CABATUAN, ILOILO AS REVOLUTIONARY CAPITAL FEB. 12, 1899 TO NOV. 23, 1899

Estado Federal de Bisayas This letterhead was in a letter from Cabatuan, Iloilo, the capital of the Estado Federal de Bisayas from Feb. 12 1899 after the fall of Iloilo City (Feb. 11 1899) and Jaro (Feb. 12 1899), to Sept. 23 1899 when the Estado was dissolved. After which, Cabatuan remained the capital of the Politico-Militar Gov't of Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo until Nov. 23, 1899 when Cabatuan was captured by Gen. Hughes.

Iloilo Politico-Militar Government. This seal was in a letter of Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo from Cabatuan, Iloilo, the capital of his Politico-Militar Gov't from Sept. 23, 1899 when the Estado Federal de Bisayas was dissolved to Nov. 23, 1899 when Cabatuan was captured by Gen. Hughes.

Revolutionary Capitals, and Length of Time They were Capitals

CABATUAN1	9 Months and 11 Days
JARO2	2 months and 21 Days
SANTA BARBARA3	4 Days

¹ Feb. 12 1899 to Sept. 23 1899 (Estado Federal de Bisayas)
Sept. 23 1899 to Nov. 23 1899 (Politico-Militar Government)

² Nov. 21 1898 to Feb. 12 1899

³ Nov. 17 1898 to Nov. 21 1898

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February 4, 1899, fighting broke out in Luzon. The Phil-Am War had begun.

February 10, 1899, an order arrived in Iloilo from Otis, directing Miller to land as soon as practicable.

February 11, 1899, General Miller landed and captured Iloilo City.

February 12, 1899, two battalions of the 18th U.S. Infantry marched from Iloilo City to Jaro, and Jaro was also occupied.

February 12, 1899, Cabatuan, Iloilo became the capital of the Estado Federal de Bisayas.

With the fall of both Iloilo City and Jaro, the Estado Federal de Bisayas immediately transferred their capital to Cabatuan Iloilo. They sent a letter from Cabatuan to Raymundo Melliza, their president, that his presence was now needed in Cabatuan.

From February 12, 1899, the Estado Federal de Bisayas was continuously capitaled in Cabatuan, Iloilo until September 23, 1899 when the Estado was dissolved.

On September 23 1899, the Estado was replaced by the Politico-Militar Government of Gen. Delgado y Bermejo whose capital remained in Cabatuan until November 23, 1899 when Gen. Hughes captured the town.

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CABATUAN, ILOILO AS THE CAPITAL OF THE ESTADO FEDERAL DE BISAYAS FEB 12 1899 TO SEPT 23 1899

Cabatuan, Iloilo as the capital of the Estado Federal de Bisayas
Feb 12 1899 to Sept 23 1899

From the fall of Jaro (Iloilo) on February 12, 1899, the Estado Federal de Bisayas had maintained its capital continuously in Cabatuan until the Estado was dissolved on September 23, 1899 and replaced by the Politico-Militar Government of Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo whose capital remained in Cabatuan until the town was captured by Gen. Hughes on November 23, 1899.

Estado Federal de Bisayas transfers its capital to Cabatuan, Iloilo on Feb 12 1899

From Page 113 of Demy Sonza's book on Adriano Hernandez:
the council members decided to proceed to Cabatuan and establish the seat of the government there. Upon learning that the other members of the Council of State were already in Cabatuan with their families, Avanceņa decided to join them. "I'm glad i am not married," he remarked. "I'm glad my own family is in Dingle," Hernandez replied. "I'll stay here for awhile and see how i can help the General- en-Jefe." "but as soon as possible, please go to Cabatuan," Avanceņa requested. "we should render our report to the Council of State together."

From Pages 115-116 of Demy Sonza's book on Adriano Hernandez:
facing Hernandez, Delgado said, "Compadre, you looked very tired. Why don't you take the day off and go home to Dingle?" Hernandez was delighted to hear Delgado's words. "Thank you very much," he blurted, "I've really missed my family. By the way, from Dingle can I proceed to Cabatuan day after tomorrow so that Ramon and I can make our report to the Council of State?" "Of course, you may," Delgado said, "but be sure to come back immediately after you are through with your report." Carmen and the children were exceedingly glad to see Adre. "Thank God and the Virgin Mother that you are safely back," Carmen cried with joy. "I was so worried about you." "I've also missed you and the children so much," Adre replied. "How I wish I could stay home all the time." The General stayed only one day with his family. In the morning of February 17, he paid a brief visit to Gabriel Sinoy who was the local president of Dingle under the Federal State of the Visayas, and then rode with his aide to Cabatuan via Pototan and Lucena.

