political situation in the archipelago. Father Domingo Collantes,
OP, Rector and chancellor of the University of Sto Tomas, organized a group of around two
hundred (200) students from UST and Colegio de San Juan de Letran who underwent military
training at Sto Tomas Plaza in Intramuros, Manila. Father Collantes was assisted by a sergeant
in the Royal Spanish Army in setting up a battalion of young students for military instruction.

These students were immediately sent to action together with 500 Hispano-Filipino regulars (in
the King’s Regiment) and 80 Filipinos to counter the 7000 strong British Regiment. Though
obviously mismatched against the British force, the ragtag force assembled by Spanish
authorities was able to somehow temporarily ward - off the advancing enemies. Their skirmish
lasted for five days, and the defenders suffered much in terms of the number of casualties and
injuries. Realizing the futility of continuous fighting, Governor-Archbishop Rojo surrendered
Manila and Cavite to Lieutenant General Dawsonne Drake on October 6, 1762. Though not so
well known in the Philippine history, our country did become a British colony foe a while until
June 1764. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, the Seven Year’s War
ended and the British consequently left the archipelago for good.

Despite this debacle, the Spanish king duly recognized the courage and bravery these students
exhibited in the battlefield. Henceforth, he granted the prestigious titles ‘muy leal’ (very loyal) to
these young defenders and ‘regalia’ (royal) to the institution to which most of them belonged. Up
until this day, the ‘muy leal’ emblem remains part of the UST ROTC seal: a testament to the
unwavering valor and the commendable spirit once shown in the face of seemingly
insurmountable adversity.

Exactly one hundred fifty years later after 1762, various colleges and universities in the
Philippines would offer military training for their students. According to Brigadier General Jose
Syjuco, author of the Military education in the Philippines, most military historians marked the
year 1912 as the beginning of the genuine ROTC instruction in the country. In that year, the

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 3|Page

Philippine Constabulary (PC) started conducting military instructions at the University of the
Philippines (UP) on the old Padre Faura Campus. All able- bodied male students in all colleges,
institutes, and schools of the university were required to undergo military training that focused
initially on infantry and use of rifles. Appointed as the first military instructor was Captain Silvino
Gallardo, who assumed office in the first semester of 1912. The need for reserve officer was
further realized with the advent of the First World War in Europe, even though the Philippines
had no direct military participation in that international squabble.

In 1912, during the American regime, UP and Ateneo de Manila started to offer military training.
But their graduates could not find a career in military unless they joined the PC or the Philippine
Scouts (PS). Governor General Leonard Wood encouraged the development of ROTC units,
which were quite similar to those he had organized in the United States, in the Philippines. With
representation from the UP Board of Regents to the US War Department, the services of an
American Army officer was obtained. This officer was later appointed as professor of Military
Science.

On March 17, 1922, the Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) was formally
organized in UP. Among the department’s objectives were to: 1) develop patriotic, physically
sound, upright and disciplined citizens; 2) create a corps of trained officers for the reserve
force; and 3) take the lead in fostering the university spirit. On July 3, 1922, with the first ROTC
unit in the country having been organized, formal military instruction began in UP. Since then,
basic course in infantry became compulsory and a pre-requisite for graduation from the
university. On October 26, 1929, the field artillery unit of UP was organized with the issuance of
75mm field guns. In 1935, a mounted battery unit, equipped with 2.95-inch guns was also put in
place.

As a result of these encouraging events, other colleges and universities in Manila followed suit.
Ateneo de Manila, National University, Liceo de Manila, and San Juan de Letran later formed
their ROTC units. These units remained independent from one another until 1936, when Office
of the Superintendent (of ROTC units) of the Philippine Army was activated to supervise all
ROTC units in the country.

Under the American tutelage, Commonwealth Act Number 1 provided the legal basis for the
mandatory citizen military training in the Philippines. The country’s national defense plan was
put into motion by the combined efforts of General Douglas McArthur and Manuel Quezon. The
defense plan envisioned an organization on citizen army consisting of two major components: 1)
a regular force of about 10,000 men (including PC) and 2) a reserve force to number 400,000 by
end of ten-year period. The second component was to be accomplished by way of continuing
program to train 21-year old able bodied men for a period of more than five months. Quezon
personally hand-picked Gen McArthur to become the military adviser of the Commonwealth,
with the responsibility of formulating the Philippine Defense system. (Quezon later conferred the
status of “Field Marshall”, the highest military rank known in international usage, on McArthur).
At the opening session of the National Assembly on November 26, 1935, Quezon re-iterated the
need for a defense plan. According to him “Self defense is the supreme right of mankind no
more sacred to the individual than to the nation, the interests of which are immeasurably of
greater significance and extent . . . In my opinion, the plan reflects the lessons of history, the
conclusion of the acknowledge masters of warfare and of statesmanship, and the sentiments
and aspirations of the Filipino people. It is founded upon enduring principles that are
fundamental to any plan applicable to our needs,”

