MUNICIPALITY OF MAUBAN, QUEZON, Historical Data of Part 5
PART V
PART I | PART II | PART III | PART IV | PART V | PART VI | PART VII | PART VIII
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P R E F A C E
This manuscript is a beginning of Mauban history. It is a brief account of the important events in the Municipality of Mauban, from the Spanish time up to the Japanese Occupation and after the Second World War.
Some controversial events have purposely been omitted and more may be eliminated while others (events) which have been missed or overlooked due to the limited time designated for this purpose will be added or inserted if the revision becomes an absolute necessity. In such time, pictures, maps, etc. may be added or provided where they are needed to make this material more interesting to the pupils in particular and to the reading public in general.
On of the aims of a text on local history is to give the young generation an idea of the development of the community and the people.
The writer of this manuscript is much indebted to the late Mr. Bonifacio Villanueva, author of the book entitled "ANG KASAYSAYAN NG MAUBAN," which he made use of, and some fragmentary manuscripts written by old barrio folks for references.
The writer is also indebted to some persons who had kindly helped him in the preparation of this material for our school children; especially to Mr. Vicente Pastrana, who has been a Municipal Secretary for many years; to Lt. Clodualdo Villaseñor of the 1st Anderson Battalion, "C" Co.; to Mr. Pancrasio S. Moreno, the Mayor of Mauban when the Japanese landed in this town; and to Councilor Benito Almirañez, the appointed Acting Mayor of Mauban when Mayor Crisostomo Llamas resigned from his office.
I. IMPRESO
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IMPORTANT FACTS, INCIDENTS OR EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MAUBAN
b. During the American Occpation
A - DURING THE SPANISH TIME:
1. Gat Pagil, a young man from Kavinti, Laguna, from whom the name of Mauban originated, came to this place and lived with the natives at Daungan Dumagat in 1676. After several years, the Tagalogs from the village of Cagsiay, Pinagbayanan, Luya-Luya, and Tobog called him Gat Uban because his hair was white all over at the age of twenty.
2. In 1677, Pinagbayanan was made the community of Cagsiay, Luya-Luya, and Tobog because a certain Luis Bernardo, who was a native of Pinagbayanan, was recognized as the chief of the village on account of his courage and wisdom.
3. In 1678, Luis Bernardo died and Baltazar Palad became chief of the village. He sought the help of Gat Uban, a fearless leader of Daungan Dumagat. Palad abandoned Pinagbayanan due to the Moro depredation. He joined arms with Gat Uban in order to have a united action against the Moro invaders. So, Palad and his men settled at Batis-Malinaw, the present site of the public bath, some distance west of Gat Uban's colony.
4. In 1678, the people, irrespective of sex, were required to pay an annual tax of 315 centavos. Besides, the males from the age of 18 years up were required by law to work for the state every Monday and Tuesday.
5. The people built a wooden palisade at Daungang Dumagat along the seashore in 1679. This protected the people for about twenty-one years from the Moros.
6. In 1786, Ignacio Santiago built a concrete castle at Daungan at the end of a path now Mabini Street. At that time, Luya-Luya, Tubog, and Cagsiay became barrios of Mauban. Twenty years later, Balaybalay, Baao, Bato, and Polo were added to this municipality.
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The people were encouraged to own a piece or pieces of land for their families wheresoever they wanted and as much as they could cultivate.
7. In 1792, Isidro de Santiago built another castle at the end of a path, now Gomez Street, about three hundred meters south of San Miguel Castle.
8. In 1796, Francisco Miguel de Luna built a stone wall connecting San Miguel and San Pedro Castles along the seashore.
9. The year 1725, under Kapitan Luiz de la Cruz, the concrete canal of the public bath from the source of the water was built. In 1810, under Kapitan Pedro Buenaventura, a circular concrete tank was made. Since then, it has remained as it is now.
10. Mauban was affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in 1753 when it showered ashes, although no harm was done to the people. [Note to the reader: Taal Volcano's eruption was in 1754.]