Upon Hernandez's arrival in Cabatuan, Avancena requested Jovito Yusay to call a meeting of the Council of State in the evening so that he and Hernandez could make their report. Yusay was acting as President of the Federal State of the Visayas because Raymundo Melliza, who had succeeded Roque Lopez as president the previous January 17, and Nicolas Jalandoni, the new vice president, had not gone to Cabatuan after the fall of lloilo.

In Cabatuan, Adre Hernandez met his brother Julio, the Councilor of War and Chief of the War Commission, who was elated to see him. The other members of the Council who were present during the session of February 17 were
Jovito Yusay,
Benito Lopez,
Ramon Avanceņa,
Victorino Mapa,
Fernando Salas,
Tranquilino Gonzalez, and
Francisco Tarrosa, the secretary.

It was Avanceņa who made the report on behalf of the Commission that went to Malolos, two of whose members, Venancio Concepcion and Vicente Gella, had been left behind in Luzon. Avanceņa related the Commissioners' meeting with Aguinaldo, Mabini, and the other department secretaries of the Republic and their sad experience on the way back to Iloilo. Since the written instructions were with Jose Ner and he had not yet arrived from Manila, Avanceņa stated the instructions from the National Government as far as he could recall them from memory. Hernandez assured the Council that as best as he could remember, the instructions were what Avancefia had enumerated. After listening to the report, the Council of State adopted a resolution of thanks to Ramon Avanceņa and Gen. Adriano Hernandez "for the thorough discharge of their delicate and difficult mission, and, also, in view of the sacrifices they had made and the sufferings through which they had gone at Manila and in the Bay of Iloilo."

1229 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Feb 17, 1899

1234 - Yusay to Poblador, Mar 1 1899

Crane - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Mar 15 1899
1236 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Mar 15 1899

1237 - Yusay to Aguinaldo, Mar 16 1899

1238 - Yusay on Fr. Rafael Murillo, Mar 25 1899

Letter to Seņor Gobernador de Estado Federal de Bisayas in Cabatuan, Apr 13 1899

Letter to Jefe del Consejo de Governacion in Cabatuan, Apr 14 1899

1248 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Apr 26 1899

1251 - Yusay Circular, May 9 1899

1252 - Salas Circular, May 25 1899

Crane - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Jun 2 1899
1256 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Jun 2 1899

From Page 121 of Demy Sonza's book on Adriano Hernandez:
On June 7, Angel Salazar, president of the Antique Provincial Council, appeared in Cabatuan and reiterated his allegiance to the Federal State of the Visayas.

From Page 121 of Demy Sonza's book on Adriano Hernandez:
Another move that the Ilonggo Federalistas (as the proponents of the federal form of government were called) took was to create the province of Concepcion, comprising of the towns within the Military District of Concepcion. For this purpose, the Council of State deputized Gen. Adriano Hernandez and Carlos Ledesma, the auditor of war, as special deputies to organize the government of the new province. The two officers drove to Concepcion and called the local presidents of the towns within the district to assemble in order to elect the officials of the new province. Elected were Isidro Garcia, president; Lucio Barzan, delegate of justice; Mateo Aldeguer, delegate of finance; and Mariano Malapaya, delegate of police. These officials were inducted into office on June 10 in Cabatuan by Jovito Yusay, acting president of the Federal State of the Visayas.

1258 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Jul 16 1899

1259 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Jul 28 1899



1261 - Oton Pres. to Pres. Estado Federal, Aug 8 1899

1262 - Yusay Tax Decree, Aug 17 1899

1266 - Estado Federal de Bisayas Meeting, Sept 23 1899

CABATUAN, ILOILO AS THE CAPITAL OF THE POLITICO-MILITAR GOVERNMENT OF GEN. MARTIN DELGADO Y BERMEJO SEPT 23 1899 TO NOV 23 1899

Cabatuan, Iloilo as the capital of the Politico-Militar Government of Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo
Sept 23 1899 to Nov 23 1899

1269 - Delgado to Local Residents, Oct 1899

1270 - Delgado to the People, Oct 5 1899

1273 - Delgado Decree, Oct 10 1899

1274 - Delgado Edict, Oct 14 1899

1277 - Acting Chief of Staff to Local Presidentes, Oct 29 1899

1278 - Delgado to Salazar, Oct 30 1899

1279 - Delgado to Local Presidentes, Oct 29 1899

great majority of insurgent troops were concentrated ... south of the town of Cabatuan, where the insurgent capital had been established

Delgado's strongest force was concentrated ... south of the town of Cabatuan, where the insurgent capital had been established