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 4|Page

On December 21, 1935, the National Assembly approved the plan amid criticisms it received
and the strict opposition mounted by several lawmakers namely Juan Sumulong and Camilo
Osias, and former President Emilio Aguinaldo. One important provision of the plan stated the “
at such universities and colleges as the President may designate, there shall be established and
maintain ROTC units of such arm and service as he shall specify, where every physically fit
student shall be required to pursue a course of military instruction . . “ ROTC units in various
universities and colleges, therefore, became source of reserve officers. However, a major
concern was that these units had yet to be standardized (although most were yet to be formally
recognized). UP’s ROTC was the first to be officially recognized; the ROTC units of Letran,
UST, De la Salle, Adamson, Philippine Normal School, the Philippine School of Arts and
Trades, San Beda and Siliman were likewise given recognition. By 1937, the Philippine
government had established and recognized seventeen ROTC, most of them infantry units. UP
had a field artillery unit aside from an infantry unit; Adamson and the Quisumbing schools had
chemical warfare units. Furthermore, UP also served as the training ground for ROTC
instructors and a source of basic ROTC training policies.

Under the system, male students had to take basic two-year course and attend training on
weekends. Those students desiring reserve commission could attend two more years of
advanced weekend training. Completion of the advanced course made one eligible for a reserve
officer commission. However, mandatory training was not instituted in all colleges. As result,
students who did not want to undergo military training simply opted to transfer to schools who
did not have ROTC units. To resolve the issue, President Quezon issued Executive Order No.
207. By virtue of this directive, ROTC became compulsory in all colleges and universities with
enrollment of a hundred students or more. This action taken by Quezon was partly in response
to the protest launched by some schools that their enrolment had dropped due to the institution
of ROTC units. By 1941, there were around thirty three colleges and universities throughout the
country that maintained ROTC units. However, all of these schools closed down during the
Japanese incursion in the Philippines.

Japan’s misadventure in the Philippines had ended, but the service rendered to the nation by
the heroic men of ROTC has turned into a life-long commitment. Even during the post war era,
UP ROTC graduates exhibited here and abroad meritorious deeds in the service of the Filipino
people. On the one hand, they became part of the government’s effort to solve the problem of
insurgency in the country; on the other, they manned the contingency forces that were sent at
the height of the Korean (1950) and Vietnam (1964) wars.

Less than seventy years have passed since the inception of student military training in various
colleges and universities throughout the country. Times have changed and the ROTC program
has been placed in constant scrutiny, especially in terms of significance to the importance in
today’s reality.

It drew a number of problems and subsequent protests not only from the student sector but also
from the school administration and the parents of the students who view the program as
militarization. The strongest clamor for its abolition occurred in March 2001 as a consequence
of the death of University of Santo Tomas ROTC Cadet Mark Chua who was allegedly hazed by
senior ROTC cadets for his expose’ of several malpractices in the ROTC program.

This incident was exploited by some leftist organizations who staged rallies demanding the
abolition of the ROTC. This clamor prompted both Houses to file separate bills on the ROTC
program. The House of Representatives filed House Bill Number 3593 and the Senate filed

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 5|Page

Senate Bill Number 1824 which led to the enactment of Republic Act 9163 otherwise known as
the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, making the ROTC as just one of the
three components of the NSTP where the students can choose from. The ROTC training period
was also reduced from two years to one year. Students can also select any component of the
NSTP, thus making ROTC optional. Female students are also required to undergo NSTP as a
prerequisite for graduation for a baccalaureate degree or two-year vocational courses.

The NSTP has three (3) components namely: the ROTC, which is designed to provide military
training to students to prepare for national defense, the Department of National Defense (DND)
is the lead agency in the implementation of the ROTC component, the Literacy Training Service
(LTS), which is designed to train students to become teachers to school children, out of school
youth and other segments of the society who are in dire need of their service, the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) is the lead agency in the implementation of the LTS component
and the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), which will involve the students to activities to
contribute to general welfare and betterment of life, the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) is the lead agency in the implementation of CWTS component.
The students can select any of the three (3) components as a requirement for their
baccalaureate degree or two-year vocational course.

Prior to the implementation of the NSTP, the ROTC was a two year mandatory training for male
college students and also a requisite for graduation in college. Through the years the enrolment
had gone down tremendously. The program also experienced steady deterioration essentially
due to issues and concerns which include among others graft and corruption, lack of competent,
dedicated and committed instructors and higher student-instructor ratio. Moreover, students do
not appreciate the Program as shown by the high rate of students dropping out or deferring the
ROTC training while many have decided to enroll in the other two components. This has
significantly reduced the number of our reserve force pool who are not only to be readily
available in case of war or national emergency but also to perform relief and rescue tasks when
needed.

