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 Miguel
Malvar y Carpio was remembered in history as the last
Filipino general who surrendered to the Americans. He
was born in San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas on
September 1, 1865. His parents were Maxima Malvar and
Tiburcia Carpio. Miguel was the eldest among three
children.
Malvar came from a wealthy family. He could have studied
in Manila but he had to help his parents manage their
properties and workers. He even had to stop schooling to
concentrate on the family business. He was only able to
finish second year high school.
In 1885, he married Maula Maloles, a childhood friend.
He was attending some business transactions in Manila
when he learned of the secret society founded by Andres
Bonifacio. He joined the organization because he
believed in what it was fighting for.
When the revolution started off and reached Sto. Tomas,
Batangas in August of 1986, Malvar gallantly led a group
of men who fought with the Spaniards. They attacked and
took over Spanish garrisons.
He directed the uprisings in Indang, Bailen, Magallanes
and Alfonso at Cavite. He was appointed Commanding
General in Batangas on March 31, 1897 because of his
skill and bravery.
The signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato ended the
hostility between the Spaniards and the Filipinos. The
Spaniards surrendered Manila to the Americans on August
13, 1898. |
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However, the attained peace was short lived. Another
uprising threatened the freedom the Fiiipinos had just
started to enjoy. Malvar once again gathered men who
were willing to offer their lives for the country.
In May 1899, the Malvar Batangas Brigade was directed to
attack an American garrison in Muntinlupa. They
succeeded.
It was only in January 1900 when Malvar's army suffered
defeat from the Americans. They endured continuous
defeats, hunger, fatigue, ailments and lack of arms. His
men started to get sick. Being a humble leader, Malvar,
his loyal followers and their families laid down their
arms together and surrendered to the Americans for the
sake of his men. This was April 16,1902.
Since then, Malvar lived as an ordinary farmer with his
family. He died on October 13, 1911. |
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