9th Century[edit]
A major event in Laguna occurred in 1840, when religious intolerance led the people of Majayjay,
Nagcarlan, Bay, and Biñan to join the revolt of Hermano Pule (Apolinario de la Cruz) of Lucban,
Tayabas.[12] This revolt was eventually crushed by Governor-General Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri.
As part of political restructuring during the 19th century, the municipalities
of Morong, Pililla, Tanay, Baras, Binangonan, Jalajala, Angono and Cardona were separated from
Laguna and re-organized to the province Politico-Militar Distrito de Morong. In 1858, the provincial
capital was once again moved from Pagsanjan to Santa Cruz, where it stands until today.
In 1861, José Rizal was born in Calamba to Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso. Rizal would
become one of the leading members of the Propaganda Movement, who advocated political reforms
for the colony. Rizal would go on to write two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, which
in part fueled additional anti-colonial sentiment, contributing to the eventual Philippine Revolution. In
1896, thousands of inhabitants, especially of Bay, Los Baños, Nagcarlan, Magdalena, Santa Cruz,
and Pagsanjan had joined the revolutionary Katipunan.[12] Rizal was executed on December 30,
1896, on charges of rebellion. Today Rizal is recognized as one of the national heroes of the
Philippines.
Historical marker of the Battle of Sambat, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Laguna was one of the eight provinces to rise in revolt against the Spanish misrule led by
Generals Paciano Rizal of Calamba, Severino Taiño of Pagsanjan, Agueda Kahabagan of Calauan,
and Miguel Malvar of Batangas.[6] One of the early engagements of the revolution was the Battle of
Sambat, in Pagsanjan. Katipuneros from Laguna, led by Severino Taiño, took the city of Pagsanjan
and attempted to use it as a starting point towards the liberation of the province, but was quelled by
forces led by Basilio Augustin.[13]
The defeat in Sambat meant the end of large-scale organized revolt in Laguna,
the Malungingnging chapter of the Katipunan failing to replicate the relative success of the revolution
in Cavite. The revolutionaries resorted to hit-and-run and guerrilla tactics against the Spanish, lasting
until the Pact of Biak-na-Bato on December 14 to 15, 1897.[12] It was only after the execution of Jose
Rizal that the revolution flared up again, culminating in the Battle of Calamba in May 1898, and the
surrender of the last Spanish garrison in Laguna in Santa Cruz, on August 31 of the same year.
Laguna actively supported the First Philippine Republic proclaimed at Malolos on January 23, 1899.
Its two delegates to the Malolos Congress were Don Higino Benítez and Don Graciano Cordero,
both natives of Pagsanján.[12]
20th Century[edit]
Upon the outbreak of the Philippine–American War, Generals Juan Cailles and Paciano Rizal led the
defense of Laguna during the war's early stages. The Battle of Mabitac was fought in defense of the
town of Mabitac and was won by Filipino forces. However, forces led by Henry W. Lawton fought
and won in Santa Cruz, Pagsanjan, and Paete, effectively securing the province for American forces.
Resistance still occurred during this time. One of the province's folk hero during the continuing
engagements was Teodoro Asedillo, who was considered a bandit by American forces.
By the end of the war, the entire country was occupied by American forces and was taken as a
colony. The Taft Commission was established to govern the Philippines during the interim period,
which appointed Juan Cailles as the provincial governor of Laguna. Act No. 83, or the Provincial
Government Act, established a civilian government under American occupation. During this time,
roads were built, schools were established, and in 1917, the Manila Railroad Company extended its
line to Laguna as far as Pagsanjan.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942–1945), Laguna was a center of Filipino
resistance despite the presence of Makapili collaborators.[12]
Marking's Guerrillas raided the Cine Lumban in Laguna in June 1942 in an attempt to free the 115
American POWs. Only one American was rescued, Corporal George Lightman of the 3rd Pursuit
Squadron, because the ranking American captain ordered his men to stay where they were. The
Japanese executed 10 American prisoners in retribution. [14][15]
The establishment of the military general headquarters and military camp bases of the Philippine
Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary is a military unit organization was founded on
January 3, 1942 to June 30, 1946 in the province of Laguna, and aided of the local military regular
units of the Philippine Commonwealth Army 4th and 42nd Infantry Division and the Philippine
Constabulary 4th Constabulary Regiment. Started the engagements of the Anti-Japanese Military
Operations in Southern Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan from 1942 to 1945 against the Japanese
Imperial forces.[incomprehensible]
Beginning in 1945, attacks by the Filipino soldiers of the 4th, 42nd, 43rd, 45th, 46th and 47th Infantry
Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, 4th Constabulary Regiment of the Philippine
Constabulary and the recognized guerrillas against Japanese forces in Laguna increased in
anticipation of the Liberation of the Philippines by joint Filipino & American forces. [further explanation needed]
