Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
DECEMBER 3, 1574
Limahong, a notorious Chinese pirate and warlord left Manila for Pangasinan and established a kingdom near the Agno River’s mouth.
Limahong was a protégée of an old Chinese pirate named Tial-Lao. When he died, Limahong inherited his fleet along with 2,000 pirates. From 40 ships, he increased it to 95 when he took over the fleet of Vin To Quiam, another pirate.
In 1573, he arrived in Luzon with 3,000 men and established a kingdom and waged war against the Spaniards.
He was in Ilocos Sur in 1574 when he learned that Manila was an unprotected city though occupied by the Spaniards.
He attacked the city with 64 ships but failed. In this battle, he killed Martin de Goiti and several Filipinos under Rajah Lakandula, and burned the city.
In Pangasinan, he held hostage the people. He told them that he defeated the Spaniards and came to rule them as their king.
He built a fort which sheltered his palace, pagodas and dwellings which was in preparation for a permanent settlement.
All the inhabitants in the neighboring villages feared him and revered him as their king and paid tributes.
Limahong stayed there to be rich and king of the region and far from the Spaniards and the Chinese emperor.
It was on March 23, 1575 that the Spanish authorities decided to send an expedition to Lingayen to neutralize Limahong. They successfully drove him away to the China sea.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: watawat.net
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