Early Uprisings in the 17th Century

Overview
- A significant religious revolt taking place in Bohol, Philippines.
- Led by Tamblot, a babaylan or katalonan (a native priest or spiritual leader).
Motivation
- Tamblot urged the people to reject Christianity and return to their native beliefs and traditions.
- Approximately 2,000 Boholanos responded to Tamblot's call for rejection of foreign religion.

Spanish Friars' Departure
- Spanish friars in Bohol abandoned their posts, creating a power vacuum.
Ritual Performance
- Tamblot gathered followers and performed rituals, promising divine support against the Christian God.
Action Against Christianity
- Followers burned churches supervised by Jesuits and threw away crosses and rosaries.

Initial Confrontation
- In January 1622, Alcalde Mayor Juan de Alcarazo led an expedition into Bohol to confront the rebels.
- The battle occurred in a hilltop stronghold, which gave a defensive advantage to the rebel forces.
Outcome of the Battle
- Despite the rebels' advantage, Alcarazo's forces, likely superior in arms and organization, launched an assault and the rebels eventually suffered defeat.

Aftermath
- Following the January battle, remaining rebel forces were scattered and hunted down.
- Tamblot was captured and executed; his swift and brutal death served as a clear warning to others.

Overview
- Led by Bankaw, an old local chief from Carigara, Leyte.
Background
- Bankaw initially welcomed Spanish explorers Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565 and was one of the first to befriend the Spaniards.
- He was baptized a Christian and remained loyal for many years, even receiving a thank-you letter from the King of Spain.
- In his old age, Bankaw rejected Christianity, returned to his native religion, worshipped the 'divata', and built a temple with his followers.
Involvement of Others
- He was joined by his son and native priest Pagali, leading a religious revolt.

Spanish Expedition
- Captain Don Juan de Alcarazo led Spanish and native troops from Cebu to suppress the revolt.
Refusal of Peace Offer
- The rebels refused peace when offered, leading to attack. During the assault, the supposed magic believed by the rebels failed, and they retreated to the hills.

Mobilization
- Bankaw and his allies convinced six nearby villages to join the uprising.
- Belief in magical powers influenced their actions—to believe they could turn Spanish soldiers into stone by saying 'bato' or into clay by throwing dirt.

Consequences
- Bankaw was killed; his head was put on a stake as a warning.
- Additional brutalities included the beheading of his second son and the burning alive of the native priest.
- The destruction of the native temple by the Spanish marked a significant point.
Significance
- Although the Bankaw Revolt was short-lived, it illustrated Filipino resistance to Spanish religious imposition and was a fight for cultural and religious freedom.

Overview
- The Sumuroy Revolt was a significant uprising fueled by forced labor practices enacted by the Spanish colonial government.
Catalyst for the Revolt
- Governor-General Diego Fajardo ordered men from Samar to work in shipyards in Cavite, inciting anger and hardship among the population.
- The Philippines was a location for ship manufacturing due to the hardwood/lumber found here.
- Agustin Sumuroy and his followers killed Jesuit priest Miguel Ponce Barberan in Palapag, Samar, by throwing a javelin at him, marking the official start of the revolt.

Geographical Spread
- The revolt spread to nearby provinces including Masbate, Cebu, Camiguin, and Albay.
Personal Loss
- Agustin Sumuroy faced personal tragedy when his mother was killed in battle, leading to increased resolve.
Outcome of Betrayal
- Sumuroy was betrayed by his own men, resulting in his death and his head being sent to the Spanish governor.

Conclusion of the Revolt
- Even though the revolt was ultimately crushed, Sumuroy is remembered as a Waray hero.
- His fight centered around reclaiming the right to live freely, work with dignity, and preserve their heritage.
- Sumuroy's legacy suggests that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Overview
- This revolt was led by Francisco Maniago, a cabeza de barangay (village chief), and sparked by forced labor arrangements.
Forced Labor
- The Spanish colonial government required Filipinos to work in shipyards and cut timber for 40 days annually without adequate compensation.
- Heavy tribute taxes were also imposed, leading to exploitation of the native population.

Defiance
- Revolt began when Maniago and other Pampangan leaders refused to provide workers for Spanish construction projects.
- Thousands of Filipinos joined in the uprising, attacking Spanish settlements and properties.
Destruction of Symbols
- The rebels burned Spanish documents, including tribute lists and land titles, and targeted symbols of Spanish authority, including religious installations.

Negotiation
- The Spanish colonial government eventually negotiated with Maniago, promising to reduce forced labor obligations and address grievances.
Outcome
- Maniago was pardoned, and many reforms were promised (though not all were implemented).
- The revolt ended relatively peacefully through negotiation rather than military suppression, showcasing the complexities of resistance against colonial powers.