Philippine Revolution (1896–1898)

Leader of
Spanish the
Filipino
Colonial Revolutiona
Conflict People and Results
Governme ry
Allies
nt Governmen
t
Philippine Revolution
Philippine 1896–97 1896– Peace Treaty (1897) Andres
Revolution  Soverei 1897  Signing of Pact of Biak-na-Bato. Bonifacio
(1896–1898) gn Tagalog  Kingd Victory (1898) (until 1897)
Nation om of  Resumption of hostilities
.  Katipuna Spain during Spanish–American War.
n   Ph  Expulsion of the Spanish colonial
ilippine government.
1897 s  Establishment of First Philippine
Republic with Emilio Aguinaldo as the
 Republic
first President (1899)
of Biak-na- 1898

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 6|Page

 Bato
 Kingd
1898
om of
 Filipino
Spain
Revolutionari
  Ph o Official establishment of
es
ilippine the Philippine Republican Emilio
Supported
by:
s Army (1899) Aguinaldo
 United   Cu  Outbreak of the Philippine–American (since 1897)
ba War (1899).
States
  Pu
erto
1896–1898
Rico
 Sulu
Sultanate
Cry of  Katipuna  Spain Start of the Revolution Andres
Pugad n  Formation of an Insurgent Government Bonifacio
Lawin
(August 23,
1896)
Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres
Pasong n  Katipuneros retreat to Balara Bonifacio
Tamo  Major revolts and uprisings began in
(August 28– other Provinces
29, 1896)

Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres

Manila of n Bonifacio
1896
(August 29,
1896)
Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
Noveleta n Bonifacio
(August 30,   Magdi
1896) wang
First Cry of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
Cavite n  Katipuneros capture San Francisco De Bonifacio
(August 31,   Magdi Malabon
1896) wang
Kawit revolt  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
(August 31, n Bonifacio
1896)   Magda
lo

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 7|Page

Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
Imus n  Death of Gen. Ernesto de Aguirre Bonifacio
(September   Magda
1–3, 1896) lo

Cry of  Katipuna  Spain Tactical Victory Andres

Nueva Ecija n Strategic Defeat Bonifacio
(September  Start of the Philippine
2–5, 1896) Revolution in Central Luzon

Battles of  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres

Batangas n Bonifacio
(October 23,
1896)

Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres

San Mateo n  Start of the revolution in Morong. Bonifacio
and
Montalban
(August 29,
1896)
Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
Binakayan- n  Filipino Revolutionaries occupy Cavite Bonifacio
Dalahikan   Magd City
(November alo  Spanish Government fail to recapture
9–11, 1896)   Magd all of Cavite; Filipinos successfully
iwang liberate all of Cavite and most of
  Magt Laguna,
agumpay Batangas and Tayabas provinces
afterwards
Revolution  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres
in n  Defeat of Maluningning Katipunan Bonifacio
Laguna (Bat Chapter.
tle of
Sambat)
(November
15–16,
1896)
Battle of  Katipuna  Spain 1st Phase: Victory (December 31, 1896) Andres
Pateros n  Rebels captures Pateros, Taguig and  Bonifacio
(December Silang.
31, 1896 – 2nd Phase: Inconclusive (January 1–2,
January 3, 1987)
1897) 3rd Phase: Defeat (January 3, 1897)
 Rebels forces were pushed back
from Pateros and Las Piñas and
into Laguna and Cavite.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 8|Page

  Remaining rebel attacks were
repulsed.
Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres
Kakarong de n  Katipunan rebels wage guerrilla Bonifacio
Sili  Kakaron warfare in Bulacan province.
(January 1, g Republic  Dissolution of the Kakarong Republic
1897)
Cry of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres
Tarlac n Bonifacio
(January 24,
1897)
Cavite  Katipuna  Spain Defeat Andres
Offensive of n  Retreat of the Katipunero forces Bonifacio
1897 from Cavite
(Feb. 15 –  Spaniards recapture most of Cavite.
March 24,
1897)

Battle of  Katipuna  Spain Victory Andres

Zapote n Bonifacio
Bridge   Magda
(February lo
17, 1897)
Retreat to  Filipino  Spain Defeat Emilio
Montalban Revolutionari Aguinaldo
(August es
1897)
Raid at  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Paombong Revolutionari Aguinaldo
(August 31, es
1897)
Battle of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Aliaga Revolutionari  Emilio Aguinaldo & Fernando Primo de Aguinaldo
(September es Rivera signs the Pact of Biak-na-Bato
5–6, 1897)  Continuation of the revolution in small-
scale engagements until 1898
Pact of Biak-  Republic  Kingd Peace Treaty Emilio
na-Bato of Biak-na- om of w/ General Amnesty Aguinaldo
(December Bato Spain Provisions:
14, 1897)  That Aguinaldo and his companions
would go into voluntary exile abroad.
 That Governor-General Primo de
Rivera would pay the sum of P800,000
to the rebels in three installments:
1. $400,000 (Mexican) to Aguinaldo
upon his departure from Biak-na-Bató,
2. $200,000 (Mexican) when the arms
surrendered by the revolutionists