Father Agustin de la Peņa's letter to Parish Priests, Nov 8 1899, mentioning that Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo's residence is in Cabatuan, Iloilo

The enemy has been driven out from ... Cabatuan, the seat of government - Hughes, Nov 23 1899

insurgent capital, Cabatuan Iloilo, captured - Otis, Nov 24 1899


image1

image2

Letter to Cabatuan, from Mina, dated July 25 1899
addressed to Seņor Presidente del Gobierno de Estado Federal
referring to Seņor Jovito Yusay, presidente of the Estado Federal de Bisayas capitaled in Cabatuan

Letter to Cabatuan, from Pototan, dated November 1 1899
addressed to Seņor Gobernador Politico-Militar y General en Jefe del Ejercito Libertador
referring to Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo whose Politico-Militar Government's capital was Cabatuan

FILIPINO REVOLUTIONARY FORCES ARE CONCENTRATED SOUTH OF THE INSURGENT CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO

Revolutionary Forces are concentrated south of the insurgent capital Cabatuan

great majority of insurgent troops were concentrated ... south of the town of Cabatuan, where the insurgent capital had been established


Delgado's strongest force was concentrated ... south of the town of Cabatuan, where the insurgent capital had been established



Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo residing in Cabatuan

Father Agustin de la Peņa's letter to Parish Priests on Nov 8 1899 mentioned that Gen. Martin Delgado y Bermejo, the politico-militar governor, is residing in Cabatuan.

THE ILOILO CAMPAIGN SWINGING ON CABATUAN, ILOILO, THE INSURGENT CAPITAL

ILOILO CAMPAIGN: CABATUAN OFFENSIVE

ORIGINAL PLAN: SWINGING ON CABATUAN, ENTRAPMENT Gen. Hughes with 4 battalions would go to Cabatuan from Tigbauan and Oton, and block while Col. Carpenter with 2 battalions would then attack the Jaro defenses and drive the revolucionarios into the waiting arms of Hughes in Cabatuan and force a single decisive fight

However, Col. Rice discovered the road from Oton to Cabatuan to be impassable due to rains, so this route was nixed. Gen. Hughes then proceeded to Cabatuan from Tigbauan with all his four battalions. Meanwhile, Col. Carpenter attacked the Jaro defenses directly, instead of going to Jibao-an. The two columns joined up in Cabatuan on Nov. 23 1899.

REVOLUCIONARIOS RETREAT TO REBEL CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO

Revolucionarios retreat to rebel capital Cabatuan

After the battle of Jaro, and then Pavia, both on November 21, 1899, the revolucionarios retreated to the rebel capital Cabatuan.

... were eager for another battle like that of Pavia, the opportunity was denied them, for the city was deserted the night before when the fleeing rebel army, with its cartloads of dead and dying, fled though Santa Barbara to Cabatuan, the rebel capital, four miles beyond. This city was the next morning invested by the second battalion without resistance, the Khakiaks having all run to the mountains. Later in the day General Hughes, with his personal column, entered Cabatuan and could ...

GEN. HUGHES CAPTURES REBEL CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO

Gen. Robert P. Hughes captures Cabatuan, the insurgent capital, or seat of government

... were eager for another battle like that of Pavia, the opportunity was denied them, for the city was deserted the night before when the fleeing rebel army, with its cartloads of dead and dying, fled though Santa Barbara to Cabatuan, the rebel capital, four miles beyond. This city was the next morning invested by the second battalion without resistance, the Khakiaks having all run to the mountains. Later in the day General Hughes, with his personal column, entered Cabatuan and could ...

Gen. Otis and Gen. Hughes also recognized that Cabatuan was the "insurgent capital" or the "seat of government," as can be read from their official communications when Hughes captured the town.

GEN. HUGHES SENDS A REPORT FROM CABATUAN TO GEN. OTIS THAT FILIPINO REVOLUTIONARIOS HAD BEEN DRIVEN OUT FROM CABATUAN, ILOILO, THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT

From Cabatuan, Iloilo, on November 23 1899,
Gen. Robert P. Hughes reports to Gen. Elwell S. Otis the capture of Cabatuan, the seat of government

From Cabatuan on November 23, General Hughes reported the results of these operations as follows: The enemy has been driven out from Pavia, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, Oton, Tigbauan, Cordoba, Leon, Almodian, Maasin, and Cabatuan, the seat of government, and the boasted army headquarters have taken to the mountains. There were but two actions, the first on the 20th at the crossing of the Aganao, and when the result of that action was certain, and the enemy had shown his full strength on that front, it was evident that it would be entirely safe for Colonel Carpenter to attack at Pavia, and he was ordered by signal to do so. He attacked the advance of the enemy on the south of the Aganao at daylight and drove them into Pavia. He then attacked the defenses of Pavia and took the place. These actions compelled the abandonment of Santa Barbara, Maasin, and Cabatuan. * * * Captured 10 prisoners, 18 cannon of all kinds, 6 rifles, quantities of ammunition, powder, etc.

