|
 Diego
was born on December 16, 1730 in Aringay, La Union to
parents Miguel Silang and Nicolasa de los Santos.
Diego worked as a messenger for the Spanish clergy in
Vigan. He frequently traveled to Manila to deliver
letters and messages. During those times, there were
still no roads connecting Vigan to Manila. One time,
while on his way to Manila, the small boat he was
boarding was drifted by a strong typhoon to the shores
of Zambales. He was rescued by the tribesmen but made
him a slave. A missionary priest paid the tribesmen in
exchange for his freedom.
Diego went back to work as messenger. It was during one
of his trips that he met Maria Josefa Gabriela. He fell
in love with the young widow from Santa, Ilocos Sur that
resulted to their marriage.
On September 1762, Diego witnessed a band of armed
British troops anchoring in Manila Bay. The British
troops ordered the Spaniards to give up the city. When
the Spaniards refused they bombarded the whole city. The
British Army went on to capture Manila on October 1762.
Because of what he witnessed, Diego realized that the
Spanish forces had also their weaknesses. He went home
to his parents and plotted an uprising. His townmates
joined him in his plan. |
| |
|
Diego fiercely fought the Spanish forces but he was
captured and jailed. He managed to escape with the help
of Father Millan, the priest who took care of him
before. Right after regaining freedom, Diego fought more
aggressively.
Governor Anda, upon the orders of the Spanish
authorities, persuaded Diego to surrender. He would be
branded as a traitor if he would not follow their
orders. Diego decided to seek help from the British
authorities.
He readily got their support.
Because of what happened, Gov. Anda plotted for Diego's
death. He promised a handsome fee and recognition from
the Spanish authorities to anybody who could kill Diego.
A Spanish mestizo by the name of Miguel Vicos and a
certain Pedro Becbec agreed to Gov. Anda's conditions.
On May 28,1763, Vicos shot Diego at the back. Diego
Silang died on the spot at the age of 33. |
| |
|
|
|