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 9|Page

 amounted to 800 stand, and
3. the remaining $200,000 (Mexican)
when the arms surrendered amounted
to 1,000 stand, Te Deum in the
Cathedral in Manila as thanksgiving for
the restoration of peace.
 That Primo de Rivera would pay the
additional sum of P900,000 to the
families of the non-combatant Filipinos
who suffered during the armed conflict.
Results:
 Pres. Aguinaldo and twenty five other
top officials of the revolution were
banished to Hong Kong with $400,000
(Filipino) in their possession.
 The rest of the men received $200,000
(Mexican), but the third installment was
never received.
 General amnesty was never declared
because sporadic skirmishes
continued.
 Resumption of hostilities
during Spanish–American War.
Battle of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Calamba Revolutionari Aguinaldo
(May 1898) es
Battle of  United  Spain Victory Emilio
Manila Bay States  Start of the Pacific Theater of Aguinaldo
(May 1, the Spanish–American War
1898)
Battle of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Alapan Revolutionari  General Leopoldo Garcia Peña Aguinaldo
(May 28, es become prisoner of war.
1898)  The Philippine Flag is unfurled for the
first time.
Battle of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Tayabas Revolutionari  Filipino revolutionaries recapture Aguinaldo
(May 28 – es Tayabas province.
June 15,
1898)
Siege of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio
Baler Revolutionari  Baler held beyond official cessation of Aguinaldo
(July 1, 1898 es  United hostilities and cession of Philippine
– June 2, (until January States Islands;
1899)  Failure of American relief efforts;
1899)  Repúblic  Negotiated armistice June 2, 1899
a Filipina
(from January
1899)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 10 | P a g e

Mock Battle  United  Spain Victory Emilio
of Manila States  Spanish forces surrendered the city to Aguinaldo
(August 13, the Americans.
1898)  Filipino  End of the Spanish–American War in
Revolutionari the Philippines.
es

Siege of  Filipino  Spain Victory Emilio

Masbate Revolutionari  Establishment of Masbate revolutionary Aguinaldo
(August 19, es government
1898)  Pulajane
s

Philippine-American War (1899–1913)

President
United of
Conflict Filipino People Results
States República
Filipina
Philippine-American War
1899–1902
 República 1899–1902
Filipina  United Emilio
  Republic of States Defeat Aguinaldo
Negros   Milita  Fall of the First Republic. (until 1901)
  Republic of ry  General Emilio
Philippine–
Zamboanga Governm Aguinaldo was captured
American War
Limited Foreign ent and exiled.
February 4,
Support:  American Occupation of
1899 – July 2,
1902–1906 the Philippine Islands.
1902  Empire of Japan
 United o The establishment of Miguel
States the Civilian Malvar
1902–1906 Government.
  Civil (1901–1902)
 Tagalog Governm
Republic ent
 Irrenconcilables
Moro Rebellion  Moro Rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
(1899–1913) States  Total Annexation of Sulu
 Sulu Sultanate
  Civil the Philippine Islands Various
Governm  Formation of Moro
ent the Department of Leaders
Mindanao and Sulu.
Battle of Manila  República  United Defeat Emilio
(February 4–5, Filipina States  Start of the Philippine- Aguinaldo
1899) American War

Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio

Caloocan Filipina States Aguinaldo
(Feb 10, 1899)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 11 | P a g e

Second Battle  República  United Defeat Emilio
of Caloocan Filipina States Aguinaldo
(February 22–
24, 1899)
Battle of  República  United Victory Emilio
Balantang Filipina States  Filipino troops Aguinaldo
(March 10, retaking Jaro from the
1899) Americans.
Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Marilao River Filipina States Aguinaldo
(March 27,
1899)
Capture of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Malolos Filipina States  República Filipina's Aguinaldo
(March 31, capital was taken control
1899) by the United States
Battle of Santa  República  United Defeat Emilio
Cruz Filipina States Aguinaldo
(April 9–10,
1899)
Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Pagsanjan Filipina States Aguinaldo
(April 11, 1899)
Battle of Paete  República  United Defeat Emilio
(April 12, 1899) Filipina States Aguinaldo
Battle of  República  United 1st Phase: Victory Emilio
Quingua Filipina States  Death of Col. John M. Aguinaldo
(April 23, 1899) Stotsenburg
2nd Phase: Defeat
 Filipinos retreated to the
North.
Battles of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Bagbag and Filipina States  Retreat to Pampanga Aguinaldo
Pampanga
Rivers
(April 25–27,
1899)
Battle of Santo  República  United Defeat Emilio
Tomas Filipina States Aguinaldo
(May 4, 1899)
Battle of Zapote  República  United Defeat Emilio
River Filipina States Aguinaldo
(June 13, 1899)
Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Olongapo Filipina States Aguinaldo
(September

