Pact of Biak-na-Bato ends the first phase of the Philippine Revolution (1897)

The Pact of Biak-na-Bato established a truce between Spanish Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera and revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo. Signed in December 1897, the agreement aimed to end the Philippine Revolution through Spanish promises of reform and the exile of key revolutionary figures, marking the conclusion of the conflict's first phase.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Philippine Revolution began in August 1896 after the Katipunan was discovered by Spanish authorities. By 1897, revolutionary forces faced military pressure, leading to negotiations. The conflict was a war of independence waged by the Katipunan against the Spanish Empire, setting the stage for the diplomatic resolution at Biak-na-Bato.

Terms of the Pact. The agreement created a truce between the Spanish colonial government and the revolutionary leadership. It involved Spanish promises to implement reforms in exchange for the cessation of hostilities. The pact facilitated the departure of Aguinaldo and other top officials for exile, effectively pausing the armed struggle against Spain.

Immediate Aftermath. Following the signing, revolutionary leaders left Biak-na-Bato for Hong Kong. The agreement did not permanently settle the revolution, as subsequent events in 1898, including the Spanish-American War and the declaration of independence, continued the struggle. The pact served as a temporary truce rather than a final resolution.

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Sources

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