Francisco Dagohoy, a Filipino revolutionary leader in Bohol, led the longest armed revolution in the history of the Philippines. Known as the Dagohoy rebellion, this rebellion lasted around 85 years from 1744-1829. Francisco Sendrijas, also known as Dagohoy, was born in Inabanga, Bohol. However, there is limited information available about his life other than his role as a cabeza de barangay. According to Visayan folklore, the name “Dagohoy” comes from the words Dagon and Hayohoy which mean amulet and wind.
During those times, the people of Bohol believed that Francisco possessed a talisman which granted him the ability to fly. This talisman was then referred to as “Dagon sa Hayohoy” or the “amulet of the wind”, and eventually became known as “Dagohoy”. The rebellion led by Dagohoy lasted for 85 years and was sparked by the oppressive treatment inflicted upon the native Boholanos by the Spanish authorities. This mistreatment included forced labor known as “polo y servicios” and excessive taxation policies imposed by tyrannical government officials.
Yet, what may have ultimately pushed Dagohoy over the edge was when his brother passed away and was denied a Christian burial by the Roman Catholic Church because of his involvement in a prohibited and condemned duel. This event infuriated Dagohoy, prompting him to gather Boholano leaders for a discussion and formulate a rebellion against Spain. The revolt, which lasted for 85 years, commenced on January 24, 1744, with the killing of Giuseppe Lamberti – an Italian Jesuit priest who served as Jagna’s parish priest.
News of the armed conflict in the province spread rapidly. Dagohoy, who had been denied a Christian burial for his brother, ultimately killed Gaspar Morales, the priest. This act increased Dagohoy’s popularity and led to a significant rise in followers. By the time Spanish authorities in Manila intervened, Dagohoy had established a separate Boholano government in the mountainous regions of Bohol and commanded an impressive army of 20,000 men.
Dagohoy successfully defeated multiple Spanish military expeditions in their mountainous and valley territory. Despite the efforts of 20 Spanish-governor generals, the rebellion led by Dagohoy remained resilient and none were able to eradicate it. Although Dagohoy, the great leader, passed away during the middle of the rebellion, his followers carried on the fight for freedom and equality until they were ultimately defeated in 1829 under Governor-General Mariano Ricafort’s rule. As a result, 19,240 surviving revolutionists received pardons, officially concluding the Dagohoy rebellion.