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 12 | P a g e

18–23, 1899)
Battle of San  República  United Defeat Emilio
Jacinto Filipina States Aguinaldo
(November 11,
1899)
Battle of Tirad  República  United Strategic Victory Emilio
Pass Filipina States Tactical Defeat Aguinaldo
(December 2,  Death of
1899) General Gregorio del
Pilar
 Fall of the defence line
 Filipino forces
successfully delay the
American advance
Battle of Paye  República  United Initial Victory Emilio
(December 19, Filipina States  Death of General Henry Aguinaldo
1899) Ware Lawton
 American's 29th Battalion
successfully crossed the
river at 11 am
 Filipino forces retreated
from San Mateo.
Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Cagayan de Filipina States Aguinaldo
Misamis
(April 7, 1900)
Siege of  República  United Victory Emilio
Catubig Filipina States  Filipino guerillas force US Aguinaldo
(April 15–19, from town after 4 days
1900) but at high cost
Battle of  República  United Defeat Emilio
Agusan Hill Filipina States Aguinaldo
(May 14, 1900)
Battle of  República  United Victory Emilio
Makahambus Filipina States Aguinaldo
Hill
(June 4, 1900)
Battle of Pulang  República  United Victory Emilio
Lupa Filipina States Aguinaldo
(September 13,
1900)
Battle of  República  United Victory Emilio
Mabitac Filipina States Aguinaldo
(September 17,
1900)
Battle of Lonoy  República  United Defeat Emilio
(March 5, 1901) Filipina States Aguinaldo

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 13 | P a g e

Balangiga  Filipino civilians  United Victory Miguel
massacre States Malvar
(September 28,
1901)
Battle of Bayan  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
(May 2–3, States Sulu
1902) Various
Moro
Leaders
Hassan  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
uprising  Sulu Sultanate States Sulu
(October 1903 Various
– March 1904) Moro
Leaders
Battle of Taraca  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
(April 1904) States Sulu
Various
Moro
Leaders
Battle of Pulajanes  United Victory Sultan of
Dolores River States Sulu
(December 12, Various
1904) Moro
Leaders
First Battle of  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
Bud Dajo States Sulu
(May 5–8, Various
1906) Moro
Leaders
Second Battle  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
of Bud Dajo States  Total Annexation of Sulu
(December 18– the Philippine Islands. Various
26, 1911) Moro
Leaders
Battle of Bud  Moro rebels  United Defeat Sultan of
Bagsak States Sulu
(June 11–15, Various
1913) Moro
Leaders

Second World War – Pacific Theater (1941–1945)

Conflict Filipino People Empire of Results President
and Allies Japan and of the
Filipino Commonwe

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 14 | P a g e

 Collaborators alth
Second World war
Defeat
 Fall of Bataan and Corregidor.
 Manila declared an Open City
 Surrender of Filipino-
American forces from the
Japanese.
 Establishment of a pro-Japan
Council of State.
 Philippine Commonwealth
Japanese government forced into exile.
invasion  General Headquarters of
of the the Philippine Commonwealth
Philippine Army stationed and moved in
s the province.
(1941– Occupation
1942)  Ongoing Commonwealth Manuel L.
Japanese  United States Military and Guerrilla Quezon
occupatio war against Japanese
of America  Empire of (until 1944)
n of the  Commonweal occupation forces.
Philippine Japan  Japanese puppet
th of the   Repub
s state Second
Philippines lic of the Sergio
(1942– Republic established.
1944)  Hukbalahap Philippines  Bureau of Osmeña
Allied (Co-belligerent) Constabulary and Makapili est (since 1944)
liberation ablished by the Japanese
of the Occupation and Second
Philippine Republic.
s Victory
(1944–  Allied forces liberate the
1945) Philippines
 Philippine Constabulary re-
established under
the Commonwealth regime
 Surrender of Japan
o Second Republic is
dissolved and the
Commonwealth returns
 The Philippines become
independent from the United
States
Battle of  Philippines  Japan Defeat Manuel L.
Bataan  United States  Fall of Bataan during the Quezon
(January Japanese Invasion.
7 – April  Start of the Bataan Death
9, 1942) March
Battle of  Philippines  Japan Defeat Manuel L.
Corregido  United States  Fall of Corregidor during the Quezon

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 15 | P a g e

r Japanese Invasion.
(May 5–  Surrender of Filipino-
6, 1942) American forces to the
Japanese.
Philippine  Recognized  Japan Victory Manuel L.
resistanc Guerrilla Units   Kempeit  Allied forces Quezon
e   Hunters ai successfully liberated the (until 1944)
movemen ROTC  Philippine Philippines
t   Hukbalaha Republic
(1942– p   Makapili Sergio
1945)   Other   Bureau Osmeña
Recognized of (since 1944)
Guerrilla Units Constabular
 U.S-led y (until 1944)
Guerrillas
 Chinese
Guerrillas
  Wa Chi

 Philippine
Commonwealth
military
  Philippine
Commonwealth
Army
  Philippine
Constabulary (fr
om 1944)
  Philippine
Army Air
Corps (from
1945)
The  Philippines  Japan Allied victory Sergio
Great  United States  Liberation of 552 Allied Osmeña
Raid prisoners of war
(Raid at
Cabanatu
an)
(January
30, 1945)
Battle for  Philippines  Japan Allied victory Sergio
the  United States  Bataan recaptured Osmeña
Recaptur
e of
Bataan
(January
31 –
February
21, 1945)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 16 | P a g e