11. In 1755, under Kapitan Luis Mariano, Mauban had cholera and smallpox epidemics. Many died of both diseases.
12. In 1763, during Antonio Francisco's term, several big ships from Mexico landed on the bay, for Mauban was an important port during the Spanish regime. The ships were loaded with many boxes of money from Spain. Those boxes were taken to Manila by the people of Mauban by way of encorced labor. Those who refused were beaten twenty-five times with a rod.
13. In 1765, while Kapitan Pedro Valeriano was taking a bath in the public bath, he disappeared. Nobody could tell what happened to him.
14. During the term of Diego Martin in 1768, the second and largest concrete church and a convent were begun. These two buildings were completed through enforced labor of all the townspeople, young and old, after a period of fifty-two years. It was the largest church in the Province of Tayabas.
15. In 1769, Jose Apolonio began the "Punta Diamante." It was the semi-circular pile of big stones in the sea. Some distance from the seaside, about 150 meters in diameter. It was a protection against the sea and the Moro invaders.
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16. Mauban was again a victim of the smallpox [epidemic] in 1775 during the term of Mateo San Juan. More people died of the disease than in 1755.
17. In 1776, during Felix Rivera's term, many Spanish soldiers landed at the port of Mauban. Later, the soldiers left Mauban for Manila.
18. In 1777, Kapitan Francisco Laureano made an arrangement with the Moro pirates, who demanded a ransom for a captive kapitan by the name of Genson. The people of Mauban paid the demanded amount to the Moros.
19. Mauban had experienced the first typhoon during the term of Ventura Maceo in 1782. Some destruction was noted. It was not very strong.
20. In 1783, during Kapitan Pablo Buenaventura's term, the first "Estanco of tabacco" was established. This Estanco was a tobacco store of the Spanish government. Only the Estanco could sell tobacco. The people caught using tobacco from other sources were punished by the Spaniards.
21. In 1788, Gregorio de San Miguel was the kapitan. Mauban experienced a big fire. Most houses were burned. Only a few houses were left. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless.
22. During the incumbency of Kapitan Mateo de San Juan in 1789, he asked the proper authority that the paying of taxes be suspended due to the fire that destroyed most of the houses in Mauban.
23. In 1790, Felix Marcelo was made the kapitan. During this time, the request of Kapitan Mateo de San Juan was granted. So, for two years, the people of Tayabas Province were free from paying taxes. Also, those citizens at the age of sixty were free from the tax obligation.
24. In 1793, Domingo Antonio was the kapitan. This time, the barrios of Cagsiay and Alitap were again attacked by the Moro pirates. This time, the people were more alert than previously, so the attack was repelled.
25. In 1797, Juan de la Cruz became the kapitan. During this time, a Spanish battleship stopped at Mauban Bay. Again, hundreds of Spanish soldiers landed here from Mexico. They had plenty of boxes containing arms and ammunition. The people of Mauban took those boxes againt to
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HOW MAUBAN GOT HER ARTILLERY
One day, during the incumbency of Kapitan Gregorio San Mateo in 1798, three pankos (Moro boats) under Amokar, a Moro chieftain, with two Spanish priests, anchored near the shore of Kagsiay and demanded a ransom of two sacks of money for the two captives.
A general meeting was called by Kapitan San Mateo.
In those days, Mauban has several heroes. Among them were Juan Pit-iw, Pedrong Pinta, Bartolong Malaki, and Ignaciong Ote. These four fearless men were called to the meeting to give their opinions.
Juan Pit-iw declared that the two sacks should be filled partly with broken dishes and seashells at the bottom and with coins at the top. This plan was agreed upon by the people. Two sacks were filled with broken dishes and plenty of seashells. On the top were added hundreds of coins, most of them centavo pieces.
These four men, with five other selected valiant comrades, volunteered to carry out the plan.
When they reached the seashore of Cagsiay, Juan Pit-iw told the five comrades to hide among the bushes until he cried out, "Santiago Alarma, oras na!" Meaning, the time had come for them to fight.
