PIECE OF PH HISTORY. On stage during the unveiling ceremony are (from left) Col. Arthur M. Romanillos Jr., Philippine Army Attache, Dr. Cynthia Romero, Chairman of the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater, Consul General Arribas, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, Virginia Representative Bobby Scott, and Mr. Max Frias of the Philippine American National Historical Society-Hampton Roads Chapter on Feb. 3, 2024 at the MacArthur Memorial Museum in Virginia. The rare news clipping was ripped down and obtained by American service member Edgar Tucker, who wrote at the bottom of the proclamation: “Issued on January 5 ‘99 which will no doubt be the cause of war with the Insurgents.” (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC)
MANILA — A rare news clipping documenting the declaration of Philippine independence from the United States in 1899 was unveiled in a US museum last week.
Spain ceded its colony of the Philippines to the United States following its defeat in the Spanish-American War of 1898 in the Treaty of Paris.
Expecting independence from any colonial ruler following the Spaniards’ loss, Emilio Aguinaldo on Jan. 5, 1899 declared the Philippines independent from the US.
That night, the La Independencia newspaper published his document of declaration and put them up all over Manila, an original copy of which will be displayed at the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Museum in the US state of Virginia.
One clipping was ripped down and obtained by American service member Edgar Tucker, who wrote at the bottom of the proclamation: “Issued on January 5 ‘99 which will no doubt be the cause of war with the Insurgents.”
A month later, the Philippine-American War indeed began, which resulted in the death of over 20,000 Filipino and 4,200 American soldiers.
Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, during the unveiling on Feb. 3, underscored the significance of the document and thanked the museum for preserving an invaluable piece of Philippine history.
“This document symbolizes the courage and resilience of the Filipino people in our quest for self-determination. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of independence that continues to define both our nations,” he said.
Amanda Williams, Director of the MacArthur Memorial Museum, emphasized the document’s role in education and reflection.
“The Declaration of Philippine Independence, housed within the museum’s esteemed collection, will serve as a focal point for deepening understanding of the complex historical narratives that connect the Philippines and the United States,” she said.
The unveiling was attended by dignitaries such as Virginia Congressman Robert Scott and Norfolk City Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, along with historians and leaders from the Filipino community in Hampton Roads. (PNA)
