ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECOND DISTRICT, PHILIPPINES CONSTABULARY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1903, COL. H. H. BANDHOLTZ, U. S. ARMY, COMMANDING. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DISTRICT, PHILIPPINES CONSTABULARY, The ADJUTANT, PHILIPPINES CONSTABULARY, Manila. On June 30, 1903, the district consisted of the provinces of Albay, approximate population 242,000; Ambos Camarines, approximate population 233,000; Masbate, approximate population 44,171; Mindoro, approximate population 50,000; Romblon, approximate population 46,843; Sorsogon, approximate population 122,888, and Tayabas, approximate population 205,000; approximate population of district 943, 902; changes having taken place during the year as follows: Paragua was transferred from the third constabulary district, pursuant to Special orders, No. 102, Headquarters Philippine Constabulary, dated Manila, December 31, 1902; Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna were transferred from the second to the first constabulary district March 1, 1903, pursuant to paragraph 9, General orders, No. 15, Headquarters, Philippine Constabulary, dated Manila, February 12, 1903. In accordance with telegraphic instructions from the office of the chief of constabulary, dated Manila, June 19, 1903, the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna are not included in this report. The island of Mindoro was separated from the province of Marinduque and organized into the "province of Mindoro," and Marinduque and islands immediately adjacent thereto were annexed to the province of Tayabas, pursuant to acts of the Philippine Commission numbered 499 and 500, taking effect November 10, 1902. The island of Burias, province of Masbate, was placed under the jurisdiction of the senior inspector, constabulary of Sorsogon, so far as affected the constabulary, for the reason that Burias was more accessible from the latter. Maj. Jesse S. Garwod was relieved from, and Col. Harry H. Bandholtz assigned to, the command of the district pursuant to paragraph 2, General Orders, No. 28, Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, dated Manila, April 15, 1903. Capt. Justus M. Wheate, surgeon, Philippines Constabulary, was appointed and assigned as chief medical officer, second constabulary district, pursuant to General Orders, No. 2, Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, dated Manila, January 21, 1903. First Lieut. Edward R. Higgins, Philippines Constabulary, has served as district adjutant during the entire period. No other assignments or details of officers for general service have occurred. CONDITIONS JULY 1, 1903. Throughout the entire district conditions as to peace and indications of future prosperity were apparently excellent; a few small fadrone bands, remnants of the late insurrection and posing as insurgents, however, existed in several provinces. The following is a brief résumé of conditions on the above date in the various prov inces of the district: Albay. Simeon Ola (Bicol, native of Guinobatan, ex-major of insurgents, surrendered at Legaspi July 4, 1901, and returned to the hills as chief of bandits soon after), Augustin Saria (Tagalog, native of Cavite Province, ex-major of insurgents, never surrendered but remained in hills as chief of bandits), Lazaro Toledo (Tagalog, native of Cavite Province, ex-major of insurgents, surrendered at Legaspi July 6, 1901, returned to the hills in December, 1902), and Tito Saculo (Bicol, native of Polangui, ex-lieutenant of insurgents, never surrendered, remained in hills under Augustin Saria), all formerly officers under the insurgent general, Vito Belarmino, in this province, formed the nucleus of the only armed band which existed at this date. Reports, presumably authentic, indicate that they possessed but few guns. Ambos Camarines.-No organized armed bandits existed at this date. Occasional depredations had been made, however, by ladrones from the adjoining provinces of Tayabas on the north and Albay on the south. The non-Christian tribes of Igorrotes, inhabiting Mounts Isarog and Irigam, who have been outlaws and brigands during the last twenty years of Spanish government, were at this date, and are now, peaceable and contented with the present administration. Marinduque.-No organized ladronism. Conditions excellent. Masbate.