Jose Ignacio Paua His Exploits and Contributions to the Philippine Revolution

For: Dr. Ma. Luisa M. Camagay Professor

From: Ansam Lee Student

Jose Ignacio Paua His Exploits and Contributions to the Philippine Revolution

Introduction

Despite an attitude of indifference by most Chinese towards the lamentable situation of the country and its people, Jose Paua, not only sympathized with them, but also joined the revolutionary movement on the first opportunity he had. His skills as a blacksmith and a gunsmith had proven to be invaluable to the revolutionary cause. And in the field of battle, he had proven himself to be courageous and able commander. Not to mention of his attainment in the collection of revolutionary fund as one of the highest amount.

His Early Years

Jose Paua also known as Hou A Pao was born in Fujian, China on August 27, 1856. 1 But according to some source it was on April 29, 1872. 2 During his

Luis Camara Dery, When the World Loved the Filipinos and other Essays on the Philippine History (Manila: UST Publishing House, 2005), 63. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Dery. Edgar Wickberg, The Chinese in Philippine Life 1850-1898 (New Haven, USA: Yale University Press, 1965), 201. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Wickberg.

adolescent years, his nationalistic awareness about the condition of his homeland through the imperialistic exploitation of European Powers, had spurred him to join the patriotic society of Tien Ti Hui (Triad Society).3 His active participation in the activities of the society and its secret affairs had caught the attention of the enemies, along with apparently some comrades who were resentful of his popularity. Deeming A Pao to be an obstacle, they concocted a plot to liquidate him. Fortunately, he saw through his enemies ruse. Rather than confronting the indomitable enemies head one, he decided to take flight by taking the first available ship bound for Manila.4 It was in Manila, where Hou A Pao would be known as Jose Ignacio Paua by his acquaintances and friends, especially to the Filipinos he had aided.5

Arriving in Manila on July 1872, Paua roamed the streets of Intramuros, from Puente de Espaa to Rosario Sts., and then finally reaching Jaboneros St. in Tondo, where he found a job as an apprentice to a Chinese blacksmith. 6 Through perseverance, Paua, who learned to become expert repairman and manufacturer of

Nancy T. Lu, More Filipino than many Filipinos A Chinese Comrade-In-Arms, Sunday Times Magazine (June 15, 1969):42. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Lu. Gregorio F. Zaide, Chinese General in the Philippine Revolution, Fookien Times Philippine Yearbook (1955): 155. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Zaide. 2 Teresita Ang See and Go Bon Juan, The Ethnic Chinese in the Philippine Revolution, (Manila: Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc.,1996), 28. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Ang -See. 3 Dery, 63. Wickberg, 201-202. 4 Ibid. Ibid. 5 Wickberg, 201. 6 Gregorio F. Zaide, A Chinese General in the Philippine Revolution, Fookien Times Philippine Yearbook (1955): 156. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Zaide. Ang-See, 29. Dery, 63. Lu , 42.

lantaka or native cannon, rose to become a master artisan.7 Paua, being sociable in nature, was well known in Tondo among his Chinese and Filipinos friends and acquaintances, and through these associations, especially with his Filipino friends that he came to learn Tagalog.8 It was also through these associations that he later came into contact with members of the Katipunan.

The Katipunan

Around 1890s, Paua heard about the Propaganda Movement from his Tondo friends, and from them he came to learn of the abuses committed by the Spanish officials, especially the Guardia Civil. Being a man who loved freedom and justice, he immediately sympathized with them.9 Thereafter Paua was introduced by his closest friend, Pantaleon Garcia, to some of the notable Katipuneros, such as Guillermo Masangkay, Jose Turiano Santiago and Procopio Bonifacio.10 Together with Pantaleon Garcia, Paua used to attend town fiestas in the province of Cavite. And from these visits, he came to be familiarized with Emilio Aguinaldo, Vito Belarmino, Artemio Ricarte, Santiago Alvarez, Daniel Tirona and the

Zaide, 156. Dery, 62-63. Edwin Wildman, Aguinaldo, a narrative of Filipino ambitions (Boston, 1901), 105. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Wildman. Folreo Solmirano, Gunmaker Honored as Bicol hero, Philippine Daily Inquirer (May11, 1998): 16. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Solmirano. Ang-See, 29. 8 Lu, 42. 9 Zaide, 156. 10 Ibid., 156. Dery, 64.

others.11 It was also from one of these visits that he met and married Antonia Jamir, cousin of Emilio Aguinaldo.12

