Why did Pedro Almazan lead a revolt?

Answer 1

Don Pedro Almazan was a wealthy Ilocano leader from San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Immediately after the wedding of his son to the daughter of Juan Magsanop, leader of Bacarra, on 30th day of December 1660, Don Pedro Almazan was crowned "King of Ilocos" by Gaspar Cristobal, leader of Laoag, and proclaimed by the Ilocanos, Isnegs of Cagayan and the Calanasans of Kalinga.

He led the 1st Ilocos Revolution to manifest protest. There was no other way under the autocratic rule that was. He was so enraged by the abuses and atrocities and generally repressive polices of the Spaniards and their colonial government against the native Filipinos. particularly on forced labor, collection of tribute taxes, non-payment of timbers that they used to build galleons, monopoly of local industries. Filipinos lived in a colonial and feudal society where the landlord class, Spanish colonial officials, the religious orders and Filipino puppets ruled. Even freemen were dispossessed of their goods, properties, and lives.

To get even with the abusive colonizers, Don Pedro Almazan planned to stage a revolution. In preparation to his unstoppable scheme, he transformed a certain quarter under his house into a secret dungeon and a repository of iron fetters (shackles). He intended to chain all the Spanish soldiers and friars in the dungeon and would not release them for life.

His proclamation and crowning as King of Ilocos also signaled the start of the rebellion in Ilocos and spurred protracted uprisings in other provinces. Don Pedro Almazan's men were responsible in the beheading of two Spanish friars, Jose Santa Maria of Claveria, Cagayan in January 1661 and Jose Arias of Bacarra in February 1661.

In his last battle, Don Pedro Almazan and his men were suddenly attacked by Spanish soldiers. Caught unaware, he and his troops retreated to the forests, but the soldiers were relentless in their pursuit.

Juan Magsanop's troop was cornered ahead. Before the enemies could accost him, he killed himself with a knife.

In retaliation, Don Pedro Almazan, who was already extremely infuriated, rode on his his horse and fiercely fought the Spanish soldiers in a frontal battle.

Although he lost his life in that spectacular battle, Don Pedro Almazan, King of Ilocos, demonstrated his love for his country. His love for the Filipinos and the rampant injustices that ushered him into fighting the enemies until his last breath exemplifies one marvelous paradigm of gallantry and patriotism.