-The only ladrone band in this province was under one Melchor de la Cruz. Six members of this band have been captured, tried, and hung during the preceding year, which has had a most salutary effect upon the few remaining. They had no guns and were not active. Paragua.-No organized ladronism. Conditions excellent. Sorsogon.-This province, so turbulent during the preceding year, had become almost entirely free from organized ladronism, owing to the energy and ability of the then senior inspector, Capt. Harvey P. Nevill, with the hearty and able cooperation of the provincial governor, Señor Bernardino Monreal, which resulted in the capture of Francisco de la Cruz, Isaac Gamao, Antonio Cañacho, Pablo Encanares, and Pablo Estipino, and the killing of Luis Breenie, all of whom were recognized leaders in the recent "anting-anting" uprisings, together with the capture of some 350 bolomen. On July 1, 1902, there were no organized ladrone bands who were carrying guns, although there were some small bands of bolomen. Tayabas.-This province has been to a certain extent in a state of turmoil and discontent almost continually, current reports to the contrary notwithstanding. However, conditions were comparatively good at the beginning of this fiscal year. The principal armed bands organized and operating were those of Rios, Destajo, Verastiqui, and Encarnación, with about 60 guns altogether. Rios and Destajo were operating in the vicinity of Mauban and Verastiqui and Encarnación in the eastern part of the province. CONDITIONS, OPERATIONS, AND EVENTS. Here follows, by provinces, a résumé of occurrences in the district covering the entire year, compiled from reports from provincial constabularies and such other data as are available at these headquarters: ALBAY. Reports would indicate that the province was more free of ladronism and lawlessness at this time than at any period since, although it was not without a considerable number of ladrone bands at this time. July 8.A detachment of constabulary operating in the western part of the province was fired on during the night by a party of ladrones, the ladrone fire killing an occupant of a house near where the constabulary were camping. July 20.-A detachment of constabulary fired on while en route from Bantayan to Guinobatan by a party of ladrones lying in ambush; fire returned and ladrones retreated. No casualties on either side. August 11.-A band of ladrones, presumably under the command of Simeon Ola, entered the town of Oas about 7.30 p. m. and without resistance disarmed the municipal police, securing 4 shotguns, 3 revolvers, and a quantity of ammunition. August 14.-The crew of the steamship Dos Hermanos mutinied in the port of Virac, killing the first engineer, the major-domo, and the Chinese carpenter and wounding several other officers and passengers of the ship. Captain Fletcher, then in command of the garrison at Virac, hearing the commotion aboard the ship, took a small boat and two men and went to investigate. On coming alongside the ship he found the mutinous crew in possession and the ship under way. He succeeded in boarding the ship, however, after killing 2 of the crew, and placed 34 of them under arrest. The boatswain and the quartermaster, who were the ringleaders in the affair, escaped by jumping overboard and made their way to the mainland. The quartermaster was later arrested by the municipal police of Malinao, but the boatswain is still at large. August 31.-A band of ladrones entered the town of Bacacay and indulged in considerable looting and robbery. A detachment of constabulary from Albay pursued them, but without result. September 5.-Corporal Japon had skirmish with Teofile Bobis's band at Mabatag; wounded 2 ladrones. September 7.-The quarantine guard at barrio of Buga, Libon, was attacked by some 30 ladrones under Hugo Palermo and Antonio Losmo. Fernando Shanks, a white American in charge of the guard, was killed. Three municipal policemen and 1 constabulary soldier were captured. The constabulary soldier escaped later. The ladrones secured 3 revolvers and 1 shotgun and a small amount of ammunition. September 12.-Corporal Retoma met detachment of Augustin's men near Malinao; captured 2; one of the captured men was wounded. September 14.-Private Japon had skirmish with Augustin in barrios of Comogon, Malinao; reports wounding Teofile Bobis, a lieutenant, and capturing 1 revolver and some ammunition. September 15.