With this warning, the five men should come to rescue the two Spanish priests.
So, the four heroes with the false amount waded to Amokor's boat in a pretext. Amokor was convinced. So, he began counting. While the Moro chieftain was eagerly counting the money, Juan Pit-iw and Bartolong Malaki seized the two priests and shouted their war cry, "Santiago Alarma, oras na!" Pedrong Pinta and Ignaciong Ote began to harass the enemies.
The five selected men among the bushes rushed to the seashore to meet Juan and Bartolome with the two priests.
Amokor and eight of his men pursued them until they reached the shore, where all the Moros were wounded.
Pedrong Pinta and Ignaciong Ote killed five of the Moros left in Amo-
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Amokor and his eight wounded men were brought to Maynila before E. D. Rafael Maria Aguilar, a Spanish General.
As a reward for gallantry, Mauban was given four big and five small cannons, with ammunition.
26. In 1804, during Franco Valentino's term, the Estanco (tobacco stored) was abolished.
27. 1806 - Domingo de San Miguel.
During this time, a Spanish warship brought 333 boxes of money from Mexico. Commander D. Diego Sacre, with the people of Mauban, took the money to Lucban. One of the men who could not manage his way due to the weight of the box was beheaded on the way by the order of the commander.
28. 1807 - Juan Francisco.
Jose Paya, a Spanish priest, was hated by the people. All men from 18 years to 60 would stay in the church or convent every day in groups of ten to do all errands of work in the church for the priests.
All other males from 13 to 18 years old would gather firewood for the convent. The old folks should bring eggs to the convent for the priests every Saturday afternoon.
The ladies would cut grass and clean the church everyday. Those who disobeyed were beaten 25 times or punished beyond control.
29. 1816 - Vicente Modesto.
During his term, the barrios of Cagsiay, Luya-Luya, Tubot, and Alitap each built a castle for their protection against the Moros. Each barrio was given a small cannon and ammunition.
30. 1822 - Felix Buenaventura.
During this time, the title of kapitan was changed to alcalde municipal and the lieutenant mayor, vice-alcalde. However, after two years, the change was discarded.
31. 1825 - Blas Valeriano.
There were earthquakes during his terms. The roof of the church was destroyed.
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32. 1830 - Eusebio Garcia.
During his term, the big concrete church, the convent, the church tower, and two castles and the concrete wall connecting them were almost entirely destroyed by a strong earthquake. The vegetation in the neighborhood was likewise badly damaged.
33. Jose de San Juan.
This time, another calamity ensued. Whatever edifice was left in good form by the earquake was destroyed by a fire.
34. 1836 - Pedro Buenaventura.
This time, the people began another concrete church with a convent and a big tower.
35. 1839 - Mariano Espirito.
A concrete Casa Real (Municipal Building) was constructed at Gomez and P. Burgos Streets.
36. 1840 - Juan de Santiago.
The two castles along the shore and the concrete wall connecting them that were destroyed by the earthquake in 1830 were reconstructed.
37. 1841 - Francisco de San Juan.
During his incumbency, Francisco de San Juan reconstructed all the streets with concrete materials. Native available materials such as adobe, broken coral, with a mixture of lime and sugar honey were used.
During his time, Mauban sent also 25 fighting men to fight Poli (Apolinario de la Cruz) and to destroy his camp in Isabang at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Tayabas. These 25 valiant men were under the command of Kapitan Juan Agata, Lieutenant Godiong Tayabas, and Bernardino Santiago. These men came back to Mauban without casualty.
38. The use of matches in Mauban began in 1877; also, during this time, the kapitan ordered the family names of the people changed.
39. 1851 - Francisco Lopez.
Beginning this year, the road to Lucban was begun under forced labor.
40. 1853 - Francisco Lopez.
He built a bride of lumbar and bamboos across the Maapon River in the
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41. 1863-1864 - Laureano Amarillo.
Beginning this year, the kapitan had a two-year term instead of only one year.
