On November 12, 1899, a pivotal moment in Filipino history unfolded as military leaders convened at Bayambang, Pangasinan. Present at this war council were General Emilio Aguinaldo and numerous Filipino military figures who collectively concluded that the army had reached a point of incapacity for sustained resistance in the field.
The resolution adopted during this assembly dictated the disbandment of the army, with the generals and their troops dispersing to their respective provinces. The overarching objective was to mobilize the populace for widespread resistance through guerrilla warfare.
Consequently, the uniformed battalions and regiments fragmented into small groups, engaging in persistent guerrilla activities for years to come. During this period, Filipino soldiers often forwent uniforms, blending into the non-combatant peasant population while vehemently asserting their amicable intentions.
As a result, these dispersed fighters became known as “amigos,” a term that evolved into a byword signifying an American soldier—an enemy deceitfully claiming friendship.
The subsequent day, November 13, 1899, marked the commencement of Emilio Aguinaldo’s retreat to Northern Luzon. He left Bayambang accompanied by his staff and a contingent led by General Gregorio del Pilar.
Source: US War Department Report, 1900, Volume I, p. 59, via The American Occupation of the Philippines, James Blunt, 1913; Pambansang Komisyong Pangkasaysayan
(Filed by JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)