Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
FEBRUARY 11, 1899
A week after the Philippine-American War (Filipino-American War) began, American troops numbering 3,322, came to invade Iloilo City in the island of Panay.
The US First Separate Brigade, composed of elements of the 1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, the 18th US Regular Infantry and the 6th US Artillery under the command of Brigadier General Marcus P. Miller, were assisted by the war vessels Baltimore, Petrel and Boston; troop transports Arizona, St, Paul and Newport; and the launches Iloilo and Vicenti, all from Admiral George Dewey’s squadron.
The shore trenches were heavily bombarded by the gunboat USS Petrel and the cruiser USS Baltimore.
The Filipino troops under General Martin Delgado retreated.
Iloilo City was destroyed after the bombardment and Gen. Miller’s forces captured the city with no loss of American lives.
The United States flag called the Stars and Strips, was hoisted signifying American control over the city.
General Martin Delgado, the acknowledged leader of the Filipino forces in Panay waged guerrilla offensives against U.S. troops from 1899 to 1901.
He finally surrendered on February 2, 1901 to American military governor Edmund Rice.
He was appointed as the first governor of Iloilo province when the civil government was established by the Americans on April 11, 1901.
When the first local election was held on March 3, 1902, he was elected as governor of the province of Panay.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: National Historical Commission of the Philippines and filipinoamericanwar.com
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