After five years of studying abroad, I returned to the Philippines with eager anticipation, eager to reconnect with my homeland and its people. But what I found was a nation in turmoil, caught in the tumultuous transition from Spanish colonial rule to American occupation.
Everywhere I looked, I saw evidence of the suffering and oppression that plagued our country. Crimes and atrocities were rampant, and the Maharlikan people were thirsting for freedom like never before. It was clear that revolution was brewing, fueled by a burning desire to break free from the shackles of foreign domination.
As I boarded a carriage, the driver's seemingly innocuous question masked a deeper meaning, a coded invitation with deeper meaning. With a nod of understanding, I accepted the offer and embarked on a journey into the heart of the revolution.
As the man boarded the carriage, the driver's seemingly innocuous question belied its true significance. "Sir, do you want me to take you to the place where the priest lives?" he asked, the words laden with hidden meaning known only to those involved in the clandestine resistance against the colonial forces.
Shino regarded the driver with a cautious curiosity, sensing the weight of secrecy that hung in the air. "May I ask who you are?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a hint of suspicion.
The driver, his face obscured by the mask of secrecy, responded with a simple phrase that sent a shiver down Shino's spine. "The man under the balete tree," he replied, his words carrying a sense of solemn resolve.
With a silent nod of acknowledgment, Shino signaled his acquiescence, silently steeling himself for the journey ahead. Together, they traversed through dense forests and winding paths, their destination shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty. Their journey led them to a secluded town known as Carmen, a bastion of resistance against the oppressive colonial forces. Here, amidst the simple yet sturdy homes of its inhabitants, they arrived at their destination – a modest house tucked away from prying eyes.
The driver knocked on the door three times, the rhythmic sound echoing through the stillness of the night. As they awaited a response, Shino's mind raced with anticipation, his thoughts consumed by the weight of the mission ahead.
"Sir, as you have said Manila and the provinces that supported KKK has never been successful but they had made it hard for the Americans to rule the country, and as you have instructed years ago and with the continous funding we have successfully invented the FN Fal rifle and build five destroyers and twenty frigates according to the designed and instructions. The submarine was much harder to craft and it will take two months for testing. It is also expected that after this year we would have thirty destroyers, one-hundred frigates, ten submarines, ten battleships, and two aircraft carrier."
" What about the aircraft?" Shino asked.
"Sir, regarding the aircraft we have successfully crafted twenty (20) of the PHA-1 (fighter jet) and two transportation plane--"
"How about the helicopter and the bomber?"
The driver hesitated for a moment before responding. "Sir, the helicopter and bomber prototypes are still in the testing phase. We encountered some technical difficulties that have delayed their completion. However, our engineers are working tirelessly to resolve the issues, and we expect to have them ready for deployment within the next six months."
Shino nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. The prospect of possessing a formidable arsenal of weapons gave him a sense of power and confidence in Maharlikan's ability to defend itself against its oppressors. But he knew that military strength alone would not be enough to secure their freedom.
"Thank you for your report," Shino said to the driver. "Continue with the testing of the submarines and expedite the completion of the helicopter and bomber prototypes. We must be prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead."
With that, Shino turned to enter, his thoughts consumed by the weight of responsibility that rested on his shoulders. As the leader of the revolution, he knew that every decision he made could mean the difference between victory and defeat for Maharlikan.
--
Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a nobleman whose identity was known only to a select few. The driver wasted no time in delivering his report, his words spoken in hushed tones that betrayed the gravity of their situation.
"Sir," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "as you instructed, we have made significant progress in our preparations for the resistance. With continuous funding and unwavering dedication, we have successfully developed the FN Fal rifle and constructed five destroyers and twenty frigates according to your specifications."
He paused briefly, his gaze steady and unwavering. "However, the construction of the submarine has proven to be a more challenging endeavor, requiring additional time and resources for testing. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our cause, and it is expected that by the end of this year, our naval arsenal will be bolstered by thirty destroyers, one hundred frigates, ten submarines, ten battleships, and two aircraft carriers."