Battle of  Philippines  Japan Allied victory Sergio
Manila  United States  American troops and Filipino Osmeña
(February resistance liberate Santo
3– Tomas Internment Camp,
March 3, while the Filipino troops under
1945) the Commonwealth Army
units are did not send and
operated.
 Liberated Malacanang
Palace from the U.S. 1st
Cavalry Division and the
Filipino guerrillas, while the
Filipino troops under the
Commonwealth Army units
are did not send and
operated.
 Sending of all 48,000 to
85,000 Filipino troops and
military officers of
the Philippine Commonwealth
Army from the General
Headquarters and Military
Camp Base in Central and
Southern Luzon and become
to combat operated for the
liberating battles in
Manila and aiding guerrillas
and Americans was attacking
invaded from the Japanese
Imperial Marines and Army
forces.
 Fall of Old Spanish Walled
City of Intramuros from the
joint American and Filipino
ground troops aiding
resistance force.
 End for the Battle for the
Liberation of Manila was
finally cleared, U.S. and
Filipino troops liberated
around the capital city from
the Japanese.
Battle for  United States  Japan Victory Sergio
the Osmeña
Recaptur
e of
Corregido
r
(February
16–26,
1945)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 17 | P a g e

Los  Philippines  Japan Allied victory Sergio
Baños  United States  Successful Allied military Osmeña
Raid rescue operation
(February
23, 1945)
Battle of  Philippines  Japan Victory Sergio
Bessang  United States  Notable of First Filipino Osmeña
Pass military victory during the
(June 14, liberation campaign
1945)

Cold War (1947–1991)

President
Philippines and Communist
Conflict Results of the
Allies Bloc
Philippines
Cold War-era
Manuel L.
Quezon
(until 1944)
 Hukbala
hap Sergio
 Commonwe Supported
Osmeña
alth of the by:
(1944–1946)
Philippines  Union of
Hukbalahap (until 1946) Socialist
Manuel
Rebellion  Republic of Soviet
Victory Roxas
(1942–1954) the Philippines Republics
 Huk rebellion ends (1946–1948)
(since 1946)  Empire
Supported by: of Japan
 United (until 1945) Elpidio
States of  Second
America
Quirino
Philippine (1948–1953)
Republic
(1943–1945)
Ramon
Magsaysay
(1953–1954)
Korean War  Korea  Korea Stalemate Elpidio
(1950–1953) Republic DPR  North Korean invasion of South Quirino
 UN Korea repelled.
Command:  Subsequent American-led
 China
 United  Soviet invasion of North Korea repelled.
States  Subsequent Chinese invasion of
Union
 United South Korea repelled.
 Korean Armistice Agreement
Kingdom
 Korean Demilitarized
 Canada
Zone established.
 Turkey  North Korea gains city
 Australia of Kaesong but loses a net total

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 18 | P a g e

  Philippines of 1,500 sq mi (3,900 km2)
 New to South Korea.
Zealand
 Thailand
 Ethiopia
 Greece
 France
 Colombia
 Belgium
 South Africa
 Netherlands
 Luxembour
g
Operation  UN  China Victory Elpidio
Tomahawk Command:  Korea Quirino
(March 23,  Philippines DPR
1951)  United
States
Battle of  UN  China Victory Elpidio
Yultong Command: Quirino
(April 22–23,  Philippines
1951)
Battle of the  UN  China Disputed Elpidio
Imjin River Command: Quirino
(April 22–25,  Korea
1951) Republic
 United
Kingdom
 United
States
 Belgium
 Philippines
 Luxembourg
 Australia
 Canada
 New
Zealand
Battle of  UN  Korea Victory Elpidio
Heartbreak Command: DPR Quirino
Ridge  Korea  China
(September Republic
13 –  France
October 15,  Philippines
1951)
 Netherlands
 United

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 19 | P a g e

 States
Battle of Hill  UN  China Victory Elpidio
Eerie Command: Quirino
(March 21 –  Philippines
July 18,  United
1952) States
Vietnam  South  North Allied Defeat Ferdinand
War Vietnam Vietnam Paris Peace Accords lead to Marcos
(1964–1973)  United withdrawal of American
 Viet
States forces from Indochina. Communist
Cong
governments take power in South
 South  Khmer Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
Korea Rouge
 Thailand  Pathet
 Australia Lao
 New  North
Zealand Korea
 Philippines  China
 Kingdom of  Soviet
Laos Union
 Cambodia
CPP-NPA-NDF rebellion (1969–present)
President of
Conflict Government Communists Results the
Philippines
CPP-NPA-NDF Rebellion
CPP-NPA-  Republic of the  Communist Formal Indefinite Ferdinand
NDF rebellion Philippines Party of the Ceasefire declared Marcos
(March 29,   Government Philippines  Though a ceasefire (1969–1986)
1969 – of the Philippines   National has been formally Corazon
present)[4] o  Armed Democratic Front signed, this Aquino
Forces of of the Philippines ceasefire is often (1986–1992)
the being broken by the Fidel Ramos
o  New Communist Rebels. (1992–1998)
Philippines
People's  Fighting is still Joseph
Army continuing up to Estrada
o  Philippi Supported by: present day. (1998–2001)
ne National  Korea DPR Gloria
Police Macapagal
Supported by: Arroyo
 United States of (2001–2010)
America Benigno
(advisors) Aquino III
(2010–2016)
Rodrigo
Duterte
(2016–
present)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 20 | P a g e

