Skip to content 
Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes of Philippine history, those who fought bravely but whose names arenโt etched in every textbook? Today, letโs uncover one such figure: General Francisco Makabulos. His story intertwines with both the triumphs and tribulations of the American Colonial Period, offering a glimpse into the Filipino perspective during a time of great change.
From Spanish Resistance to American Rule: A Shifting Landscape
Imagine the Philippines in the late 1800s. Spanish rule had grown stale, and the yearning for independence was brewing. Enter Francisco Makabulos, a man of action who first tasted victory against Spain.
- 1896: Makabulos joined the Katipunan, the secret society fighting for Philippine freedom. He rose to prominence with his strategic prowess, securing control of Tarlac province. This early success marked him as a leader of significant influence.
- Biak-na-Bato Pact (1897): Like many Filipinos, Makabulos yearned for reform. He signed the pact with Spain, a temporary peace agreement that promised reforms in exchange for the surrender of arms and exile of revolutionary leaders.
- 1898: Return and Disillusionment: The Spanish-American War erupted, and the Philippines were caught in a power struggle. Makabulos returned, but the promised reforms remained elusive. He joined Aguinaldoโs forces again, now facing a new colonizer: the United States.
Under the American Flag: Collaboration and Rebellion
The arrival of the Americans ushered in a period of uncertainty. Many Filipinos, including Makabulos, were hopeful at first, believing in the American promises of benevolent assimilation and eventual self-governance.
- Early Cooperation: Makabulos briefly served as military governor of Tarlac under the American military government, hoping to navigate the transition peacefully and advocate for Filipino interests.
- Growing Discontent: As American intentions became clearer and promises unfulfilled, disillusionment grew. Makabulos, like many Filipinos, felt betrayed. He resigned his governorship in December 1900 and rejoined the insurgency.
- Renewed Resistance: Makabulos, a seasoned military strategist, continued to fight for Philippine independence until his capture by American forces in April 1901.
A Controversial Figure: Navigating the Shadows of History
Looking back at Makabulosโ legacy, we see a man torn between pragmatism and principle. His story highlights the complex choices Filipinos faced during the American colonial period.
- Collaboration: Some criticize Makabulosโ early cooperation with the Americans as a sign of weakness or opportunism. Others see it as a strategic move to protect Filipino interests during a tumultuous time.
- Rejoining the Insurgency: His decision to rejoin the fight underscores the broken promises and growing frustration Filipinos felt. It paints him as a man ultimately loyal to his ideals and his people.
- Legacy of Resistance: Despite his eventual capture, Makabulosโ actions contributed to the narrative of Filipino resistance against American rule. He stands as a symbol of the enduring struggle for Philippine independence.
Understanding Makabulos: Beyond the Labels
Itโs easy to label historical figures as heroes or villains. However, Francisco Makabulosโ life offers a nuanced perspective, challenging simplistic interpretations.
- Shifting Allegiances: His shifting allegiances reflect the tumultuous times and the lack of clear pathways for Filipino leaders. He navigated a complex political landscape where choosing sides was often a matter of survival as much as conviction.
- Seeking Peace, Embracing War: Makabulos embraced both peace and war, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate when there was hope and to fight when that hope dwindled. He embodies the Filipino spirit of resilience and adaptability.
- Beyond Black and White: Instead of judging him solely on collaboration or resistance, we can appreciate Makabulosโ complex choices as a reflection of the challenging circumstances Filipinos faced during a pivotal period in their history.
Francisco Makabulosโ story is a reminder that history is not a collection of flat characters, but a tapestry woven with the threads of individual lives shaped by complex forces. To understand the American Colonial Period in the Philippines, we need to engage with the diverse perspectives and choices of Filipinos like Makabulos, whose legacy is one of both collaboration and resistance, of searching for peace and embracing war.