Revolutionary Cavalry

After three centuries of colonization and about a hundred pocket revolts, uprisings and rebellions, the Filipino’s cherished dream for self-rule soon became a reality with the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution that eventually resulted in the declaration of Independence on 12 June 1898.

On the indigenous Cavalry, the memoirs of General Santiago “Apoy” V. Alvarez provided an account on the existence and participation of the Katipunan Cavalry under Major Jose Mojica in the attack of Lian, Batangas in 1896 against a strong Spanish garrison. This plan was hatched in retaliation of a Spanish carnage on a neighboring town. On 11 October 1896, Spanish troops mercilessly fired at all living things, people and beasts alike, including women, children and the aged in the town of Nasugbu, Batangas. After the dastardly act, they burned the town – the church, town hall and the corpses.



In the concluding days of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines, emancipation was the overwhelming desire of every “indio.” There were times when the Filipino revolutionary units never ran out of volunteer fighters. The Escuadrones de Voluntarios (see inset photo), the mounted warriors of Northern Mindanao was one of them. Though relatively lacking in historical records, Mindanaoans are proud of its contribution to the quest for National Independence.

The Cavalry Corps was formally created as one of the principal combat arms in a decree issued by General Emilio Aguinaldo on 23 June 1898. A squadron was initially organized and headed by a Captain, designated as Commandant and assisted by two lieutenants, three sergeants, three corporals, and 30 privates. The first recorded leader was Captain Loreno Zialcita in early 1899. Later, Captain Ejercito assumed command of the Cavalry during the closing months of 1899.

The Squadron was attached to the Presidential household as escorts of the President and did not actually see action against both the Spaniards and the Americans.

The existence of the corps was cut short by the treacherous capture of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela on 23 March 1901 by the Americans with the aid of the Macabebe Scouts, then an integral part of the Revolutionary Army.

The incident caused a virtual death for the Filipino Army. For the Philippine Pacification Campaign, the Americans fielded about thirty (30) infantry regiments and about nine (9) cavalry regiments composed of seasoned volunteer (11th Volunteer Cavalry) and regular troops (1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th and 15th Cavalry) to pit against the remnants of the Aguinaldo Army. Effectively in use during this lopsided fight were experiences derived from the American Civil War and the Indian campaigns, including the horrendous atrocities. Among the prominent units was the 11th Volunteer Cavalry as an effective tool in quelling and subduing the growing fervor of the Filipino towards emancipation.