READINGS ON PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

CHALLENGES TO SPANISH AUTHORITY

(1560-1820)

Ananayo, P.G.
Caracol, A.
Ta-asine, C.
OVERVIEW & GUIDE:
• Portuguese and Dutch Threats
• Filipino dream of independence during Spanish colonial
period
• The fight and resistance between Filipinos and Spaniards
from their permanent settlement in 1565 to 1898
• Philippine Revolts
PORTUGUESE THREATS TO SPANISH RULE
• Spanish claims over the
Philippines was challenged by
a keen rivalry from Portuguese
knowing that the Portuguese
owned the islands under the
Treaty of Zaragoza
• Treaty of Zaragoza - an
imaginary line drawn from the
north to south 297 1/2 leagues
East of Mollucos
• Portuguese blockaded Cebu and bombarded the Spanish
settlements in 1570
• They failed to dislodge their rivals
• Incursions ceased only when Portugal became part of the
Spanish empire in 1580
DUTCH THREATS TO SPANISH RULE (NETHERLANDS)

• Much like Filipinos, the

Dutch are freedom-loving
people. In 1579, Holland
(former name of
Netherlands) sent an
expedition under Admiral
Oliver Van Noort
• Spain finally recognized the freedom of Holland in 1648.
• The Treaty of Westphialia in 1648 led to the recognition of
the Dutch independence.
• 1597-1647 - battles between Spain and Holland
• 1597 - First Battle of Mariveles
• 1610 - Second Battle of Mariveles
• 1647 - Last attack of the Dutch against the Spanish and
they were finnally driven off.
CAUSES OF REVOLTS:
• Desire to regain the lost ancestral freedom (Political)
• Religious intolerance to Spanish authorities (Religious)
• Abuses by the Spaniards (Personal)
• The hated tribute and oppressive forced labor
• Loss of Ancestral land
PERSONAL

REVOLTS are categorized

POLITICAL
into three

RELIGIOUS
EARLY REVOLTS AGAINST THE SPANIARDS
REVOLT/ DATE PLACE CAUSE LEADER
UPRISING
Lakan Dula 1574 Tondo, Navotas Failure of Gov. Lakandula
Lavezares to fulfil
Legazpi’s promise
to Lakandula
which was to free
his people from
forced labor and
payment of tribute
Pampanga 1585 Pampanga Abuse of Spanish No known leader
Encomienderos;
the revolt was
unsuccessful
because a
member betrayed
the revolt
REVOLT/ DATE PLACE CAUSE LEADER
UPRISING
Tondo 1587-1588 Tondo, Cuyo, Desire and Magat Salamat,
Calamianes yearning for Agustin de
independence; but Legazpi, Juan
failed because a Banal & Pedro
spy reported to Balingit
Spanish
authorities about
their plans and
their leaders were
executed
Magalat 1596 Malolos, Bulacan Abuses of the Pedro Landia
and Southern Tribute collectors;
Luzaon they also failed
because the
opposition hired
assassins to kill
Magalat
REVOLT/UPRISING DATE PLACE CAUSE LEADER

Pangasinan/Malong 1660-1661 Binalatongan, Quarrel between Andres Malong

Pangasinan Fr. Gorospe and and Pedro
Malong Gumpaos
Visayan/Sumuroy 1649-1650 Eastern Visayas, Caused by Gov. Juan Ponce
Northern Fajardo’s order to Sumoroy and
Mindanao, send Visayan Pedro Caamug
Zamboanga laborers to Cavite
for shipbuilding;
they failed the
leaders were
captured and
beheaded

Cagayan - Ilocos 1589 Cagayan, Ilocos Refusal to pay No known leaders

Norte tributes, tyranny or
tribute collectors
Igorot 1601 Northern Luzon Desire to maintain No known leaders
thier old religion
REVOLT/ DATE PLACE CAUSE LEADER
UPRISING

Dagohoy 1744-1828 Bohol Refusal of Fr. Dagohoy

Morales to give
Dagohoy’s brother
a Christian burial
Silang 1762-1763 Ilocos Desire to expel the Diego and
Spaniards from Gabriela Silang
Ilocos; failed
because Diego
was assassinated
WHY ALL THESE REVOLTS FAILED?
• The Spaniards possessed superior weapons and were
able to employ native volunteers and mercenary soldiers
• Lack of unity
• Feeble spirit of nationalism among Filipinos
• Inadequate training and preparation for warfare
• The absence of a national leader
MORO RESISTANCE

• “MORO” - name given by the Spanish to the Muslims of

the south.
• Muslims groups were the most united groups
• Continuous military expeditions by the Spaniards failed to
subdue them because they faught back by raiding the
coastal towns under Spain.
• Moro wars in the south were the longest, bloodiest and
most frustrating attempt by the Spaniards to colonize the
southern islands of Mindanao
• It remained unconqured and unconverted until the end of
the Spanish rule.