The Munitions Factory

In the first few days when the revolution broke out, the Katipuneros were valiant in their effort in resisting the Spanish onslaught. But sheer courage alone was not enough in winning a war against an enemy that was equipped with modern weaponry. 13 Realizing the futility of an armed struggle with just crude and outmoded weapons, Paua suggested to Emilio Aguinaldo the establishment of an arms factory.14 After much deliberation, Emilio Aguinaldo accepted the proposal and immediately commissioned Paua as Lieutenant of the Revolutionary force and was appointed director of the Revolutionary arms factory.15 And by September of 1896, an arms factory was established at Imus, Cavite.16

11

Ibid., 156. Dery, 64. Solmirano, 16. 12 Lu, 42. Zaide, 156. Dery, 64. 13 Zaide, 156. Lu, 42. 14 Lu,42. Zaide, 156. Ang-See, 29. 15 Zaide,156. Juan F. Villasanta, General Aguinaldo Recalls General Paua, Fookien Times Philippine Yearbook (1956): 145. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Villasanta. 16 Lu, 42.

Baptism of Fire: The Battle of Binakayan

It was in the Battle of Binakayan on November 1896, that Paua proved his capability as an effective commander and a courageous leader.17 It began with the intentions of Governor-General Ramon Blanco to contain the rebellion in Cavite, by committing his troops to an all out assault on the towns of Noveleta and Binakayan. The Spanish began their attack on November 9, 1896. Simultaneous attack was made under naval support. General Rios stormed the town of Novelete, while troops under Col. Jose Marina assaulted Binakayan.18 After two days of intense fighting, the Spanish forces, despite their modern armaments, were forced to retreat due to heavy casualties. 19 The gallantry that Paua had shown during the Battle of Binakayan had earned him the promotion of the rank of Captain. 20

The Central Luzon Campaign

By February of 1897, Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja, who replaced Governor-General Ramon Blanco, made plans to make an all out strike at Central

17

Dery, 66. Zaide, 156. Villasanta, 152. Ang-See, 29. 18 Zaide, 156. 19 Ibid.,156-157. 20 Lu, 42. Villasanta, 152. Dery, 66.

Luzon, particularly Cavite. 21 Unfortunately, this time around, it was the revolutionists that met successive defeats. But on March 7, 1897 Paua had demonstrated himself to be a capable commander at the Battle of Salitran.22 His troops were able to repulse the Spanish assault and in the process kill the Spanish General Zabala.23 However, they were no match for the advancing Spanish troops of General Lachambre that were better trained and equipped. 24 Again, the revolutionists experienced successive defeats, even the town of Imus was occupied by the Spanish troops. But before it was taken, Paua made a valiant effort to defend the town, but to no avail and was forced to retreat. It was from this encounter that Paua received the promotion of major.25

Around when the internal rift between the Bonifacio and Aguinaldo was about to reach its peak, the Tejeros Convention was held on March 22, 1897, and Emilio Aguinaldo was elected the president of the revolutionary government. Displeased with how the election turned out, Andres Bonifacio left. Soon after, an order of arrest was issued against Bonifacio, and Paua was one of the men assigned for the apprehension.26
21

Dery, 66. Lu, 42. Villasanta, 152.

22 23

Ang-See, 30.

Lu, 42 Dery, 66. 24 Ibid. 25 Lu, 42. Villasanta, 152. 26 Lu, 42. Dery, 66. Zaide, 157.

Biak-na-Bato Republic

Due to successive defeats being experienced by the revolutionary forces on all fronts, Aguinaldos forces had to fall back several times until they reached Biakna-Bato, where they holed up.27 The Spanish forces however were able to surround the location, and were subjecting it to constant pressure.28 During that desperate moment, Aguinaldo ordered his troops to conduct guerrilla tactics against Spanish forces to loosen up the pressure.29 It was through this encounter with the Spanish forces of General Monet that General Francisco Makabulos and Paua had shown their exemplary performance as commanders of their army. 30 Be that as it may, they were still outmatched by the Spanish soldiers led by an equally capable commander. Nevertheless Paua was promoted to colonel for his bravery.

By November 1, 1897, the Biak-na-Bato Republic was established with Emilio Aguinaldo as the president.31 After which, the constitution of the Republic was signed by prominent Revolutionary leaders including Paua, who was the only Chinese in the history to have signed the Philippine Constitution.32 Regrettably, the Biak-na-Bato Republic was short lived, due to the compromising truce known as the
27 28

Dery, 66. Ibid. 29 Ibid. 30 Lu, 42. Villasanta, 152. 31 Dery, 67. Zaide, 158. 32 Ibid.

