LUKBAN
in the battlefields of Samar. In one place where the reports said 76 rebels were killed and buried, he said they did not have casualties. In their raid on Catarman on May 5, 1900, the Americans reported that 100 insurgents were killed, when in fact only 38 lives were lost. 13
But whatever his casualties may have been, he had suffered sufficiently to realize the importance of strengthening his defenses. He had already proclaimed that no quarter was to be given, and considerable ingenuity was now needed to use what resources they had.
Refuting MacArthur’ s repeated calls to surrender so that they would submit to American sovereignty and authority, he said that would only be equivalent to a change from one master to another, this one more despotic and cruel.“ It would be a stupid act, if not one of madness,” Lukban declared.
“ Alas, you unfortunate ones! Remember how the Spaniards treated our forefathers – our immortal Makapagal, who was made a brigadier general for his bravery and ability in war, on the condition that he should submit to the Spanish flag. Yet, his sons, later on, were oppressed and ill-treated. This will happen to us under the Americans and perhaps even worse,” he said.
Lukban also severely criticized the Americans’ invitations to conferences because from the very beginning they were aware of the Filipinos’ desire for independence.“ Such an appeal is a mere deceitful contrivance,” said Lukban. He added that the whole province – except for a few pro-Americans – is united and firm in their desire for independence.“ The enemy is unable to overcome our strength and, by fraudulent and deceitful means, is trying to break the chain, whose links are our union and fraternity, because they know that once broken, our strength will be at an end, and without it we can never attain victory,” Lukban said.
In his closing statement, Lukban reminded them that no country in the world, which had worked out and fought for its independence, has not attained it. He said even America itself fought for 10 consecutive years, until she obtained her independence.” Therefore the present trials through which we are passing should not discourage you, as the days of our desired aspiration, peace, tranquility and fraternity.” 14
Lukban hits the Federalistas
Lukban was updated on developments in the capital. He learned about the existence and purposes of the Partido Federalista which he lambasted without reservation, a political party organized by the
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