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Philippine

Military History
Philippine Military History

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 acknowledge 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
General Jose Prim dethroned Queen Isabela II of
Spain in 1868. The latter espoused 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, Graceano
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
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 hares 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 contingents were also sent to East
Timor, Iraq and Liberia to participate in UN
peace keeping operations.
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