PROVISIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY THE SUPERIOR COMMANDER OF SOUTHERN LUZON FOR OBSERVATION IN THIS DEPARTMENT.

April 28, 1901

In view of the present conditions, and the difficulty of communication with some points, in addition to the provisions and instructions issued in writing by this headquarters, a collection thereof shall be sent every two weeks to the Central Committee abroad for their publication, general information and fulfillment.

If the reported capture of the commander-in-chief Señor Emilio Aguinaldo proves to be true these Headquarters leave in the hands of the Filipino Committees abroad the policy of the government to be pursued in the field.

Through the consequent absence of the First Leader of the Revolution, in accordance with the autograph letter of Don Emilio Aguinaldo, dated June 27, 1900, addressed to the revolutionary Generals as a political will, the Filipino Committees abroad are declared during this interregnum the legal representatives of the same, the fullest powers vested in them by said gentleman in all their original functions, being granted them.

In negotiations, those in the field shall act in accordance with the resolutions of said Committee, which can work, labor and act with real and entire liberty of action.

The Commanders and Politico-Military Chiefs of towns, zones, and provinces, shall prosecute and punish with an implacable hand, ladronism, robbery, murder and rape, the facts in the case being first carefully investigated by the court martial which shall be convened for the purpose, in order that punishment may not be inflicted upon innocent victims, and they must endeavor to have all liberators serve as a guarantee, and a real guarantee, of the honor of women and of the lives, honor and interests of individuals, without distinction of race or nationality.

To all of them without exception we issue a call as our flag is not a symbol of war against America, but of a legitimate defense of a people trampled upon in its dearest and most sacred rights.

Miguel Malvar

They shall punish militarism (militarismo) and abuses on the part of the military very severely. Such conduct is disliked by the people and discourages the good sons of the Philippines, perverting the true spirit of the revolution to the prejudice of the country and the cause we defend.

Those acting as spies for the invader or who shall lead them voluntarily to our camps, shall be punished with death.

The generals, field and line officers of the army of liberation shall forbid the maltreatment by soldiers or people of the country of all unarmed enemies, or enemies found asleep or intoxicated, or those who by throwing their rifles to the ground and raising their hands, declare that they surrender, or those who fall in any manner into our hands as prisoners, an exemplary punishment being imposed upon violators hereof.

They shall receive with affability and courtesy and treat well any soldiers, non-commissioned officers, line officers or field officers of the invading army who may appear in our camp, after leaving their rifles in a certain place, in order to avoid deception, the treatment and consideration mentioned in previous provisions being extended to them.

They shall prosecute and punish severely all who shall be guilty of bigamy or polygamy.

Engagements shall always be fought from ambush and avoided when the conditions of position or the number or for any other reason they would be disadvantageous for us; an endeavor shall also be made not to have them take place in populated sections, especially if the inhabitants are our adherents and favor us, in order to avoid the incendiary tactics of the invader.

The politico-military commanders shall endeavor to have the organization of the liberating forces local, that is to say that the column of a town should be made up of soldiers and drafts from the same, supported with funds of said towns and with commanders and officers to whom the inhabitants are friendly.

The politico-military commanders of a town, zone or province, may dispose of surplus funds thereof to cover the expenses of the arsenal of his headquarters and of other columns which are in need, keeping a detailed account of the receipts and expenditures which shall be submitted for the approval of these headquarters every six months or when exceptional circumstances shall render it necessary or this headquarters demands it.

He may also dispose of this surplus in order to temporarily assist other forces in certain cases, under the condition of reciprocity.

The organizing Chief shall take an average of one unmarried soldier for every hundred inhabitants, apart from the volunteers who may present themselves and he may relieve the situation and resources of a town, zone or province.

The Commanders of Zones and provinces shall order that only thirty “sandatahan” soldiers shall serve for every hundred rifles.

They shall also see to the formation or drill of reserve battalions.

Sixty centimos for males and thirty centimos for females every six months, is fixed as the average war tax which shall be collected in accordance with the condition of wealth of a town, without prejudice to the extraordinary contributions which abnormal conditions may render necessary. The latter must be approved or authorized by these Superior Headquarters.

According to the regulations approved in Malolos, half pay is designated for soldiers and non-commissioned officers, six pesos for line officers and ten pesos for field officers, the other half to be made up later. Nevertheless it may be increased or reduced, or even left unpaid, if they are wealthy, according to the contributions of a town.

The merits and conduct of those who may have been so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of the invader shall be taken into consideration, unless they commit the crime of espionage or work against the National Defense.

In order to be approved by this headquarters, recommendations for promotion by reason of the merits of those proposed, shall be made by the Commander of the Zone or province in the proper form, after a meeting of the field and line officers; without this requisite this headquarters will not issue any commission whatsoever.

He who being a private individual, may organize a guerrilla band or bands in order to strengthen the National Defense, or may deliver rifles for the same end, may obtain a commission in the army which shall be issued to him by this headquarters upon a resolution of its General Staff, in conformity with the importance of the organization or delivery and his patriotism and capacity.

The politico-military commanders of towns, zones and provinces, shall keep a record book giving the record during the campaign of every Filipino patriot, their names being written symbolically in order to avoid danger to them in the event that the book should fall into the hands of the enemy, this for their reward in due time.

All Filipinos without distinction, shall be entitled to reward even those who have made peace with the enemy, if they return to the camp with sufficient merit to obliterate their former record, for example by bringing a number of rifles larger or equal to that they may have presented to the Americans, provided that they do so before the end of the month of August.

The commissions issued by the headquarters shall be published in the publication of the Committees abroad for the general information of all.

It is recommended that engagements be not sought until orders are received for a general movement.

The troops shall make frequent visits to the towns not garrisoned by the enemy.

The politico-military commanders of towns, zones and provinces, shall see to it that private individuals sow an abundance of rice, corn, sweet potatoes, egg plants, tomatoes, beans and other products of prime necessity, for the good of all and in the defense of the nation especially, punishing those who are disobedient or vagrants.

The glorious patriarch St. Joseph is declared the Patron of the flying columns.

Communications for these Superior Headquarters shall be sent through the politico-military headquarters of the provinces and zones of Tayabas, Mindoro, Laguna, Oriental and Occidental of Batangas, Binan and Morong, and an endeavor shall be made to properly organize the mail and service of communication.

Those of the enemy who shall enter our ranks shall enjoy the thanks of the present organization, in addition to those expressed in former provisions and the privileges contained therein, after having given sufficient evidence of the sincerity of their intentions. To all of them without exception we issue a call as our flag is not a symbol of war against America, but of a legitimate defense of a people trampled upon in its dearest and most sacred rights.

HEADQUARTERS, April 28, 1901.

MIGUEL MALVAR, General-in-Chief.