The Sulu sultanate remained practically independent for four hun-
dred and twenty-five years. Its decjline was not caused by national re-
trogression or political dissension, but by tlie hostility and aggression of
its adversary. Sulu's power arose through the introduction of fireanns
into eastern Malaysia and began to decline at the introduction of steam
war vessels into the Philippine Archipelago. The mobility and speed of
steam war vessels put to disadvantage all Moro sailing and rowing craft.
Pirates were chased on the sea and hunted in their lairs. The fear which
steamboats struck in the hearts of Moros made them run away from
their homes and settlements and hide in the jungles whenever they heard
the whistle of a steamboat, or saw it approaching from a distance. The
steamboats purchased by Governor Claveria in 1848, which crushed the
power of the Balangingi Samals, were referred to by Captain Keppel in
the following words :
"On the 14th of January [1849] we left Zamboanga, getting under weigh in
company with such a fleet of gunboats as would have done credit to any nation."
The vessels purchased in 1861 increased the efficiency of the navy to
such a degree as to make it possible to carry war into Sulu territory,
attack many remote islands and settlements and blockade the port of
Jolo so effectively as to check the importation of firearms and ammuni-
tion, and restore a condition of safety and peace on the sea.
The campaign of 1876 w^as a very significant event in the history of
Sulu. It decided the fate of this state and definitely fixed its relation
to the Philippine Archipelago. Spain's determination to conquer Sulu
never waned and seemed stronger then than ever before. The Governor-
General was a man of great ability and aspired to the highest military
honors. Moro raids recurred occasionally and the strained relations of
the two states became so tens^ that rupture was inevitable.
In reviewing the history of Spanish campaigns in Sulu up to this
time, one is strongly impressed with the futility of conquest without
occupation. To invade a Moro settlement, defeat its forces, burn its
houses, kill some of its inhabitants, and carry some away as prisoners,
is not very different in character and effect from a Moro raid. Such
methods incited the Moros to revenge themselves by waging war on
their invaders. This they did by raiding, wliicli is their establishes!
method of warfare. Up to this time natural advantages remained on
the side of the Suhis and Spanish forces could ac^complish no permanent
results, in spite of their superior metliods of warfare and excellent
military organization.
Since the days of the great Corcuera, no Spanish general appears to
have recognized the importance of the occupation of Sulu as an essential
factor in its pacification. Their apparent inability to comprehend the
real solution of this question might have arisen from consciousness of
their inability to provide an adequate force for the purpose. However
that may have been, the honor of such an achievement remained for
Governor-General Malcampo, who carried it out with credit to himself
and to the government which he represented. With a clear understanding
of the task to be accomplished, he resolved to conquer Sulu and occupy
it, and then suppress piracy by striking the pirates at home. He left
Manila on the 5th of February, 1876, with a large force composed of
one battalion of the peninsular regiment of artillery, one. company of
mountain artillery, five regiments of infantry, ordnance, engineers,
sanitary and prison detachments, and two companies of the Guardia
CiviL^ At Zamboanga, the e'xpedition was reinforced by 864 volunteei*s,
400 of whom were from Zamboanga and 464 from Kagayan de Misamis
commanded by the Augustinian friar, Ramon Zueco.
The whole expedition, estimated at 9,000 troops, left Zamboanga on
the 20th of February. They were conveyed in 10 steamboats and 11
transports, and were escorted by a fleet of 12 gunboats under the admiral
in command of the Philippine naval forces. The Island of Sulu was
reached on the 21st, and next morning a force disembarked at Patikul,
4 miles east of Jolo. The Moros at this place offered some resistance
and caused some casualties, but later in the day abandoned the place and
fled. Here a considerable column was detaclied to reconnoitre the interior
and advance on Jolo from the land side. This plan proved impracticable
and the column suffered severely from heat and thirst and returned
next day to the beach at Tandu, 2 miles east of Jolo. On the 29th,
a general advance was made on Jolo by land and sea. The fleet opened
fire on the" town, while the land forces rushed the forts and trenches on
the sides. The main force was directed against the fort of Daniel, which
was captured after a sharp fight. The Moros in the other forts made
a fiercer resistance, but were soon overcome by the fire of the Spanish
artillery and the whole town was taken by assault. On the 30th, the
fort of Panglitna Adak, situated at the base of the hills, was taken.
Not content with this brilliant victory and intent upon striking a
decisive and deadly blow, Malcampo directed various expeditions against
the other strongholds of Sulu. A force of marines and volunteers de-
stroyed 80 boats and burned 90 houses on Tapul. On March 16 an
expedition to Lapak destroyed its forts and reduced the settlement to
ashes. On March 22 the forts of Parang were reduced, the settlement
was burned, and many Sulus killed. On the 24 Maymbimg was similarly
destroyed.
A large garrison was established at Jolo, consisting of two regiments
of infantry, one company of artillery, one company of engineers, and
two companies of disciplinarios,^ Capt. Pascual Cervera, a captain of
frigate of the navy was given command of the garrison, under the title
of politico-military governor of Sulu. General Malcampo was given
the title of "Count of Jolo," while many decorations were awarded to
gallant officers, and a medal was struck for each participant in the
campaign.
The step thus taken by the Philippine Government appears to have
been well planned and firmly resolved. No sooner was a footing gained
than measures were undertaken to quarter the troops and fortify the
place. Barracks were constructed on favorable spots on the edge of
the swamps, and the forts Alfonso XII and the Princess of Asturias
were erected on the site of Daniel's and Panglima Adak's kuta, respec-
tively. Plans were further laid out at this early time for the building
of a town and the founding of a colony. Governor Cervera, to whom
this task was first entrusted, was a vigorous, pinident, and circumspect
chief. He prosecuted the work with energy and kept a vigilant watch
on the movements of the enemy. He began the construction of a
military hospital and established the office of captain of the port. Small
expeditions were made to Bwan, Mapaid, Balimbing, and South Ubian
for the chastisement of pirates who took refuge there. The kuta of the
first three of these settlements were destroyed and their armaments
were taken. This year saw considerable sickness in the garrison of Jolo ;
a large number of patients were removed to Zamboanga and 318 to Cebu.
On October 1, Governor Cervera was temporarily relieved as governor
of Sulu by Col. Eduardo Fernandez Bremon, and on December 31, 1876,
Brig. Gen. Jose Paulin assumed permanent command of the garrison as
the second governor of Sulu. The latter continued the peace negotia-
tions which' were commenced by Governor Cervera and expended a good
deal of energy in trying to conciliate some datus and their followers.
His measures were, however, resented by the Sulus and hostilities in-
creased. He left Jolo April 30, 1877, and the command was temporarily
held by Lieut. Lopez Nufio and Jose Marina, for three months and one
month and a half, respectively.