-Lieutenant McLean had skirmish with band of ladrones near Boraboran; no casualties on either side. Lieutenant Nery encountered ladrones same day, killing 2. September 16.-Lieutenant McLean encountered Teofile Bobis's band near Santo Mino; captured 2 of the band and 2 guns. On the night of the 17th of September a band of ladrones entered the town of Ligao and were met by the provincial police under command of Captain Reynolds, provincial treasurer, who happened to be in town at the time. Two ladrones were killed and 3 wounded. Captain Reynolds received wound from bolo thrust in hand. September 21.-A detachment of 11 constabulary scouting in the vicinity of Macabuges were attacked about 2 a. m. by a band of ladrones under Simeon Ola, numbering between 50 and 75, armed with guns and bolos. Two of the constabulary were wounded and 6 captured, the constabulary losing 7 Springfield carbines, 8 belts, and some 200 rounds of ammunition. Loss of ladrones, if any, unknown. Lieutenant McLean went in pursuit of this band; came up with them in the afternoon; killed 2 and captured 3 of them. The captured soldiers were later released. September 29.-A detachment of Albay constabulary captured Pedro Marsagonac, with 1 revolver, in the barrio of Gogon. Marsagonac was a ladrone leader of prominence. September 30.-Lieutenant Swann captured Juan and Rufino Futo, 2 notorious ladrone leaders of Sorsogon Province, with 1 Colt's revolver and some ammunition. October 16.-A band of some 30 ladrones armed with rifles and bolos, under Matias Bedar, attacked a party of 3 municipal police of Malinao and Libog who were conveying prisoners to Albay. One policeman was killed and 1 wounded. A detachment of constabulary from Albay came up with this band the next day and captured 2 of them. October 23.-Antonio Pininoy, a bandit leader, was captured near Ligao by citizens of the barrio. October 28.-Tito's band caught and whipped a native military lineman near Matacon and later robbed 3 citizens of Polangui near same place of a watch and small amount of money. Early this month negotiations were opened with Simeon Ola, chief of the ladrones in this province, with a view of inducing him to surrender. After many promises and conferences extending over a period of forty days, during which hostilities were suspended, Ola broke off negotiations and withdrew to the hills with his entire force and a large number of additional recruits that he had secured during this armistice. Mauricio Noga, a second-class private, constabulary of Albay, deserted and went to the ladrones, and is now supposed to be with some ladrone band near Polangui. November 18.-Truce with Simeon Ola declared off. November 20.-Lieutenant McLean killed 2 and captured 5 of Tito's me November 22.-Sergeant Bactat encountered about 100 bandits under command of Augustin Saria at Sua, Tabaco; killed Commandante Rafael Aguilar and 6 men and captured 1 Mauser rifle. November 25.-Corporal Japon struck band of Roberto Batalla in Mount Malinao; killed 2, captured 1, 1 lieutenant and 4 men. November 26.-Captain Nevill struck Toledo's band, killing 2. Through correspondence captured in this camp he captured Col. José Hernandez in Daraga on 27th. Little was accomplished during the month of December, although several movements were made covering the country between Guinobatan, Ligao, Oas, and the west ern coast, and from Polangui east to Tabaco. Finding no reports on file in this office covering the operations of this month prevents making a detailed report. January 3.-A party of bandits led by Matias Bedar entered Malilpot, capturing and carrying away the municipal records. January 5.-Volunteers of Camalig captured 2 of Lazaro Toledo's band. January 8.—A band of ladrones stopped and robbed a Turk on road between Guinobatan and Ligao. January 11.-Lazaro Toledo's band, carrying some 25 guns, entered the town of Pilar, disarmed the municipal police, and robbed the house of Ynchausti of $300 Mexican. January 12.-Corporal Japon encountered the band of Matias Bedar near Tabaco, killed 2 and captured 1 revolver. January 14.-Captain Fletcher attacked on road between Camalig and Guinobatan by band of bolomen led by Roman Oliquino, killed 5 bolomen, wounded 4, and captured 1. Captain Fletcher received bolo cuts in right shoulder and left jaw and left arm. January 15.