Conscious Hero or Man of No Ego? Gregorio del Pilar's Last Stand

General Gregorio del Pilar
Photo courtesy of the Presidential
Museum and Library

On September 5 of this year, the so-called "Boy General," Gregorio del Pilar, goes to the big screen for the first time in more than two decades with the film Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (with Paulo Avelino as Gregorio del Pilar). Prior to this, Romnick Sarmenta played the role of the general in the 1996 film Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of General Gregorio del Pilar. At any rate, as the sequel of the highly successful independent film Heneral Luna, Goyo would prove to have less action, not because of the production's choice. As the Filipino armed forces retreated to the north, battles have involved less and less troops and equipment. It ultimately led to guerrilla warfare, which was officially adopted as the Filipino strategy in November 1899, but has already been suggested earlier in the year. Of course, for many people, he is known for his "last stand" at Tirad Pass. A spoiler alert for those who have not yet seen the movie, perhaps: Goyo dies. This engraved the image of a capable young general beating the odds. Almost. It is also common knowledge that del Pilar died in the Battle of Tirad Pass, along with most of his troops. However, the story leading to this somber event has never been the emphasis of most history books. Who is Gregorio del Pilar, really? A conscious hero or a man of no ego? What had driven his lightning rise in the ranks? Sheer ambition or pure dedication to the nation?

The Eagle Takes Flight
Born on November 14, 1875 in Bulacan, Bulacan, Goyo or Goyong finished his secondary and tertiary education at the Ateneo de Manila University. Members of the family were also quite prominent, such as his uncle Marcelo H. del Pilar, the editor of La Solidaridad, and his aunt Hilaria del Pilar, the spouse of Katipunan President Deodato Arellano. As soon as he graduated from school in 1896, the Philippine Revolution erupted. His desire to take a master's degree was cut short. Already serving as a secret messenger for his uncle Deodato Arellano in Manila before the Revolution, del Pilar has been involved in the Katipunan with the code name Agila or "eagle." As with some Katipuneros, del Pilar would soon become known through his code name. He had already displayed expertise in arnis, a Filipino martial art. In the initial phase of the Revolution, he was a lieutenant in the Uliran unit of his friends, Colonel Vicente Enriquez (born 1879) and General Anacleto Enriquez (born 1876). It was said that del Pilar himself was inspired by General Enriquez, who was appointed as second-in-command of all Bulacan forces on October 20, 1896 by General Isidoro Torres, president of the Apuy council administering the Katipunan forces in Bulacan.

General Anacleto Enriquez
Photo courtesy of Filipinas Heritage Library

At the age of 20 years and 25 days, Anacleto Enriquez became the youngest general of the Philippine Revolution (at least, in comparison to all officers who are in record). Manuel Tinio, who received the rank of general on November 20, 1897, follows in close second at 20 years and five months, albeit it is widely believed to this day that he was the youngest general. Flaviano Yengko, who received the rank of general on February 22, 1897, is the next youngest at 22 years and two months. While it can be observed that military ranks may come easier during times of revolution and war, such young generals might appear extraordinary in today's context. Then again, the era actually featured military officers at the age of 14, such as in the case of Andres Novales. Nevertheless, the career of General Enriquez was short-lived. While holding ground in Hacienda Buenavista (now split into the municipalities of San Rafael and San Ildefonso), General Enriquez and his 800-strong force faced a Spanish contingent of around the same size under Major Lopez Arteaga. Major Arteaga was quite infamous with the revolutionaries, whose counterattack in Nueva Ecija on September 5, 1896 forced the retreat of Tinio (then a captain) and General Mariano Llanera. To think that Arteaga had command of a smaller force then - a company composed of around 200 troops. Better equipment and military discipline proved to be pivotal in the battle, with the Spanish opening up through a barrage of artillery fire, followed by a coordinated infantry attack, on November 30, 1896. The Filipino forces, then in dire need of arms, can only manage hand-to-hand combat. At the end of the battle, General Enriquez was found dead with most of his courageous yet somewhat ragtag army.

Filipino negotiators concluding the Pact of Biak-na-Bato
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

When del Pilar learned of his death, he was at Kakaron de Sili (now Pandi) where he was fighting, this time under General Eusebio Roque, for almost every inch of land through skirmishes against the Spanish. However, by January 1897, the Spanish were gaining the upper hand. In del Pilar's own admission, the Filipino forces have to leave the fort of Kakaron de Sili due to the intense Spanish offensive. Perhaps due partly to news of how the campaign goes in Cavite, del Pilar and what remained of the revolutionaries in his unit marched to Imus by going through Angat and Norzagaray from January 26 to February 10. Then, the march stopped at Montalban (now Rodriguez). Instead of going ahead to Cavite as planned, it was evident that del Pilar was having a breather while waiting for arms from Imus. What stopped del Pilar's march? By February 1897, the new Spanish governor general, Camilo de Polavieja (born 1838) focused the offensive against Cavite. In this move, Polavieja attempts to show why his predecessor, Ramon Blanco, failed to crush the revolution by believing that the threat lies more in Bulacan and the neighboring northern provinces. This change of strategy is the likely rationale behind del Pilar's return to Bulacan. Despite the Filipino victory at Zapote Bridge in the Las Piñas-Bacoor border (February 17), the Spanish continued their unrelenting campaign which culminated with the recovery of most of Cavite by May 1897. After considering their situation, Emilio Aguinaldo with some 500 of his soldiers escaped Cavite through Morong (now Rizal), and settled at their new headquarters at Biak-na-Bato, Bulacan. By this time, del Pilar was serving as a captain in the unit of Commandant Adriano Gatmaitan, who was operating in Paombong, around 60 kilometers from Biak-na-Bato. In the Spanish ranks, Polavieja had resigned his post, and was succeeded by the relatively moderate Primo de Rivera (born 1831). In Rivera's view, Aguinaldo and his troops may take advantage of the vast expanse further north to escape their offensive (a scenario which actually happened in the Philippine-American War). As Rivera would say, "I can take Biak-na-Bato. Any man can take it, but I cannot say I can crush the rebellion." With neither side gaining clear superiority in Bulacan and neighboring provinces, a stalemate pinned both forces until July 1897, when diplomacy began to take shape with Pedro Paterno serving as mediator between them. However, it did not mean a cessation of hostilities. In September 1897, the Battle of Aliaga in Nueva Ecija, one of the largest during the Philippine Revolution, proved to be the defining moment for many of its participants, Tinio included. He was promoted as colonel. Despite what was considered a Filipino victory, the battle eventually caused the dispersion of many of the Filipino revolutionaries. At the same time, a smaller feat by del Pilar with ten men gained him an audience with Aguinaldo himself. They raided a Spanish garrison to steal arms, particularly Mauser rifles.

Gregorio del Pilar with Emilio Aguinaldo, Pedro Paterno,
Vito Belarmino and Wenceslao Viniegra aboard a train
to Pangasinan, their stopover before going to Hong Kong
Photo courtesy of Presidential Museum and Library

In recognition of his bravery, del Pilar was appointed as lieutenant colonel. This promotion means he had already outranked his immediate officer, Commandant Gatmaitan. It also signalled his entry into Aguinaldo's inner circle. Meanwhile, Filipino forces began to coalesce around Aguinaldo as the Republic of Biak-na-Bato was established on November 1, 1897, with Aguinaldo himself as president. Two weeks later, a constitution was drafted, and del Pilar became one of its ratifiers. Soon, diplomacy between the Spanish and the Filipino leaders resulted to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, signed on December 14, 1897, del Pilar was one of the revolutionary leaders who were to be exiled abroad as mandated by the pact. The exiles chose Hong Kong as their destination. While in Hong Kong, it was said that del Pilar acquired a gold tooth. Did he need to replace a tooth? Was it out of vanity? Or something else altogether? At any rate, the Spanish saw that the peace secured by Rivera would not last. Six months later, Aguinaldo returns with del Pilar and many of the exiles to resume the Revolution. This time, the Americans have already been at war with the Spanish, and it included their intervention in the Philippines. During this time, it appeared that Aguinaldo's confidence on del Pilar had increased so much that Aguinaldo was known to have said of him, "He was my man of confidence. I could trust him with anything. Therefore, I had him always at my side until he died." As the Filipino forces began pushing the Spanish to the limit, they begin to form what would become the First Philippine Republic. When they have closed in on Manila, the capital, del Pilar was charged in taking over the areas of Tondo, Divisoria, and Azcarraga (now Recto). On September 15, 1898, the Revolutionary Congress, also known as the Malolos Congress, convened to begin drafting the constitution. The day represented another landmark for del Pilar's military career. He was promoted as brigadier general, as well as the overall commander of Bulacan. Meanwhile, his unit was designated as part of the Presidential Guard. In this regard, del Pilar has exceeded his former superior, General Anacleto Enriquez.

One of Gregorio del Pilar signature poses,
the hidden hand is a prominent gesture used
also by leaders such as Napoleon Bonaparte,
George Washington, and Simon Bolivar.
Photo courtesy of Presidential Museum
and Library

Administration's Attack Dog?
The Americans shed the disguise of being allies of Filipinos when war broke out on February 4, 1899. When Filipino presence collapsed in Manila and its suburbs, the next theater of military action was Bulacan, where the fledgling Philippine Republic had founded its capital (Malolos). By this time, the command of all Central Luzon forces (and concurrently as Commanding General of the Philippine Republican Army) have been given to the Director of War, General Antonio Luna. However, rumors began to spread concerning Luna's ambition, bolstered by reports of deeds wherein he was overarching his legal reach (something which Apolinario Mabini, then Prime Minister, had noted to Aguinaldo). When the war breached Bulacan, Aguinaldo placed del Pilar's unit under Luna's. Then again, Luna especially requested for the 1,900-strong force of Manuel Tinio, who was also a general by this time. Besides, Tinio's force is larger than del Pilar's unit of some 1,000 troops, and the unit has proven itself in larger battles, such as that in Aliaga. Still, if Aguinaldo has begun suspecting Luna, it might be possible that he placed del Pilar to balance, and even watch, Luna and his subordinates. In the words of General Jose Alejandrino, one of Luna's friends,

"There was a young pretentious general who set up his headquarters in one of the nearby towns, not bothering to present himself to General Luna. He did not recognize any orders other than those which emanated from the Captain General, of whom he was a favorite. At the headquarters of General Luna, it was learned that this gentleman spent days and nights at fiestas and dances which flatterers offered in his honor."

It was not exactly unusual for many generals of the Revolution to attend social functions every once in a while, especially those who also serve in political positions. Del Pilar in particular was someone known to be smooth with women. However, it does not suit well with the kind of discipline Luna and his subordinates had been trying to instill, considering it was wartime. Also, Tinio's unit was largely composed of soldiers from Northern Luzon. Luna's Ilocano background might draw them closer to the general than Aguinaldo himself. While in the service of Luna, del Pilar did distinguish himself at the Battle of Quingua (April 23), which was initially a Filipino victory, but then, the Americans soon overwhelmed them. To credit del Pilar, he appeared to be the type of general who preferred low number of casualties. In this battle, 13 were killed in his unit. As Filipino forces suffer one defeat after another, internal conflict developed among their leaders, especially after the Battle of Calumpit (April 25-27). The feud between Luna and General Tomas Mascardo, who was commander of the Filipino forces in Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales, divided the already small army Luna had against the Americans. At the aftermath of the battle, the Americans have prevailed. There are some who seek to continue fighting, Luna being one of their primary personalities, while there are some who seek an alternative to independence. In particular, taking the diplomatic channel once more to come up with an agreement with the Americans, just as they did with the Spanish.

The Filipino delegation to Manila was headed by
Gregorio del Pilar, seated in center.
Photo courtesy of Presidential Museum and Library

The latter's dominance became more pronounced when Mabini was out of the Prime Minister position to be replaced by Paterno on May 7, 1899. This reoriented the priorities of the Filipino government, which sent a delegation to talk with the Americans a mere two weeks after the Cabinet revamp (May 22). To head the Filipino delegation was del Pilar himself, accompanied by Captain Lorenzo Zialcita, Alberto Barretto, and Gracio Gonzaga. Meeting them in Manila were the American delegates, namely Jacob Schurman, Colonel Charles Denby, Dean Worcester, and John MacArthur. The American governor general, Elwell Otis, was not present in the talks, but he did come to meet del Pilar. Their meeting was portrayed by the foreign press as a scene between David and Goliath, with del Pilar being the smaller figure. Then again, del Pilar supposedly had a pretty decent height even in today's standards, which was ranging from 160 to 170 centimeters (5'3" to 5'7"). Despite being a cordial affair, the outcome of the meeting was not as good. The Filipinos wanted an armistice, possibly as a tactic to regroup and rethink, but not to the point that the Republic would be surrendered. However, the Americans did not want anything less than recognition of their sovereignty in the archipelago. When it became clear that the Americans would not compromise as far as the Spanish did, the Filipinos formally declared war in June 1899, albeit the war has been ongoing for four months by this time.

However, the litmus test of the administration came when Luna was assassinated on June 5 at Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, done no less by a unit of Aguinaldo's Presidential Guard, the Kawit Battalion. A sort of silent purge against Luna's subordinates followed his death, and Aguinaldo put del Pilar in charge of the operation. One of the relieved officers was General Venancio Concepcion, one of the higher ranking officers connected to Luna. Settling his headquarters in Angeles, Pampanga, Aguinaldo and del Pilar personally confirmed his loyalty to the Republic - on the same day Luna was assassinated. Confusion reigned not only among Filipino ranks, but also in the American side. There were even talks of Luna finally taking over the government, replacing Aguinaldo as dictator. What happened was the opposite, with Aguinaldo further consolidating his hold of whatever remained in the Filipino armed forces. Since del Pilar relieved many of the remaining officers connected to Luna, who he likely knew personally due to his service under the slain general, it is possible that he earned the ire of these very men. Later on, it would be known that there were really plans to liquidate Luna. General Pantaleon Garcia, who replaced Luna as commander of all Central Luzon forces, admitted that he was tasked by Aguinaldo himself to assassinate Luna, but was unable to do so. It would also turn out that del Pilar was another option to conduct the assassination. Then again, Aguinaldo himself would not admit any involvement, emphasizing that if he intended to have Luna dead, it would be easier to have him killed in battle. Owing to this turn of events, in the words of Nick Joaquin, he became viewed as "Aguinaldo's hatchet man." Has the noble eagle been transformed into an attack dog of the administration? Did he fully realize the implications of his loyal service to the president? Nagoyo ba si Goyo?

View of Mount Tirad
Photo courtesy of Carl Henry Lico

Calculated Heroism?
Despite the critical view of Luna by historians such as Teodoro Agoncillo, who noted Luna never winning any battle in his military career, there is apparent consensus that the loss of Luna only helped in highlighting the weaknesses of the Filipino Republic. From Pampanga in June, Aguinaldo and his forces would be retreating to Pangasinan and Ilocos by November 1899. As they traversed the area, del Pilar saw the strategic position of Mount Tirad, where Tirad Pass or Pasong Tirad was located. At more than 1,100 meters above sea level (MASL), Tirad Pass would be a natural high point where a smaller force can have an advantage. Thus, the moment for the "Hero of Tirad Pass" comes. In del Pilar's own words,

"The General has given me a platoon of available men and has ordered me to defend this pass. I am aware what a difficult task has been given to me. Nevertheless, I feel that this is the most glorious moment of my life. I am doing everything for my beloved country. There is no greater sacrifice. I have a terrible premonition that the enemy will vanquish me and my valiant men; but I die happy fighting for my beloved country."

 As history goes, del Pilar and most of his troops were killed in battle. Eight of his 60 soldiers survived, among them his former superior, Colonel Vicente Enriquez. Most of what we know of the battle would come from these survivors, who noted that del Pilar met a quick death through a shot on the head. Then again, for someone who was known to keep casualties at the minimum, why has del Pilar allowed himself and his unit be sacrificed in the first place? Would it not be more heroic to survive the battle and fight for another day? For instance, in the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC), an event which many may compare with the Battle of Tirad Pass, the 300 Spartans under King Leonidas were only part of a larger Greek force of around 7,000 facing a much larger Persian force. Apparently, Leonidas and his unit stood ground to allow some 3,000 more Greeks escape. In this instance, was del Pilar intent on keeping the Americans to let Aguinaldo escape? Or perhaps the extraordinary, Aguinaldo becoming disillusioned of his favorite general for some reason, thus deciding to have him taken out in battle? Nevertheless, what merits analysis is the Battle of Tirad Pass itself. In the observation of the Americans, the Filipinos were calm, which can be seen as odd considering the overwhelming superiority of the former in manpower. With some 300 troops, the Americans under Major Peyton March definitely had military superiority, at least in numbers.

Gregorio del Pilar (mounted on horseback) with his troops.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

The choice of Tirad Pass can be pointed in part to the superior arms of the Filipinos. At the time, the standard Filipino rifle is the 1893 Mauser, which the Spanish also used. Meanwhile, the standard American rifle is the Krag–Jørgensen. In the Spanish-American War, the Mauser proved better in combat, particularly when used at higher vantage points. For instance, in the Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898), the Spanish killed 144 Americans, and wounded 1,024 more, while having 114 killed and 366 wounded on their side. The Mauser had greater range at around 2,000 meters, as against the Krag's 900 meters. Since it would be difficult for the Americans to bring their artillery in Tirad, the battle may be decided by the clash of rifles, especially considering both sides had limited ammunition. Another advantage of Tirad Pass can be found in the knowledge of the terrain. At this instance, the question of the Ifugao informer named Januario Galut comes into the narrative. It was said that the Americans got a hint to flank the Filipinos through this informer. However, the question remains. Provided that the "secret passage" can only accommodate one soldier at a time, would it not take a considerable amount of time to flank the Filipinos? Also, if such passage existed, why had del Pilar not sealed it off with a part of his troops? Otherwise, if he did know of the passage, but not informed his men, it would explain the confidence and morale of his troops, albeit at the cost of exposing such weakness to the Americans. Of course, it was also possible for all of them to be sure of their demise, and their calmness can be explained by their resolve to die in battle, or at least for most of them. Another survivor, Lieutenant Telesforo Carrasco (born 1873), notes of his threat against deserters during the battle. In addition, it would provide a premise for del Pilar's calculated heroism. That day, he was prepared to die. That day, he was ready to enter the annals of history. He was conscious of the implications of this battle to his legacy. Besides, he had been admiring General Enriquez, who also died in battle. Would have it been possible that for him, at least, death in the battlefield would feed his ego?

Of course, a less popular idea would be that the "secret passage" did not exist. The town of Concepcion (now named after Gregorio del Pilar), where the Americans settled, is more than 1,300 MASL, while the next town where Aguinaldo escaped, Cervantes, is more than 2,300 MASL. In light of this, the advantages which del Pilar might have been so sure was negated by the Americans' maneuver. That is, the Americans can clearly see the movement of Filipino troops. This may explain why there minimal casualties for the Americans (two killed, nine wounded). It may also explain why Carrasco had to deal with deserters. Provided this premise, it may follow that del Pilar did not stage his heroism at all. In his mind, at least, all that he has done up to this point, has been to serve not the president, but the country. Regardless of other people's opinion, he was sure of his own humility and lack of ego. Also, it might as well clear the name of the Ifugao informer. Besides, not all Ifugao supported the Americans, as exhibited by Aguinaldo's reception when he arrived in what is now Mountain Province come 1900.

The Power of Youth
At the age of 24, Gregorio del Pilar died on December 2, 1899. What is his significance now? In our day, it would be rare to find someone as accomplished at the same age. Out of inexperience, he had to learn better. Out of youth, he had to mature faster. For one, have we asked ourselves what we have reached in our 20s? Of course, it might to be contended that a man cannot always be defined by his actions, as shown in the life of Goyo. Even in history, conclusions are at best tentative. Today, del Pilar is regarded as a hero. Tomorrow, would it still be so? Heroes are human, too. They are not perfect, but they can at least be good enough to become heroes. How about us?

Another significant point would be the recognition of the power of youth. You may not see generals as young as they today, but that does not mean people cannot achieve anything else. As Nelson Mandela said, "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." Even Jose Rizal believes in the youth as the hope of the nation. If we are not to begin building with the young people of today, what kind of future can we expect? Del Pilar may have not been able to survive the war, but his legacy lived on to this day. What will be the legacy of our youth? If del Pilar might have appeared less than satisfactory, even as a person, it may also be connected with the society with which he lived. By carefully putting him into context, one can begin to bring him fairness. Considering our society today, what can be said of the youth it is molding today? Are they established on solid foundations?

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted.

(Isaiah 40:30)

See the references here.