Battle of  Philippines  Communist Gloria
Macalangit Party Macapagal
  Philippine Victory
(September   New Arroyo
9–12, 2007) Army
People's Army

Moro insurgency (1969–present)

President
Secessionist/ of the
Conflict Government Results
Jihadists Philippine
s
Moro Insurgency
Moro  Republic of the Bangsamoro: Cessation of Ferdinand
insurgency Philippines  Moro National armed conflict Marcos
(March 29,   Armed Forces of Liberation Front between the (1969–1986)
1969 – the Philippines (until 1996) Government and Corazon
present) Supported by: MNLF/MILF Aquino
 Moro Islamic
 United States of  Ongoing (1986–1992)
Liberation Front
America (until 2014) conflict Fidel
(advisors) between the Ramos
Government (1992–1998)
 Russian Federation Jihadist groups:
and Jihadist Joseph
 Commonwealth of
 Abu Sayyaf groups — Abu
Australia Estrada
 BIFF Sayyaf,
 Republic of (1998–
Bangsamoro
Indonesia  Maute group Islamic 2001)
 Malaysia  Khalifa Islamiyah Freedom Gloria
Mindanao Fighters, and Macapaga
 Other Islamist others l Arroyo
groups (2001–2010)
Benigno
Aquino III
(2010–2016)
Rodrigo
Duterte
(2016–
present)
Victory
 Philippine
Armed
Forces regain
Battle of control of Jolo,
Ferdinand
Jolo Sulu.
 Philippines  MNLF Marcos
(February 4–  Jolo municipalit
11, 1974) y suffers heavy
damage.
 40,000 civilians
rendered
homeless.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 21 | P a g e

Patikul Defeat
massacre  Death of Brig. Ferdinand
(October 10,  Philippines  MNLF Gen. Teodulfo Marcos
1977) Bautista and
his 34 men.
Pata Island
Ferdinand
massacre
 Philippines  MNLF Defeat Marcos
(February
12, 1981)
2000
Philippine
campaign
 Moro Islamic
against the  Republic of the
Liberation Front Joseph
Moro Islamic Philippines
  Bangsamoro Victory Estrada
Liberation   Armed Forces of
Front the Philippines Islamic Armed
(February 15 Forces
– July 9,
2000)
Battle of
Camp
Abubakar
(July 1–9,
2000)
 brigades in
relation Joseph
to Camp  Philippines  MILF Victory Estrada
Abubakar's
central
complex
during the
sixth day of
the battle.
Victory
 21 of 30
hostages
rescued by
Siege of Gloria
government
Lamitan Macapaga
 Philippines  Abu Sayyaf forces.
(June 2, l Arroyo
 Abu
2001)
Sayyaf forces
escape with
remaining
hostages.
2001 Misuari  Philippines  MNLF-Misuari Victory Gloria
rebellion Faction Macapaga
(November l Arroyo
19–22,

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 22 | P a g e

2001)
Jihadist groups: Victory
Operation Gloria
 Republic of the  Successful
Enduring   Abu Sayyaf operation – Macapaga
Freedom in Philippines
  BIFF Substantial l Arroyo
the   Armed Forces of
  Maute group reduction in (2002–2010)
Philippines the Philippines
capabilities of
(January 15,  United States of   Khalifa domestic and
2002 – America (advisors) Islamiyah transnational Benigno
February 24,  United States Armed Mindanao terrorist groups Aquino III
2015) Forces   Other Islamist operating in the (2010–2015)
groups Philippines.
2007
Basilan Gloria
 MILF
beheading
 Philippines
Macapaga
 Abu Sayyaf Victory
incident l Arroyo
(July 10–11, (suspected)
2007)
Victory
 The Bangsamor
o
Republik ceases
to exist, as it
doesn't have de
facto control of
Zamboanga  United Federated any territory.
 Republic of the
City crisis States of Bangsamoro  All hostages
(September Philippines Benigno
Republik recovered.
9–28, 2013)   Armed Forces of Aquino III
  Moro National  Dissolution
the Philippines
Liberation Front of Bangsamoro
Republik.
 Some "20 to 30"
MNLF rebels,
including
Commander
Malik, still at-
large.
Victory
 Operations
Operation
 Philippines stopped on
Darkhorse
 BIFF February 2, Benigno
(January 27  MILF Temporary Aquino III
– February (support) stops in terrorist
2, 2014)
and government
offensives.
2014 Battle  Abu Sayyaf
of Basilan  Philippines  Rouge MNLF Benigno
Victory
(April 11–30,  MNLF fighters Aquino III
2014)  Jemaah Islamiyah

