MANILA — Today, December 25, 1898, General Marcus P. Miller embarked on a pivotal journey from Manila to Iloilo, following orders to secure the city for the United States.
His mission took an unexpected turn when, upon arriving on December 29, he faced resistance from the native government that had peacefully succeeded Spanish rule.
Despite five days of deliberation, the Filipino government refused to surrender the city without a fight. General Miller, initially instructed to await orders if a peaceful occupation proved impossible, received a directive from General Otis on January 3, 1899, to forcefully seize the city if necessary. This order came just as he received a plea from foreign residents, advocating for restraint and highlighting the stability under the Filipino government.
Earlier on December 23, 1898, Spanish Governor-General Diego de los Rios formally surrendered the city to Filipino authorities. De los Rios, along with his staff and naval commanders, evacuated Panay Island for Zamboanga the following day.
However, two days after General Miller received the forceful seizure order, General Otis, having heard from Washington, advised against the attack. This turn of events added a layer of complexity to the unfolding historical narrative.
References: The anti-imperialist, Volume 1, Number 1 and 2″ by Edward Atkinson, May 1899, from the accounts of General Miller; The Philippines” by John Foreman, Filipiniana Book Guild, Manila, 1980.
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM