Chapter 44: The Fire of Defiance
Three days after the tragedy at Plaridel's city hall, life in the town was slowly stirring back to normal. Damaged buildings were being repaired, shattered streets cleared, and victims tended to by their families and the local government. Yet, beneath the surface of recovery, a new unrest was brewing—not in the streets, but in the vast, unyielding realm of the internet. A video of the fierce battle in Plaridel had gone viral, sparking controversy and igniting debates in homes, markets, and even government offices.
The video captured chilling scenes: Spanish soldiers brutalizing Filipinos in Plaridel's plaza, the tense confrontation between Ifugao and General Salazar, and Ifugao's bold stand against the rebels to prevent further violence. Hustisya's rage was palpable, her eyes blazing as she defended her fight for justice, while Ifugao's determination to halt the rebellion shone through, even as he clashed with his fellow sugo.
Many were outraged by Ifugao's courage in confronting a government official, but some Spaniards were equally incensed by General Salazar's actions. His attempt to slaughter Plaridel's citizens to test Ifugao's power was deemed a grave offense. The video became a key factor in delaying immediate punishment for those accused of rebellion in Plaridel, as the Spaniards lacked sufficient evidence to brand them as rebels. Even the generals, despite their authority, remained silent on the issue, hesitant to act without clear grounds.
Meanwhile, the video's depiction of Hustisya and Ifugao's exchange gripped the nation. Ifugao's insistence on stopping the rebellion and his fight to prevent Hustisya from killing Spaniards elicited mixed reactions. Some admired his principles, while others branded him a traitor to his own people. Though Ifugao had earned the trust of many Filipinos, numerous rebels questioned whether he would be an ally or an adversary in their struggle.
Nevertheless, both Hustisya and Ifugao remained on the government's wanted list, held accountable for the battle's destruction. A task force was formed to capture the two sugos, and Plaridel's leadership was temporarily replaced while awaiting the appointment of a new Bulacan governor by the Spanish regime.
Amid this turmoil, in a grand chamber within Malacañang Palace—the heart of colonial power in the Philippines—the most formidable generals of Luzon convened. The room crackled with tension, its walls adorned with symbols of Spanish authority. A long table stood at the center, surrounded by eight generals, each bearing the weight of their responsibilities.
Five wore green uniforms, marking them as "hilaw" or honorary Spaniards—Filipinos granted power but never considered equals by pure-blooded Spaniards. They had become generals solely due to their status as diwata sugos and their loyalty to the Spanish government: General Manuel of Rizal, General Tiburcio of Pampanga, General Apyong of Cavite, General Luna of Bataan, and General Romeo of Batangas. The other three donned white uniforms, symbols of their pure Spanish blood and status as diwata sugos from Spain: General Kiki of Quezon, General Jamin of Laguna, and General Felipe of Zambales.
At the head of the table, near a massive screen displaying Ifugao's wanted poster, stood a man whose presence alone commanded silence. Viceroy Antonio Magellan, clad in a golden uniform befitting a Spanish noble, was the king's representative in the Philippines, wielding supreme authority over the colonial government, overseeing the national capital, and managing matters concerning the rebels.
"The situation in Plaridel is a severe blow to our government," Magellan began, his voice deep and authoritative. "This sugo, Ifugao, has recently made waves, presenting himself as a hero to the Filipinos. Truthfully, I don't consider him a significant threat to Spain, but I'm deeply concerned about the impact of his actions. Many Spaniards are convinced that his methods of punishing generals like Slasher and Salazar are just."
He scanned the generals, his eyes piercing each one, as if gauging their sentiments. "I admit, generals like Salazar have committed wrongs. But it's not for an Indio to mete out punishment—the law of Spain must decide what happens in this country."
The generals remained silent, their faces betraying no emotion. They knew that, despite their peers' transgressions, only the Viceroy had the authority to punish them—and Apyong sensed Magellan would not. The silence was broken when General Romeo, the youngest in the group, raised his hand.
"Pardon, Viceroy," Romeo said, his voice calm but edged with boldness. "What should we do if a general's mistakes are repeated? If their actions endanger the people, should we, as officers, intervene?"
Magellan responded without hesitation, his tone resolute. "That depends on the situation, General Romeo. If a general is proven guilty, the law will decide."
But Romeo pressed on. "What if a fellow general commits a crime, and we're forced to confront them? Can we judge them?" His eyes locked onto Magellan's. "What I mean is, can I kill them?"
A heavy silence enveloped the room at Romeo's daring question. Magellan smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "That, too, depends on the situation, General," he replied. "Let's not forget that governor-generals are symbols of Spain's power. Undermining their reputation undermines our government's authority."
Undeterred, Romeo continued, "According to the king's law, our duty includes protecting the lives and rights of Filipinos. If a general kills innocent Filipinos, shouldn't they be punished like any lawbreaker? Murder is a grave crime, and its penalty is death—for an ordinary person or a general."
The room fell silent again, each general awaiting Magellan's response. The Viceroy smiled, his expression calculating. "We're talking about a governor-general, General Romeo," he said, his voice calm but laced with warning. "They are appointed by Spain to lead and do what's best for the colony."
But Romeo didn't back down. "I'm confused, Viceroy. The king says even generals like us must follow his laws. Are the generals' status more important than the king's word?"
Romeo's question struck the room like lightning, heightening the tension. Magellan didn't answer immediately, instead walking slowly to where Romeo sat. He stopped before the young general, his posture rigid, his gaze sharp. "General Romeo," he said, his voice low but heavy, "is your question for Spain's benefit or your own agenda?"
Romeo faltered. "Pardon, Viceroy, I don't understand what you mean because…" but before he could finish, Magellan continued.
"While the king orders us to protect Filipinos, that doesn't mean we can disregard the value of a Spaniard—especially a governor-general. Men like Salazar have made significant contributions to governance and fighting the government's enemies. Their deaths are a great loss, and we still have no certain replacements."
Magellan gripped the table, leaning closer to Romeo. "A single governor-general is worth more than a million Filipinos, General Romeo. We must weigh things carefully." His voice was firm, his gaze intimidating, as if commanding obedience. "Before anything else, let me remind you, young general, of one crucial thing: you are here not as a defender of Filipinos, but as a servant of Spain."
The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Magellan and Romeo locked eyes, both unwavering, their resolve unyielding. The other generals sat silently, aware that a single wrong word could spark greater conflict.
Amid the stillness, General Luna spoke, his voice firm but controlled. "Pardon, Viceroy, I only wish to ask what we should do about the rebels. One of them is a sugo with a diwata's power. We can't ignore such a threat."
Magellan stood upright and returned to the front, where the screen loomed. "Diwata sugos are highly valuable, especially if we harness their power for Spain," he said. "But we can't ensure their loyalty."
Romeo spoke again, his voice brimming with confidence. "Let me speak with the captured sugo from Malolos, Viceroy. They may be criminals in Spanish eyes, but as you said, sugos are invaluable. I can persuade them to join us."
Magellan's eyes narrowed with skepticism. "How can you ensure their loyalty, General Romeo, given their hatred for Spain?"
"I can't guarantee their loyalty," Romeo admitted. "But sugos have strong ties to their diwatas. They'll do anything for their mission. If we offer them a favor they can't refuse, they'll remain loyal to the government as long as their territories are at peace."
General Kiki of Quezon interjected, his voice laced with concern. "We should be more worried about the growing number of sugos joining the rebels. Recently, they've become more violent, emboldened to challenge authority."
General Apyong responded, his tone pleading. "Pardon, Viceroy, but we must address the treatment of Filipinos. All governor-generals should be reminded to prohibit oppression. I understand the Spaniards' belief in their superiority, but if cruelty persists, rebellions will only repeat."
Magellan didn't agree that he needed to issue such an order but acknowledged Apyong's point. "Laws against oppressing Filipinos have long existed," he said. "I see no need to remind the generals."
But Luna spoke boldly, "Even with those laws, Viceroy, no one is punished. What's the use of laws if they're not enforced?"
Magellan turned to Luna, his expression calm but unyielding. "That's no longer my problem, General Luna. Your job as governor-generals is to enforce the law in your jurisdictions. You know what must be done for Spain's sake."
Luna knew the Viceroy cared little for Filipino welfare and opposed the idea of equality with Spaniards.
Magellan picked up his book from the table, his voice commanding. "I need reports from each of you on the rebels in your territories. We also must uncover who's behind the videos spreading online. We can't allow the rebels to grow bolder."
Before leaving, he added sternly, "Use an iron hand to show the rebels who rules this country. Kill those who must be killed. I expect you to fulfill your duties."
The room fell silent again, the generals uneasy with Magellan's bold order, which clearly disregarded the safety of Filipinos who might be caught in the crossfire. The Viceroy excused himself to attend to matters in Mindanao, and soon the generals began to leave. But before Romeo could exit, Luna intercepted him outside the chamber.
"Be careful, Romeo," Luna said, his voice low but laced with warning. "Voicing your opinions before the Viceroy isn't wise."
Romeo smiled, his expression resolute. "I see nothing wrong with what I said, Luna. I only reminded him of the king's law, not some personal agenda."
"I know how you feel about the Filipinos," Luna replied. "But you know the Viceroy's pride. If he's provoked, he can make things far more complicated—especially for Filipinos. He cares only about maintaining Spain's power here."
Romeo sighed. "I'll be more cautious next time," he said. "But I can't stay silent when they're doing wrong."
Luna chuckled, his smile tinged with bitterness. "Even I get fed up with the Spaniards' arrogance. If not for my duty as a sugo, I might've punched the Viceroy long ago. But we both know we can't do that."
As they walked out of the palace, their conversation turned to the rebels. "Many rebels can't be reasoned with anymore," Luna said, his voice heavy with concern. "Some see negotiating with the government as betraying their fellow Filipinos. That's why they're growing bolder in defying us."
Romeo's tone was bitter. "People don't know how to listen. They only think of their own interests. If they keep believing killing Spaniards will bring peace to the Philippines, the chaos will never end."
Luna suddenly asked, "What's your plan for Ifugao? He's extraordinary for a novice sugo, defeating warriors from Spain."
"I've seen the videos," Romeo replied. "I don't see him as a major threat to Spain. He's strong and could defeat the likes of us in battle, but that's nothing compared to the Espada of Spain. I've seen what they can do—far more terrifying than a young sugo."
He added, "It's foolish to believe a young sugo can save the Philippines. The rebels are so desperate for freedom that they're blind to the country's true needs."
Luna admitted, "By the way, I spoke with a diwata. She said she's helping Ifugao and asked me not to capture him until he's ready."
Romeo stopped, surprised. "And what's your plan for her request?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Luna smiled, his expression uncertain. "I don't know what to do about that. She's a diwata like mine, and it feels disrespectful to oppose her. For now, as long as Ifugao doesn't cause trouble in Bataan, I have no plans to pursue him. We have enough problems already."
Luna then asked, "And you? What's your plan for Ifugao? It's clear a diwata protecting him wants to reclaim this land from the Spaniards. But as generals, our duty is to obey and capture people like him."
Romeo stepped away, his voice calm Excellency, but determined. "I won't fight a diwata out of respect for them. But peace in Batangas is my priority. I don't like what Ifugao's doing, but I don't have time to focus on him. The rebels, the KKK, and their leader Supremo are a bigger threat."
Luna smiled, his eyes heavy with worry. "You're right. The KKK is the real problem. They've grown too bold, and we need to stop Supremo's madness before it worsens."
---
In a secluded warehouse outside Malolos, surrounded by crates of weapons and supplies, revolutionaries wearing red bandanas on their arms gathered. They were members of the modern Katipunan, or KKK, the new warriors hailed as children of the nation. Their faces burned with determination, their eyes ablaze with the goal of freeing the Philippines from Spanish rule.
Before over three hundred rebels stood Supremo, the Katipunan's leader. His presence was like a silent storm—calm yet brimming with power. Behind him, a large blackboard displayed a detailed map of Luzon, marked with their plans and targets. He slammed his fist on the blackboard, his voice firm but fervent.
"We must intensify our operations!" he shouted, his eyes blazing. "I'm pleased we've destroyed the Spaniards' weapon factories, but it's not enough! To weaken their military, we need to control Northern Luzon and gain the support of more Filipinos!"
The rebels roared in agreement, their voices filled with zeal. But amid the fervor, a man raised his hand. It was Hulyo, the sugo of Pasig, with blue hair and ornate attire marking his status as a KKK officer. His presence matched Supremo's in intensity, but his eyes were tinged with concern.
"Supremo," Hulyo began, his voice calm but weighty. "What's our plan for Ifugao? Many believe in him, admiring his heroism. We can't ignore this young sugo."
Supremo slammed his fist on the table, the loud thud drawing everyone's attention. "I acknowledge Ifugao's heroism," he said, his voice thick with anger and bitterness. "But I don't support his beliefs. It's nonsense to think Filipinos and Spaniards can live in peace together! That's not realistic!"
His eyes flared as he continued, "I learned he opposed the sugo of Plaridel and hindered her mission. Because of that, the sugo of Malolos was captured and now faces the death penalty. I have no personal grudge against Ifugao, but if his beliefs conflict with our fight, I have no choice but to consider her an enemy."
The rebels fell silent, their faces reflecting a mix of concern, anger, and resolve. Hulyo responded, his voice steady. "Supremo, we can't dismiss Ifugao's influence. Many see him as a symbol of hope. If we can't win him to our cause, he could become a hindrance to our goal."
"I know he could be an ally or an enemy, but we don't have time to focus on Ifugao right now, especially with our limited resources," Supremo replied, his tone heavy with frustration. "Our focus is the Spaniards' military bases. We've accomplished much, and we have more to do. We won't stop until we achieve victory!"
Supremo raised his bolo, his voice echoing through the warehouse. "We're close to freeing our nation from the oppressors! We'll do everything for the Philippines!"
The rebels cheered, their voices brimming with passion. "Long live the children of the nation! Long live the Philippines!" they shouted repeatedly, their emotions burning with the determination to seize true freedom. Each word was like a spark, fueling their purpose, and in the midst of the chaos, the dream of a free Philippines grew clearer in their hearts.