Pact of Biak-na-Bato that was signed by Governor-General Primo de Rivera and Emilio Aguinaldo on December 15, 1897.33 In compliance with the truce, Aguinaldo with the selected leaders, which included Paua who shall act as interpreter, went to voluntary exile in Hong Kong.34

Return from Hong Kong

The outbreak of the Spanish-American War and Commodore Deweys victory over the Spanish fleet on May 1, 1898 at Manila Bay, had paved the way for Aguinaldo to resume the struggle against Spain. 35 From Hong Kong, Aguinaldo boarded the American vessel, McCulloch, and arrived at Cavite on May 19, 1898.36 Upon arrival, Aguinaldo spared no time in rallying the people to join his cause, while the Filipino people, suspicious of Spanish sincerity in complying with the conditions of the truce, immediately joined Aguinaldos ranks. 37 With the revolutionary resistance going ever stronger and more popular, Spain was faced in a dilemma of

33

Ibid. Lu, 42. Wickberg, 202. 34 Ibid. Santiago V. Alvarez, Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General, trans. Paula Carolina S. Malay (Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1992), 197.
35

Lu, 43. Dery, 67. Zaide, 158. 36 Zaide, 158. Dery, 67. 37 Dery, 68. Zaide, 158.

dealing with two enemies. Henceforth, the setting of Spanish reign over the Philippine islands was just a matter of time.38

The Spanish Surrender of Manila

Despite cooperation between American forces and Aguinaldos troops, Spanish authorities made a secret treaty with the Americans. As a result, the insidious Americans talked Aguinaldo out of joining in the Battle of Manila.39 And on August 13, 1898, the Spanish forces in Manila surrendered to the Americans.40

The Philippine Republic

On the 12th of June 1898, a proclamation of independence was made at Kawit, Cavite, with Aguinaldo as the president of the newly established Philippine Republic.41 This historic event was marked with the playing of the Philippine National Anthem and the unfurling of the Philippine Flag.42 While Paua went to the barber and had his queue cut to signify his independence from the bondage of

38 39

Dery, 68. Ibid. 40 William P. Meyers, US War Against Asia, III Publishing, retrieve from http://www.iiipublishing.com/politics/asian_war/asian_war_philippines1.html on March 30, 2012 at 11:07 am.
41

Dery, 68. Lu, 43. Zaide, 158. Ang-See, 30. 42 Zaide, 158.

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servitude to the Manchurian masters (Qing government in China).43 But he was unable to attend the historical event at Kawit, Cavite, due to the orders given to him by Aguinaldo, that is, collecting monetary contributions for the cause.44

The Fiscal Agent

On September 26, 1898, due to Pauas excellent performance in the collection of contributions, Emilio Aguinaldo promoted him to brigadier general, along with the other leaders who were also promoted for their exemplary performance with their missions.45 After the promotion, Paua was immediately sent to the Bicol region on a special mission as a fiscal commissioner. He first went to Sorsogon where he was able to collect P 15,000 in cash, medicines, clothes and food supplies.46 And from Sorsogon, he continued his collection of contributions from the other towns of the Bicol region.47 All contributions Paua acquired was promptly sent to the General Headquarters of the Military Department of Southern Luzon, located at San Francisco de Malabon.48 All in all, Paua was able to collect a staggering amount of P

43

Lu, 43. Wickberg, 202. Dery, 69. 44 Zaide, 158. Dery, 69. 45 Ibid. 46 Zaide, 158. 47 Dery, 69. 48 Dery, 69. Zaide, 158.

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386,00049. This is to include the financial contributions given by the Chinese in the area.

Because of his exceptional ability in the task of collecting revolutionary funds, .he was commissioned to the task of procuring contributions. For most part of the year 1899, Paua was on a mission of soliciting funds for the cause, especially during the outbreak of Filipino-American War, when they were in dire need of supplies, munitions and monetary donations.50 And on one occasion, he almost lost the P 160,000 he collected from the contributions while they were sailing across the Ragay Gulf towards the Tayabas coast.51 During their voyage, an American gunboat caught sight of them and gave chase. They were about to be intercepted by the Americans when Paua directed the ship to maneuver near the shallow shores, then ordered his men to jettison the bags of silver Mexican coins on shallow waters to lighten up their load and speed up the sail.52 Since the American gunboat could not navigate on shallow waters, they stopped giving chase to Pauas party after they had reached the shallow waters. Paua and his men came back to the scene and fished out the bags the following day.53

49

Zaide, 158. Lu, 43. Ang-See, 30. Wildman, 202. 50 Dery, 72-73. 51 Ang-See, 30. Zaide, 159. Lu, 43. 52 Ibid. 53 Ibid.