Shino listened intently, his heart swelling with pride at the progress made by the resistance. Despite the challenges they faced, their determination remained unshakable, fueling their resolve to fight for freedom and justice against the oppressive forces that sought to subjugate their homeland.
With a firm nod of approval, Shino acknowledged the driver's report, knowing that their efforts would play a pivotal role in the struggle ahead. As they prepared to embark on the next phase of their mission, he felt a surge of determination coursing through his veins, driving him ever onward towards the ultimate goal of liberation for the Maharlikan people.
Shino convened a meeting with his most trusted advisors to discuss their strategy moving forward. Around the dimly lit table, the faces of his comrades reflected a mixture of determination and apprehension as they contemplated the daunting task that lay before them.
"Sir, I excuse myself" the driver said.
"You may leave" Shino said.
Shino entered the house, while the old man sit again in an old chair and looking at the picture of a young woman. Shino continued walking reaching the three rooms in front of him, he knock the first room, and did the same to the second room, but on the third room he knock three times and said "Gihigugma kong bayan" [To my beloved motherland].
The door was opened by a man named Tony.
"Maestro, come inside, everyone is here" said by a man wearing glasses his name is Drew, the Vice President of the Organization and who acted in his five years absence.
"Maestro, it was nice to see you again hahaha" said by a woman in her 20's named Jenna, she was the person-in charge of espionage, receiving information and assigning spies to other region.
Before the other members could say their words, Shino raise his hand signifying silence. "Let's start the meeting, we have a lot of things to do"
"Tsk.. you're impatient as always" Jenna said but was only ignored by Shino.
"Okay, let's start by reporting the changes in this past 2 years , Jenna you may start" said Drew.
"In December 10,1898 the war between U.S and Spain had come to an end, resulting to what they call the Treaty of Paris. The Spain colonies was ceded to U.S. The Philippines revolution had also been successful and deem as a shame to Spain so they sell the Philippines to the U.S to gain benefits.
Commodore Dewey has defeated the Spain fleet here and mount a campaign against the capital Manila. It is also confirmed that the organization lead by Filipino nationalist wage war with the American last year. This is lead by the infamous Heneral Luna and also a rising young general, Gregorio del Pilar." Jenna.
Shino nodded in acknowledgment as he listened intently to Jenna's report, his mind already racing with thoughts of the implications of the recent events. The successful revolution against Spain and the subsequent cession of the Philippines to the United States marked a pivotal moment in Maharlikan history, one that would shape the course of their struggle for independence.
"Jacob, you my start" As Jenna concluded her report, Drew turned his attention to Jacob, awaiting his update with a sense of anticipation. Jacob, a seasoned member of the resistance with a keen eye for detail, wasted no time in delving into his own findings.
Jacob then stood up and said, "Maayong buntag sa tanan, the training of Filipino soldier with the use of FN Fal rifle has been successfully implemented, now we have an active soldier of 10,000 people and a reserve of 20,000, these volunteers mostly came from Cebu, Leyte, Davao, Negros, and Sabah.
At the end of this year, we could proceed to the plan to send troops and cooperate with President Aguinaldo".
A man name Inding stood up and said "No, we can't trust Magdalo, he had a lot of secret communication with Commodore Dewey, we can't risk our people lives in his hand".
As tensions simmered in the dimly lit room, Inding's words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow of doubt over their plans. Shino's brow furrowed in deep thought, his mind racing as he considered the implications of Magdalo's alleged betrayal. If their suspicions were true, it could jeopardize everything they had worked so hard to achieve.
"Inding is right," Jenna interjected, her voice tinged with frustration. "Our sources have uncovered evidence of clandestine communications between Magdalo and Commodore Dewey. We cannot afford to trust someone who may have ulterior motives."
Junrey nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "But without inside help, how do we hope to enter Manila undetected? It's a risk we cannot afford to take lightly."
Shino remained silent for a moment, weighing their options carefully. Finally, he spoke with unwavering resolve. "Jenna, send this letter to Heneral Luna and Heneral Domingo," he instructed, handing her a sealed envelope. "Inform them of our suspicions regarding Magdalo and request their assistance in formulating a new plan."
