Today in the Past

Today, October 5, 1762, Archbishop Manuel Antonio Rojo, acting governor-general, surrenders the city of Manila to the British invaders in order to end the slaughter of soldiers and civilians.

Realizing the grave situation, Archbishop Rojo called a council of war to discuss the course of action that should be followed.

The military officers, mostly Mexicans, favored surrender because of the futility of further resistance. They were overruled by the Spanish friars, magistrates, and merchants who vigorously advocated resistance to the bitter end.

Most fiery exponent of continued resistance to British arms in the stormy session of the Council was Don Simon De Anda y Salazar, a member of the Royal Audiencia.

A born leader, possessed of flaming patriotism, he was an energetic and heroic champion of Spain. The council granted him the title of lieutenant-governor and the authority to carry on the war in the provinces in the eventuality of the fall of Manila.

Fortunately for Spain, on the eve of the fall of Manila, Anda escaped in a boat paddled by some loyal Filipinos. He established his headquarters at Bacolod, Pampanga which he made the temporary capital of the Philippines.

He continued the government, with himself as governor general.

It was after August 26, 1763 when the British sent a copy of the protocol ending the Seven Year's War that Anda transferred his headquarters to Polo, Bulacan.

Since he had under his command thousands of soldiers, he did not only hold the British in check, but also practically shut them up in the very walls of Manila "reducing the British to extreme want."