12

During one of his fund raising missions, Paua found it difficult to resist the beautiful ladies of the Bicol region, and it was near the scenic spot of Mt. Mayon that he met his second wife, Carolina Imperial. Despite the protestations of her parents and relatives, Carolina was married to Paua on September 3, 1899.54 Paua gave his explanation for his second marriage to the Aguinaldo family and to a person by the name of Tomas Mascardo, dated October 28, 1899.55 Apparently it was about the faithlessness of his first wife Antonina Jamir, and although Paua was the aggrieved party, he presented himself with much humility that can be seen in his composition.

Guerilla Wars

Realizing the futility of resisting the American forces through a conventional style of warfare, Aguinaldo met with his generals and made a deliberation on their plan of action. And it was unanimously decided that guerilla tactics was to be implemented. 56 On November 13, 1899, the national armies of the Republic were disbanded and reorganized in favor of using the guerilla warfare. Thereafter, Emilio Aguinaldo went into hiding.

54

Dery, 71. Lu, 43. Zaide, 159. 55 Dery, 71. Jose Ignacio Paua, A letter to Tomas Mascardo regarding his marriage, etc., Atimonan, Tayabas, October 28, 1899, Batch 8 Retrieved on January 26, 1994, Philippines National Library. 56 Dery, 73

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On the other hand, Paua was still in the Bicol region when the news of the guerilla warfare was to be implemented.57 Sensing the problem of continuing his mission of soliciting monetary contributions, along with the difficulty in contacting Emilio Aguinaldo, Paua decided to join the forces of General Vito Belarmino in Albay.

Kobbe Expedition and Pauas Scorched-Earth Policy

The hemp shortages in America and the unyielding resistance of the Filipino guerilla troops resulted in a decision by the American occupational authorities to occupy the Bicol region, which consequently produces hemp as part of its industry.58 And on January 15, 1900, General Elwell Otis appointed Brig. General William A. Kobbe as military governor of the Bicol region, which comprises the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Leyte, Samar, and Camarines.59 After much preparations, the Kobbe expedition left Manila on January 18, 1900. 60 Two days later, the expeditionary forces reached Sorsogon, but encountered resistance from forces under Col. Amando Airan. After short exchanges of fire, the forces of Col. Airan vacated the town and withdrew to Albay.61 That very day, Sorsogon fell to the hands of the Americans.

57 58

Ibid. Dery, 74. Lu, 43. 59 Dery, 74. 60 Ibid. 61 Dery, 74 Zaide, 159.

14

On January 23, 1900, the American forces assaulted the port of Legaspi, but encountered stiff resistance from the forces of Gen. Paua.62 Under naval support, the Gen. Kobbe and his troops were able to land ashore and assailed the entrenched defenders.63 With both forces determined to win the battle, a bloody carnage ensued. And despite the valiant efforts made by the defenders, they were forced to retreat. With the town abandoned by the defenders, it was occupied by the American troops on the very same day.64

After Gen. Paua and his troops withdrew to the town of Albay, the first order of business was the reorganization of the devastated troops. But the relentless Americans continued to press on. And by the 25th of January 1900, American forces from Legaspi made an assault to the town of Albay. Paua and his troops resisted the American onslaught.65 But when he realized that he could no longer be able to defend the town, he ordered the evacuation of the town before it was set ablaze; thereafter he joined Gen. Belarmino at the town of Malabog.

During the following days after Gen. Paua retreated to the town of Malabog, hundreds of reinforcements came pouring down to join the ranks of Generals
62

Dery, 74. Zaide, 159. 63 Dery, 74. Zaide, 159. 64 Lu, 43. Zaide, 159. Dery, 74. 65 Dery, 74. Lu, 43. Zaide, 159.

15

Belarmino and Paua. After taking account of their military situation, both Belarmino and Paua decided on the use of guerilla tactics against the enemies.66 On the night of January 29, 1900, Paua along with his troops immediately implemented the attack on the town of Legaspi. They used unorthodox methods such as incendiary tactics in setting the buildings on fire as they confront the American defenders before they withdrew.67 Gen. Paua in performing the nocturnal strikes on the towns of Albay on January 30, Legaspi on February 1, and Daraga used similar tactic on February 6. 68

Retirement and Surrender

Gen. Pauas utilization of the scorched-earth policy was to deny the enemy the advantage of using the resources, and at the same time burning the houses of collaborators to get back at them.69 Because of Pauas insistence of adopting the scorched-earth method, a clash between the two generals ensued, and as each day passed by, the rift between the two worsened.70 And by the end February 1900, the rift between them had reached an irreparable state. It started while Paua was making preparations for the defense of Guinobatan, when suddenly a bullet shot

66

Dery, 75. Zaide, 159. Lu, 43. 67 Ibid. 68 Ibid. 69 Zaide, 160. 70 Lu, 43. Zaide, 160.

