“Maninging, October 4, 1900.
“M. Pacheco,
“Military Commander.”
“The Military Commander:
“The undersigned, Local Chief, notes the orders contained in the present circular and will strictly comply therewith.
“Kabalián, October 6, 1900.
“B. Veloso,
“Local Chief.”[18]
In Negros, the Tagálogs long failed to effect a lodgement. Ultimately, however, they managed to stir up trouble, and to secure the help of “Pope” Isio, a noted outlaw. On May 19, 1900, he suggested the advisability of punishing “by decapitation all those who go with the Americans” and ordered that “if it should appear that they are real spies of the enemy they must be beheaded immediately without any pretext whatsoever against it.” To be considered a “real spy,” it was necessary only to be seen talking to Americans.
The letter from which I quote was addressed to Señor Rufo Oyos, General of Operations.[19]
Evidently he obeyed orders, for he was still alive in November, 1901, at which time “Papa” Isio wrote him again, directing that there be an uprising of all the towns on December 20.
Towns which did not rise on the appointed day were to be “reduced to ashes and all their inhabitants killed, men, women, children and old people.” Any presidente who had not collected the taxes of his town before the arrival of Isio was to be “hung without any hesitation whatever.”[20]