Turning his gaze to the assembled members of the organization, Shino's eyes burned with determination. "I want a detailed report of the organization's assets and personnel by the end of the week," he declared. "And spread the word to all our operatives: Operation Rising Sun will commence at the end of this year."
As Jenna hurriedly made preparations to dispatch the letter, Jacob stepped forward to deliver his own report on the activities of the American forces in the region. His voice resonated with authority as he detailed the measures taken by the United States to assert its dominance over the newly acquired territories.
"In addition to Jenna's report, I have gathered information regarding the recent activities of the American forces in the region," Jacob began, his voice steady and measured. "It appears that the United States has wasted no time in asserting its authority over the newly acquired territories, implementing a series of measures to consolidate its control and suppress any dissent among the local population."
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled members of the resistance. "Reports indicate that the American forces have established military garrisons throughout the archipelago, with Manila serving as their primary stronghold. They have also enacted harsh policies aimed at quelling any resistance, including the confiscation of weapons and the imposition of curfews and martial law."
A murmur of disapproval rippled through the room at Jacob's words, the members of the resistance bristling at the blatant display of American imperialism. Shino, however, remained outwardly composed, his mind already formulating strategies to counteract the oppressive measures imposed by the colonial forces.
"Furthermore," Jacob continued, "there have been reports of widespread human rights abuses committed by the American troops, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The local population, already disillusioned by years of Spanish colonial rule, has grown increasingly resentful of the American presence, fueling further unrest and resistance."
As Jacob concluded his report, a somber silence descended upon the room, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on the shoulders of each member present. Shino, his resolve hardened by the challenges ahead, knew that their struggle for freedom and justice was far from over. With unity and determination, they would continue to resist the oppressive forces of imperialism and fight tirelessly for the liberation of their beloved motherland.
-December 25, 1900, 5 days prior to the J-Day/Operation Rising Sun -
As the Christmas festivities continued to echo throughout the Philippines, there was an undercurrent of tension and anticipation that hung in the air. While families gathered to celebrate the holiday, a different kind of preparation was underway – one that would shape the destiny of a nation.
In a modest house tucked away in the heart of Manila, a man clad in military uniform moved with purpose, his steps echoing against the wooden floors. With each knock on the door, he drew closer to his destination until finally, he stood before the third room.
"Knock, knock, knock, In mothers plight, we offer our lives," he recited, the words a solemn pledge of allegiance.
"Come in," came the response from within the room.
Entering, he found himself among a group of individuals, their faces set in determination as they awaited his report. Drew, the Vice President of the organization, rose to his feet, his gaze unwavering as he delivered the latest update on their preparations.
"The preparation is 80% complete," Drew began, his voice steady and measured. "The rifles have been distributed among the Armed Forces of the Maharlikan, with approximately 30,000 soldiers ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. Our naval assets, hidden in strategic locations across Carmen, Danao, and Lapu-Lapu town, consist of 30 battleships, 120 frigates, 100 destroyers, and 3 aircraft carriers. Additionally, our air forces boast 60 PHAircraft1 fighters and 30 helicopters. And let's not forget the 30 Tiger 1 tanks that have been successfully deployed."
A ripple of excitement coursed through the room as Drew outlined their formidable arsenal. With each passing moment, their vision of a free Maharlikan nation drew closer to fruition.
"Furthermore," Drew continued, "our submarines and other naval vessels have taken up positions, effectively encircling the territorial waters and preventing any unwanted interference from the U.S forces. We are prepared to defend our sovereignty at all costs."
With the stage set and their forces primed for action, the man in military uniform wasted no time in delivering his final proclamation.
"Now, the time has come to seize our destiny," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "Five days from now, we shall declare the creation of the Maharlikan nation."
A chorus of applause erupted in the room as the gravity of their impending declaration sank in. For years, they had fought and sacrificed in the pursuit of freedom, and now, their moment of triumph was at hand.
As they made their final preparations in the days leading up to J-Day, the spirit of unity and resolve that bound them together only grew stronger. They knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with unwavering determination and a shared vision of a better future, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.
For on December 30, 1900, amidst the joyous celebration of Christmas, a new nation would be born – the Maharlikan Federation, forged in the fires of struggle and destined for greatness.