42. 1873-1874 - Jose Santayana.
During the first year of his term, Mauban was visited again by a very strong typhoon. Most houses big and small were blown down. Many were homeless again. Many were hurt and two persons died during the storm.
43. 1879-1880 - Mariano Pensacola.
On July 14, 1880, at about 12 o'clock midnight, the worst earthquake in the history of Mauban began and lasted 16 days. All edifices, especially the concrete ones like the church, convent, tower, the municipal building, the castles, and the wall along the seashore were again totally destroyed. Very few nipa huts were left standing. Many were badly hurt and several persons died during the calamity. There were big cracks on the streets and along the seashore.
44. 1881-1882 - Domingo Arce.
In 1881, a representative of the Compania Tabacalera came and built a warehouse at Daungan Dumagat, present site of the Tabacalera warehouse. The company bought abaca fiber, one of the most important products of the town during those days.
The people were also required to plant tobacco.
45. 1890-1891 - Ildefonso de la Calsada.
In 1890, the third church was built. This church was not as big and not as strong as the other two churches that were destroyed by the earthquakes. This church stood for fifty-six years until the destructive typhoon "Jean" visited the town of Mauban on the eve of Christmas of 1947.
PART TWO
MAUBAN DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY FORM OF GOVERNMENT
46. 1897 - Miguel Jugueta.
On January 20, 1897, Sunday, just after the mass, the "Insurrectos"
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47. 1897 - Hugo Mendieta.
Two days after the departure of the provincial officials who came here, a group of thirty kasadores (Spanish soldiers) headed by Lieutenant J. Kasado came.
The present convent was made their headquarters. The Calvario Hill was made an observation post. A temporary shelter was built on its top where the soldiers stayed day and night. There was a cannon in the post.
Most of the people in the town went to their farms. In February 1897, the Civil Governor, the Judge Lieutenant Colonel and their well-armed soldiers arrived. They were met by the townspeople at Sabang (Maapon River where Quezon Bridge now stands), headed by a certain witty student Alipio Altamarino, in order to save Mauban from whatever cruel or unjust treatment the Spaniards had in mind, presumably burning all houses in the town or killing the people without warning or both.
When the Spaniards reached Sabang, they were applauded by the people and Alipio Altamarino delivered in Spanish a stirring appeal which redeemed their (Spaniards') inhuman desires.
After his appeal, Altamarino invited the party to proceed to the Tribunal (Municipal Building) where a meeting was held, attended by the local Spanish priest and Domingo Chacarategui, an influential Spaniard.
In that meeting, Teniente Mayor Hugo Mendieta was designated the Gobernadorcillo of Mauban.
In July 1897, a certain Ceferino Maanyo, who was once a municipal clerk, organized in the barrios of Remedios, Bato, San Roque, and Soledad a band
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Meanwhile, a new Spanish Lieutenant, J. Viamonte, was assigned to Mauban. Soon, he organized a group of volunteers with more than one hundred members under Lieutenants Pascual Librando and Alejandro Malvas and Captains Mateo Almozara and Felix Villanueva. These volunteers were divided into two companies under their respective officers.
While the organization of volunteers was going on in the town, Maanyo and his followers were also busy indoctrinating more men in the barrios.
One day, a company of volunteers under Captain Villanueva was sent to the barrio to look for Maanyo. The volunteers were armed with bolos except the captain, with a pistol. The company went to San Roque in Maladiangaw, where they met Maanyo's band in a fight. The dissidents ran away and left one of their dead, who was taken to town by the volunteers.
A week later, Lieutenant Viamonte sent another company to Alitap. That time, Captain Mateo Almozara, with fifteen Kasadores, was assigned to do the job. Captain Almozara encountered Maanyo's band again and slew one of the men of Maanyo. Later, Maanyo left for Kavinti where he was slain by the Insurrectos.
