Gen. Simeon Ola Surrenders

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 25, 1903

General Simeon Ola surrendered to Governor A. U. Betts and Colonel Harry H. Bandholtz on September 25, 1903. He was the last revolutionary general to surrender after the end of the Filipino-American War. 

Prior to his surrender, Ola took into consideration the efforts of the peace negotiating panel as well as the well-being of his men, who were all tired from battle. He was open to the agreement set by Colonel Bandholtz, the Assistant Commander of the Constabulary in Lucena, Tayabas, for his surrender. The agreement included general amnesty, fair treatment and justice to his comrades in arms. 

The negotiating panel was composed of Ramon Santos, Eligio Arboleda, Epifanio Orozco, Frank L. Pyle, John Paegelow, J.B. Allison and Joseph Rogers. They went to his camp in Malagnaton, Mapaco, Guinobatan. 

Judges Adam Carson and James Blount presided over his case and he was charged with sedition and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on November 10. 1903. 

Simeon Ola was born on September 2, 1865 in Guinobatan, Albay to Vicente Ola and Apolonia Arboleda. He joined the Katipunan in Albay and became its leader. He fought in the battle of Camalig in 1898 and was promoted as captain. He raised funds amounting to P42,000.00, which he turned over to General Mariano Trias, Secretary of Finance of the Revolutionary Government. 

Ola fought the Americans and got promoted in January 1900 after staging an ambush and capturing three American soldiers. A month later, he fought the Americans in Arimbay, Legaspi, and in the 1901 Battle of Binogsacan in Guinobatan, Albay. The following year, he raided the towns of Oas, Ligao and Jovellar in Albay. 

After his surrender, he was given an executive clemency and was released from prison on October 8, 1904. He joined politics and won as town mayor of Guinobatan, which he served until 1913. He was again elected to the same position in 1916 and served the term until 1919. Simeon Ola died on February 14, 1952.

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

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