This Week’s Milestones: Nov. 12-19, 2017

Nov. 14, 1762

Diego Silang led an uprising against the Spanish forces in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, known as the Ilocos Revolt. His wife, Gabriela, helped him and took command of about 2,000 bolo-wielding revolutionaries after Diego’s death in May 1763. Gabriela was eventually captured and publicly hanged in September 1763.

Nov. 16, 1904

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, the country’s oldest and largest open prison, was established when its first superintendent, American R.J. Shields, brought 61 prisoners from the Old Bilibid Prison. But prior to the arrival of prisoners, the area had been known as the “Puero Asuncion Iguahit,” where so-called “filibusteros,” or those fighting the Spanish government, are detained. The penal colony became the source of vegetables, fruits, fish and meat for Puerto Princesa market. As of May this year, 2,372 inmates were detained in the 26,630-hectare prison facility.

Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Historical Calendar (1521-1969), Filipinos in History Vol. II, angono.gov.ph, southcotabato.gov.ph, lapulapucity.gov.ph