-Lazaro Toledo's band entered pueblo of Jovellar; exacted contributions from several residents, amounting to about $300 Mexican. January 16.-Lazaro Toledo's band entered Jovellar; took rice and supplies. January 18.-The people of the barrio of San Ramon Legaspi captured Patricio Maderal, a deserter from the constabulary of Sorsogon, with one Colt's revolver. January 27.-A band of ladrones raided the barrio of Palanog, Camalig, capturing and carrying away the tenienté of the barrio. January 23.-Second Lieut. Abot Hester, Philippines Constabulary, died at Daraga, of cholera. January 28.-A band of ladrones attempted to enter the town of Polangui, but were met by the municipal police, who killed 1 of the band and captured 2. January 29.-Corporal Napay, with 10 men, encountered Lazaro Toledo's band near Cabraran. A sharp fight followed, in which 10 ladrones were killed and 5 wounded; one Remington rifle captured. This is probably the most thorough thrashing that has been administered to Lazaro Toledo. February 4.-Captain Linforth, with 10 men from Pilar, Sorsogon Province, struck Lazaro Toledo's band, numbering about 30 guns and some 100 bolomen, in the barrio of Abucay. After an engagement lasting about one hour Captain Linforth was forced to withdraw, leaving Second-Class Privates Joven and Jacobs dead on the field. It has not been determined to what extent the ladrones suffered, but it is known that their loss was heavy, and the fact that they did not attempt to follow the little band of constabulary on withdrawal would indicate that they were not anxious to continue the fight, notwithstanding the disparity of numbers. February 7.-Lieutenant Scott struck a band of ladrones southwest of Guinobatan, near Camogon. In the engagement that followed the constabulary lost First-Class Private Paulino Lagasca killed, and Second-Class Private Esteban Marican wounded, killing 4 ladrones. February 26.—Lieutenants Scott and Sommer struck a band about 25 miles southwest of Ligao, killing 10 and capturing 4. February 28.-About 7.30 p. m. a band of about 150 bolomen, under the leadership of Magno Ragel, attacked the constabulary garrison at Oas and succeeded in getting inside of the cuartel, capturing 48 guns and some 1,600 rounds of ammunition. This deplorable affair is traceable to a number of reasons. Quartered with the constabulary were a company of 20 armed volunteers that had been organized and vouched for by the presidenté and other municipal officers. The traitorous conduct of these volunteers was of great assistance in making this capture possible. The cuartel at Oas is located on one side of the public square. On this square is held the market, where hundreds of people congregate nightly, selling and purchasing wares, food stuffs, etc. The ladrones appeared on the outskirts of the town at 6.30 p. m., waited for darkness, slipped quietly into the town, mingling with the crowd on the plaza. A large party of them worked their way across the plaza, and just in front of the cuartel, and at a given signal dashed up the steps into the cuartel. There were about 15 constabulary soldiers in the quarters at the time and about onehalf of the volunteers. The move was made so quickly and so quietly that the constabulary never realized that their cuartel was captured until they saw this strange party of men at the arm racks taking possession of the arms. About 10 of the number of soldiers immediately grappled with the ladrones and tried to get possession of their guns, but before they could fire their arms were pinned from behind and the guns taken from them. The password of the ladrones was "San Pedro," and as soon as the conflict began the volunteers cried it out in no uncertain voices and began to assist the ladrones, Several of them have been identified as having been seen carrying out arms and belts, and 2 as having attacked and disarmed a soldier who had managed to secure his gun. It has been well established that most of them knew that this attack was to be made, yet not one of the wretched scoundrels gave a word of warning. Just about the time the ladrones had secured all the arms and were preparing to leave, Lieutenant Buenaventura rode into the town alone, and seeing a great horde of people about the cuartel and hearing loud talking, he supposed that some trouble had occurred among the