48. In August 1897, one of the students of Mauban received a letter from Severino Taiño, an aide-de-camp to the General of the Katipunan, urging the young men, especially the students, to arm and rise against the Spanish government. This letter was shown and explained by the bearer to Alipio Altamarino, Francisco Pensacola, Lorenzo Desembrana, Remegio del Banco, and Bonifacio Villanueva. These five students decided to join the organization at different places. Alipio Altamarino went to Ambos, Camarines; Bonifacio Villanueva went to Laguna; Francisco Pensacola, Lorenzo Desembrana, and Remegio del Banco remained to help organize the local chapter.
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Meantime, one of Ceferino Maanyo's men (a student), by the name of Gabriel Manikar, notified the Spanish Lieutenant Viamonte of his desire to come back and live peacefully in town. The lieutenant assured his safety. But when he came, Viamonte called his soldiers and ordered him shut [probably "shot"] in prison.
The next morning, he was led by a group of kasadores going outside the town with his hands tied together. Rumor said that they were going to Tayabas, but after a few hours, the Kasadores returned with Manikar's remains wrapped in a mat.
The deaths of the three men of Maanyo made the Spanish authorities more vigilant and suspicious than ever, especially when they learned that the three were the sons of Mauban.
Since that time, the Kasadores went to the barrio of Remedios without the voluntarios. In their return, they would accompany the poor folks whom they suspected in connivance withthe Katipuneros. They were taken to prison, where all inhuman procedures of getting information about the Katipunan were done.
49. By September 1897, the Katipunan was organized in Alfonso XIII, at present the Municipality of Sampaloc, Quezon. The head of the Katipunan was Juan Saludades. Many of the well-known persons of Mauban had an understanding with the secret organization of Sampaloc.
One night, the municipal secretary of Mauban, Francisco Rivera, was killed by the members of the Katipunan in his own house.
The following day, Lieutenant Viamonte was very angry again with the people of Mauban. He thought of killing the well-known citizens and burning the houses in the town, but he could not do so because these well-known persons closely related to him like Kapitan Hugo Mendieta, Francisco Pensacola, Remegio del Banco, Alipio Altamarino, and Bonifacio Villanueva had never gone outside the town. Lieutenant Viamonte met them every day and their behavior was beyond suspicion. Some of them, like Francisco Pensacola and Remegio del Banco, were employed at the Compania Tabacalera, and Alipio Altamarino was an abaca dealer in the same company. So, the Spaniards
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In January 1898, Viamonte was transferred to another town and a certain P. Araiza was assigned in his place.
In that same month, the Katipunan was organized in Mauban in the barrio of San Miguel, with Mr. Justo Manikar as the head and Mr. Mateo Almozara, his assistant. The members were Mariano Calucin, Ildefonso dela Calzada, and Benito Dequilla. The secretary was Remegio del Banco. This Katipunan in Mauban was under the responsibility of General Gimenes of Marikina, Rizal.
A man by the name of Doroteo Ingles was assigned by the Katipunan as the eye and ear of the organization in the town. He was the informer of the secret organization of all activities of the Spaniards in the town.
By this time, most of the people lived in the farms where they thought [they were] more secured under the Katipunan.
One Sunday morning after the Mass, Araiso, the Spanish Captain, noted that most of the well-known men of Mauban were out. They did not go to church. Later, the Captain met Bonifacio Villanueva and spoke to him roughly and said that all the people of Mauban were Insurrectos. From that time, the Spaniards became more suspicious of their doings than before.
In May 1898, a man by the name of Leon Ingles was designated by the Katipunan in the town, while the Katipunan in the barrio had Justo Manikar. The Katipunan had more soldiers than ever before.
One day in May 1898, the Captain of the Spanish Army received an order that all the Spaniards should report in Tayabas, the provincial capital that time. Immediately after receiving the order, two sailboats were set and all the Spanish personnel went to Tayabas via Atimonan.
On June 10, 1898, the revolutionary government in the barrio of San Miguel was moved to town. The following Sunday, June 12, 1898, all the officers and members of the new government went to church with the flag of their Katipunan. How happy the people were to have a government of
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