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 23 | P a g e

  Republic of the
Philippines
 Presidential Anti-
Organized Crime
Commission

  Philippine  Jemaah Victory

National Police Islamiyah-linked  Main target of
o Special Action militants the
Force operation, Zulkif
Mamasapan
  Armed Forces of li bin Hir, was
o clash  Moro Islamic
the Philippines successfully Benigno
(January 25, Liberation Front
2015) (support) killed. Aquino III
o WESTMINCOM  Bangsamoro  Government
o 6th Infantry Islamic Freedom forces suffered
Division Fighters heavy casualties
Private militias due to
(allegedly) encirclement.
 United States of
America
(intelligence, alleged ground
troops support)
  Federal Bureau
of Investigation
(allegedly)
February
2016 Butig
Benigno
clash  Philippines  Maute group Victory
Aquino III
(February
20, 2016)
Benigno
Aquino III
Battle of
(2016)
Tipo-Tipo
 Philippines  Abu Sayyaf Victory Rodrigo
(April 9–14,
2016)
Duterte
(2016–
present)
Nov. 2016  Philippines Rodrigo
Butig clash
 MILF  Maute group Victory Duterte
(February
20, 2016) (Relief Aid)

2017 Bohol  Philippines  Abu Sayyaf Victory Rodrigo

clash  Maute group  Planned Duterte
(February  Ansar Khalifa kidnapping of
11, 2017) Philippines foreign tourists
is foiled.
Nov. 2016  Philippines  Maute group Victory Rodrigo
Butig clash  MILF Duterte
(February (Relief Aid)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 24 | P a g e

20, 2016)
Marawi City  Republic of the  Islamic State Victory Rodrigo
crisis Philippines   Abu Sayyaf  Failure of the Duterte
(May 23 –  Armed Forces of the   Maute group militants to
October 23, Philippines establish a
  Bangsamoro
2017)   Philippine Army provincial ISIL
Islamic Freedom
o 1st Infantry territory
Fighters
Division (wilayat).
o 2nd Infantry  Martial
Division law declared in
o Army Special the Mindanao
region until
Operations
December 31,
Command
2017.
 Scout Ranger
 Isnilon Hapilon,
Regiment
 Light Reaction
the Abu Sayyaf
Regiment leader and ISIL
Emir in
  Philippine Marine
Southeast Asia,
Corps
is killed in
o 1st Marine Brigade
action.
o 7th Marine Landing
 Marawi City is
Battalion fully recaptured
o Marine Special by the Philippine
Operations Group Army on
  Philippine Air October 23.
Force
o  15th Strike
Wing
o 7th Tactical Fighter
Squadron
 Philippine National
Police
  Special Action
Force

 Moro National
Liberation Front
 Moro Islamic
Liberation
Front (Evacuation and
humanitarian operations)

Contemporary-era (1986–present)
President of
Conflict Government Insurgents Results the
Philippines
Contemporary-era

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 25 | P a g e

1986-1990  Republic of  Defectors Victory Corazon
Philippine the Philippines from the Armed  All Six plots foiled. Aquino
coup   Aquino Forces of the  All coup leaders arrested.
attempts Government Philippines  Disbandment of
(1986–1990)   Armed  RAM-Reform the Philippine
Forces of the the Armed Constabulary
Philippines Forces  Establishment of
Supported by: Movement the Philippine National
 United  Soldiers of Police
States of the Filipino
America People
Victory
 Coup crushed through
1989  Governmen  Reform the United States intervention.
Philippine t of the Armed Forces  Creation of the Davide Corazon
coup attempt Philippines Movement Fact-Finding Commission. Aquino
(December  United Soldiers of the  Arrest of Honasan and
1–7, 1989) States Filipino People coup plotters, financiers
and leaders but some were
given amnesty later on.
Victory
1990
 Arrest of Col. Alexander
Mindanao  Federal Corazon
Noble
crisis  Philippines Republic of Aquino
 Disestablishment of the
(October 4–6, Mindanao
Federal Republic of
1990)
Mindanao
Oakwood
 Governmen  Bagong Gloria
mutiny
t of the Katipuneros Victory Macapagal
(July 27,
Philippines (Magdalo Group) Arroyo
2003)
Oplan  Magdalo
 Governmen Gloria
HACKLE troops
t of the Victory Macapagal
(February  New
Philippines Arroyo
22–24, 2006) People's Army
Manila
Victory Gloria
Peninsula  Governmen  Bagong
 Several of the coup Macapagal
siege t of the Katipuneros
leaders (Magdalo Group) Arroyo
(November Philippines (Magdalo Group)
were arrested.
29, 2007)
Prepared By:
LTC MELCHOR P FERNANDO PA (RES)

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY 26 | P a g e