2. One of the earliest revolutionary leaders in the history of the Philippines was Diego Silang. To put an end to the tyrannical Spanish regime in Ilocos, he forged an alliance with British forces. He visualized an independents Ilocano nation in the northern part of the Philippines. Diego Silang y Andaya was born to Miguel Silang and Nicolasa Delos Santos, on December 16, 1730 in Aringay, Pangasinan.
3. He was a witness to the abusive management of the Spanish officials and friars over the native indios during the early phases of his life. Perhaps, this is one of the events that shaped his mind and fueled his revolutionary desires. He served as a helper and messenger of Fr. Cortes y Crisolo, the Castillan parish priest of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
4. More so, Silang was able to befriend the Zambales natives due to his intelligence and wit. Missionaries ransomed him later on. Silangwitnesses a skirmish between British and Spanish forces in Manila on another occasion. Thus, a thought that the Spaniards weren’t invincible after all came to his mind. Consequently, Silang conceptualize an armed rebellion in Ilocos and Pangasinan together with with his parents and other relatives.
5. Simultaneous uprisings happened shortly in the northern part of the Philippines. Diego Silang was considered as the revolutionary leader of the Ilocanos. In the mean time, the Spanish occupants were overthrown and Manila was conquered by British forces. Consequently, the Spaniards were more focused on regaining the country’s capital. It was a golden opportunity to heighten the resistence for Silang. Significant and strategic battles were won by Silang and his forces.
6. Nonetheless, he was caught and was imprisoned by the Spaniards. Moreover, Silang was released with the help of a certain father Millan. Likewise, Silang went back to his revolutionary ways and now attracted more followers. He formed an alliance shortly, with the British forces. He was appointed as governor and military leader of the Ilocos Region by the British officials and he was promised military support.
7. The magistrate of the Royal audencia, Simon de Anda, planned an assassination plot against Silang, with his growing popularity. Two of Silang’s friends; Miguel Vicos and Pedro Becbec visited Silang only to assassinate the revolutionary leader on the night of May 28, 1763. Silang was shot on his back and immediately died on the spot. Gabriela Silang, his widow, continued the Ilocos Revolution upon his death. Reference: http://www.helium.com/items/1863138-biography-diego-silanga
8. Hist1 V1-1R Chavez, Qiarrah Syrah Sy, Denniese Avila, Agatha Ciereena Carmona, Marie Victoria Valenciano, Nikhaela Baluyot, Femmy Jane Daguio, Jochelle Kei Pisco, Sheena Phine Apigo, Ashley Mae Rico, John Edward Jusay, Roman Vincent