constabulary. He rode through the cordon of the ladrones up to the steps of the cuartel and called for the corporal of the guard, before he realized what had happened. Then he sprang from his horse and began firing into the ladrones, who had recognized him and were closing in. He got through this circle, and thinking that the constabulary were still in possession of the cuartel, ran around to the end of the building and started to climb into the window, where he was again met by a mob of bolomen. He then took refuge behind the convent wall, about 75 yards distant, and began firing into the ladrones with his revolver, but they had accomplished their purpose and were making a hasty withdrawal. Lieutenant Sommer, who was in command of Oas at this time, was not in town at the time of this occurrence, but had gone to Ligao, some 2 miles distant, to forward telegrams and correspondence, and it is not thought that any specific blame can be attached to him. Still it is believed that had he had wider experience he would not have allowed the market people to encroach to such close limits on the cuartel, or would not have reposed quite so much confidence in the volunteers. Otherwise Lieutenant Sommer has proven himself an efficient and energetic officer since his arrival in this district. During this affair 1 ladrone was killed and the following soldiers wounded: First-Class Privates Alejandro Medina, Rustaquino Domingo; Second-Class Privates Alejandro Bais, constabulary of Pampanga; Pascual Romero, Lucio Bias, and Placido Rosin, constabulary of Ambos Camarines; all from bolos or daggers, and all of whom will recover. Early in the month of March 3 companies of scouts were called into the province of Albay to assist in suppressing ladronism and lawlessness, and with them came Col. D. J. Baker, jr., to take charge of the operations. The early part of the month was consumed in making a redisposition of constabulary and scout troops, and preparing for an aggressive campaign. A number of stations formerly occupied by constabulary troops were turned over to the scouts, and the constabulary thus relieved pushed farther back into the hills or were used to strengthen weak garrisons elsewhere. March 18.-Lieutenant Corfield, with a detachment of 40 soldiers, struck Lazaro Toledo's band, numbering about 50 guns and an unknown number of bolomen, in the barrio of Paroris, on the Jovellar River; an engagement ensued, 5 insurgents being killed; no casualties among constabulary. March 21.-Captain Linforth, accompanied by Lieutenants Grossmann and Fawcett and detachment of 60 soldiers, struck a part of Toledo's band near the barrio of Buenavista; a short fight followed, in which 2 ladrones were killed and 2 Remington rifles and 30 rounds of ammunition captured. During the skirmish Lieutenant Grossmann was shot through the hip with a Mauser or Krag gun at about 20 yards' range, resulting in a complete paralysis of the right leg and a partial of the left. He was sent to the military hospital at Sorsogon, arriving there some thirty hours after receiving the wound. He died there on May 13, 1903, from this wound. March 24.-Lieutenant McLean struck a band of ladrones, numbering about 50 guns, near Camagon. The ladrones occupied a strong position in a hilltop and were dislodged with considerable difficulty, the engagement lasting about an hour. Two ladrones were found dead on the field and indications that several wounded had been carried away. March 2.-Col. D. J. Baker, jr., U. S. Army, ordered by Brig. Gen. Henry T. Allen, chief of constabulary, to take provisional command of the second district. March 9.-Captain Linforth reported that ladrones attempted to surprise the detachment stationed at Pilar on the night of March 6. The ladrones were repulsed without loss to the garrison. March 14.-The outlying barrios of 16 towns of Albay and Sorsogon were drawn in. April 10.-Presidente of Daraga reports that ladrones entered the barrio of Quilicao and stole $250 Mexican and carried off two persons. April 11.-Presidente of Pelangui reports that municipal police killed 1 ladrone near Gabon. April 20.-Captain Linforth struck 3 riflemen and 25 bolomen near Tabaco, capturing palay, spears, etc., and destroying the cuartel. April 22.-Ladrones armed with 2 revolvers entered barrios of Banag, Daraga, and stole a sack of rice and 60 pesos from a Chino. |