The Brigandage Act Of 1902

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

NOVEMBER 12, 1902 

Gov. William Howard Taft got the Brigandage Act of 1902 passed, months after the United States declared the end of the Philippine-American War on July 4, 1902. 

This was a law enacted by the Philippine Commission that labeled all resistance against American rule as banditry. 

Filipinos were prohibited from organizing or joining organizations or nationalist movements. Those caught were punished with death or imprisoned for not less than twenty years while persons aiding brigands were sentenced to not less than ten years.  

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.webs.com