Last Spaniards depart Basilan

Background. From 1860 until the end of the Spanish regime in 1899, the islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and all of their outlying islets were placed under the jurisdiction of Basilan, with its administrative capital in Isabela. Spain ceded the Philippine islands to the United States in the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish–American War. Following the American occupation of the northern Philippine Islands during 1899, Spanish forces in Mindanao were cut off and retreated to the garrisons at Zamboanga and Jolo.

Transition to American Control. By January 15, 1899, it had already become necessary to call a plebiscite at Isabela to form some kind of government in Basilan. On May 16, 1899, all the Spaniards in Basilan departed. A Provisional Government ruled and protected Basilan until the military representatives of the United States Government took formal possession of the island on December 8, 1899.

Post-Departure Administration. By 1898, Basilan Island was administratively divided into three districts: Isabela de Basilan (capital), Lamitan, and Maluso. American forces relieved the Spanish at Zamboanga on May 18, 1899, and at Basilan seven months after. Politically, Basilan became part of the Moro Province (1899–1914, encompassing most of Mindanao Island). A military governor was posted to Basilan from 1899 to 1901, tasked with the establishment of a civil government for the island.