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nearly killed him. Suspecting that Belarmino was behind all this, he gave up his post as Chief of Operations, and resigned from active duty.71

Battle weary and having retired as a general, Paua reunited with his family at Polagui. This time, no amount of Belarminos convincing could persuade him to come back and join the ranks.72 With the absence of a capable commander like Paua, the Battle of Guinobatan ended with a devastating defeat from Belarminos side. Paua, having realized that resistance against America was now pointless, decided to surrender to the Americans. Hunching that Paua plans to surrender, Belarmino dispatched Captain Isidro Salazar to intercept and dissuade Paua into surrendering.73 Although Capt. Salazar caught up with Paua and his family, Paua via Felipe Dato, a relative of his wife, outwitted the captain and his men.74 From Manito Paua and his family traveled safely to Legaspi where he surrendered to Col. Walter Howe on March 27, 1900.

71

Zaide, 160. Lu, 43. Dery, 75. 72 Ibid. 73 Zaide, 160. Lu, 43. 74 Dery, 76. Zaide, 160. Lu, 43.

17

Epilogue

On June 21, 1900, Governor-General Arthur MacArthur, under the directive of the President of the United States, issued an amnesty proclamation to all rebel forces. Pawa was among the prisoners who were set free by virtue of the proclamation.75 After his release, Paua and his family settled in the town of Manito, Albay, where he ran for, and was elected as town mayor.76 On May 27, 1922, Paua sighed his last breath at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua rose from an obscure China man to a phenomenal Chinese general of the Philippine Republic. What really made his mark in Philippine history was his bravery in the face of insurmountable enemy forces, be they Spanish or Americans. Along with his other characteristics, such as his practicality in applying his skills as a blacksmith and a gunsmith, had helped a lot in alleviating the offensive capability of the Revolutionary Republic, together with his unorthodox method of the use of incendiary tactics that made him the scourge of the American armies he encountered. Not to mention his ability as a fiscal agent had made him an invaluable member of the revolutionary movement and the Republic.

75 76

Ibid. Ang-See, 31. Dery, 76. Zaide, 160. Lu, 43.

18

On the other hand, his loyalty to Emilio Aguinaldo had earned him the name of henchman, due to his participation in the cruel way of apprehending Andres Bonifacio. Be that as it may, his patriotism and nationalistic spirit became the precedent of the future generations, especially of the local Chinese. A legacy that was cherished by Filipinos and Chinese alike, especially during the Japanese invasion and occupation, when they endeavored in a patriotic duty to resist the enemys onslaught and subjugation.

19

Bibliography
See, Teresita Ang, and Bon Juan Go. The Ethnic Chinese in the Philippine Revolution. Manila: Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc., 1996. Wildman, Edwin. Aguinaldo, a narrative of Filipino ambitions. Boston, 1901. Villasanta, Juan F. "General Aguinaldo Recalls General Paua." Fookien Times Yearbook, 1956. Solmirano, Floreo. "Gunmaker Honored as Bicol Hero." Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 1998. Dery, Luis Camara. When the World Loved the Filipinos and other Essays on the Philippine History. Manila: UST Publishing House, 2005. Wickberg, Edgar. The Chinese in Philippine Life 1850-1898. Haven: Yale University Press, 1965. Lu, Nancy T. "More Filipino than many Filipinos - A Chinese Comrade-In-Arms." Sunday Times Magazine, June 1969. Zaide, Gregorio F. "Chinese General in the Philippine Revolution." Fookein Times Philippine Yearbook, 1955. Meyers, William P. III Publishing. http://www.iiipublishing.com/politics /asian_war/asian_war_philippines1.html (accessed March 30, 2012). Paua, Jose Ignacio. "A letter to Tomas Mascardo regarding his marriage, etc." Atimonan, Tayabas, October 28, 1899, Batch 8, Retrieved on January 26, 1994, Philippines National Library. Alvarez, Santiago V. Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General. Translated by Paula Carolina S. Malay. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 1992.

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Photos
Scanned Photo : Letter to Tomas Mascardo

21

Jose Ignacio Paua

Monument Commemorating Gen. Paua

Pact of Biak-na-Bato Negotiators Emilio Aguinaldo with his Revolutionary officers and leaders Seated from left to right: Pedro Paterno and Emilio Aguinaldo Standing from left to right: Tomas Mascardo, Celis, Jose Ignacio Paua, Antonio Montenegro, and Mariano Llanera

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