UPON RECEIVING GEN. HUGHES REPORT GEN. OTIS CABLES TO PRESIDENT MCKINLEY THE CAPTURE OF INSURGENT CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO

Gen. Elwell S. Otis then cables Washington / President Mckinley
that Gen. Robert P. Hughes in Iloilo is reporting the capture of Cabatuan, the insurgent capital

MANILA. (Received November 24, 1899 - 8.34 a.m.) ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Washington: Hughes, Iloilo, reports enemy driven back into mountains; insurgent capital, Cabatuan, captured; only serious action that of Carpenter at Pavia; total casualties 5 killed or since dead of wounds; 27 wounded; captured 10 prisoners, 18 cannon, 6 rifles, quantities of ammunition; enemy's casualties not stated. OTIS

PRESIDENT MCKINLEY READS ALOUD GEN. OTIS' REPORT ABOUT THE CAPTURE OF THE INSURGENT CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO BY GEN. HUGHES BEFORE GIVING IT TO THE PRESS TO PUBLISH

The War Room in the White House
with the telegraph operator at left in the background

Telegraph Operator. General Miles. Mr. Porter, President's Secretary.
Secretary Long. President Mckinley
Captain Crownenshield. Military Aide.
Secretary Alger.


On the same day that it was received
President McKinley reads aloud the cable from Gen. Elwell S. Otis
regarding the capture of Cabatuan, Iloilo, the insurgent capital in Panay, by Gen. Robert P. Hughes
during the cabinet meeting, before giving it to the press

SITUATION PLEASES WASHINGTON Cabinet Derives Great Comfort from Otis' Despatches Washington, Nov. 24 (Special) - The cabinet meeting today was taken up largely with the consideration of the despatches from General Otis. The semi-political one in which the general announced in an oratorical fashion the capture of more of Aguinaldo's cabinet members as well as the president of the Philippine Congress and the taking of the Tagal capital of Panay by Hughes, was read aloud by the President before being given out to the press. These were productive of great comfort to the cabinet, and it seemed to them that the insurrection is over. LINCOLN

U.S. NEWSPAPERS PUBLISH THE CAPTURE OF THE INSURGENT CAPITAL CABATUAN, ILOILO BY GEN. HUGHES

U.S. Newspapers publish the capture of Cabatuan, Iloilo, the insurgent capital

CABINET CAPTURED And the Generals and Troops Separated and In a Condition of Panic [News-Democrat Leased Wire Service.] Washington, Nov. 25. - Gen. Otis sends several cablegrams this morning. He says: The insurgents claim to having a government can be made no longer. Its treasurer, secretary of the interior, and president of the congress are in our hands. Its president and remaining cabinet officers are in hiding and generals and troops scattered. Indications are that Aguinaldo did not escape through Lawton to Wheaton's lines, but fled westward from Bayambang. Hughes, at Iloilo, reports enemy driven back into the mountains. Insurgent capital, Cabatuan, captured. Only serious action that of Carpenter at Pavia. Total casualties, five killed, 27 wounded. Captured ten prisoners, cannons, rifles and ammunition.

LUZON CABINET GOES TO PIECES Three of its Members in Otis Hands OTHERS ARE IN HIDING THE ARMY BROKEN UP INTO SMALL BANDS AGAIN WHERE IS AGUINALDO THE CHIEF? Otis Says He is Supposed to Have Fled Westward From Bayambang Railway Station. American Successes in Iloilo. Capture of Cabatuan. Washington, Nov. 24. - General Otis summarizes the situation in Luzon in a dispatch to the War Department today in which he says that the insurgent Government cano no longer claim to exist, its troops and officials are scattered and Aguinaldo in hiding.

The distinction between Cabatuan, Iloilo and Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Cabatuan was the capital, or the seat of government, while Santa Barbara was the military headquarters. It's like comparing Malacaņang with Camp Aguinaldo.

This can be gleaned from the "seal," "stamp," or "letterhead."

Letters and documents coming from Cabatuan bore the seal or letterhead of the Estado Federal de Bisayas [1237, 1238, 1262, image1, image2], and then later the seal of Delgado's Politico-Militar Government [1270, 1273, 1274, 1277, 1279], while letters and documents from Santa Barbara bore the seal or letterhead of the Military Headquarters or Cuartel General [1247, 1253], or the place is simply referred to as Headquarters.