Sad farewell (the Spaniards leave Cebu in 1898)

The 31st entry of the book “Ang Kabugot Sa Sugbo 1898” by Manuel Enriquez dela Calzada is entitled in Cebuano as “Masulob-ong Panamilit” (Forlorn/Sad farewell in English). It was co-written by Don Felipe Pacaña (a street in Barangay Punta Princesa is named after him), Don Tomas Alonso (of Asturias, likewise a street is named after him), and Don Manuel Roa, who became governor of Cebu from 1912 to 1922 (a street in Capitol Site is named after him).

The story narrates the events of the month of December, nine months after the Battle of Tres de Abril. It notes that there was peace as the Spaniards mellowed with their atrocities on Cebuanos, so as the insurgents (Cebuano patriots) became accustomed to mountain living in Sudlon. The news reached Cebu that Manila was already taken from the Spaniards by those from Norte America (referring to the Americans).

The Spaniards in Cebu just followed the governor (Adolfo Montero) while the KKK, although they formed a provincial revolutionary government headed by Luis Flores, had no information regarding the affairs of the national headquarters.

The friars were no longer in their parishes. They conglomerated in Cebu, packed at the Bishop’s Palace. They were waiting for orders from the bishop whether or not they would be shipped to Spain. It was Noche Buena in Cebu, the people were merry even if it was not grand. During that Christmas there were no dances, no children in the streets. It was not prohibited but people were just scared. The people just attended Masses. But at 8 a.m. of the 24th, around a battalion of guardia civils converged. They then proceeded to the Fort San Pedro, and bade farewell.

On Christmas Day, the populace was happy, much more the Katipuneros of Cebu, who were wearing new uniforms, who were grouping, waiting in Tabunok, others in Pardo in front of the church, others in the streets of San Nicolas, for their leaders. The Spaniards were boarding the “Vapor Bohol” in the port of Binoy Veloso. The “moros” and “volunteers” from Zamboanga who were the reinforcements of the Spaniards were waiting at the docks. The sound of “toque de attencion” of the cornet was played, then the drums with General Adolfo Montero, as the Spanish flag was pulled down. After the ceremony the Spaniards boarded and left Cebu.

When “Vapor Bohol” just passed Kawit (Cauit) Island, the pole of Fort San Pedro saw the rise of the Philippine flag.