Philippines: February 23

On February 22, 1986, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and Vice Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos breaks from Marcos and secured Camp Aguinaldo and draw People Power Support. The next day, about 2 million civilians ringed Camps Aguinaldo and Crame against Marcos Force. It was known as the EDSA revolution that toppled the 20-year reign of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines.


EDSA Revolution

The event astonished even the international community that it became headlines to major newspapers and magazines. It was the inspiration for subsequent non-violent demonstration around the world. One of the most significant part of the Philippine History.

Death of the Tiger

Forty years before the EDSA revolution, another significant history happened in Los Banos. The great General Tomoyuki Yamashita, also known as the Tiger of Malaya, the defender of the Philippines against America was hanged for war crimes.

On December 8,1941, General Yamashita has conquered the British colonies of Malaya and Singapore, where his 30,000 front line troops captured 130,000 British, Indian and Australian troops earning the nickname "The Tiger of Malaya".

In 1944, when the war situation was critical for Japan, Yamashita assumed the command of the Fourteenth Area Army to defend the Philippines on 10 October. The U.S. Army landed on Leyte on 20 October, only ten days after Yamashita's arrival at Manila. On 6 January 1945 the Sixth U.S. Army landed at Lingayen Gulf in Luzon.

Yamashita commanded approximately 262,000 troops in three defensive groups. He was forced out of Manila and retreated to the mountains of northern Luzon.

Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi was left to defend the city. He took command of the 3,750 Army security troops, and against Yamashita's specific order, turned the city into a battlefield that resulted in the deaths of more than 100,000 Filipino civilians. This would be later known as the Manila Massacre. The fierce battle happned from February 4 to March 3 in 1945.
Yamashita used delaying tactics to maintain his army in Kiangan (part of the Ifugao Province), until 2 September 1945, after the surrender of Japan, where his forces were reduced to under 50,000 by the tough campaigning by elements of the combined American and Filipino soldiers including the recognized guerrillas. Yamashita surrendered in the presence of Generals Jonathan Wainwright and Arthur Percival, both of whom had been POWs in Manchuria. Ironically, Percival had surrendered to Yamashita after the Battle of Singapore. This time, however, Percival refused to shake Yamashita's hand, being angered by the exterminationist tactics that Yamashita had allegedly employed against Allied prisoners of war, so Yamashita burst into tears. Although Yamashita might have been expected to commit suicide prior to this surrender, he reportedly explained his decision not to kill himself by saying that if he did "someone else will have to take the blame."


Ali Mudin's Treaty

More than 200 years ago, another significant History happened in Jolo. The King Ali Mudin signed a treaty with the Spaniards.

Ali Mudin was the King of Jolo and was captured by the Spaniards in their battle against the Moro in 1749. He was brought to Manila with his son Israel. Israel was allowed to study in San Jose, a school by the Spaniards. In his absence, Bantilan assumed the throne as King.

After few years with the Christians, Ali Mudin was encouraged to be baptized and was given the name Fernando 1. After a few years, the Governor Obando decided to bring Ali to his throne. He went back to Julo with the Spanish soldiers and fought the Moros. A treaty was signed between the Moro and the Spaniards.

When Ali Mudin did not go with the Spaniards to Zamboanga, they assumed that he is a traitor and he together with his 200 people were brought back to Manila. From then on, the Spaniards lead a continues battle against the Moros.

Ali Mudin asked the Spaniards to let his daughter Fatima to return to Julo and negotiate peace. In 1753, his request was granted and Fatima brought back a letter from Bantilan. He requested that Ali Mudin will return to Julo and they will sign a new treaty of peace. The released Ali but requested that he stay in Manila. He was given a home and servants.
In 1762, Manila was attacked by English forces. Ali Mudin and his 50 warriors fought the new invaders. With his brave contribution in the battle, Ali Mudin was allowed to return to Julo to battle the English forces who have camped in a nearby island. A new treaty was signed between the Ali Mudin and the Spaniards on February 23, 1763.

Ali Mudin returned and drove the English away. He continued to rule and died in his homeland.