Remains of Revolutionary Gen. Juan Cailles re-interred at Libingan ng mga Bayani

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Remains of Revolutionary Gen. Juan Cailles re-interred at Libingan ng mga Bayani

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led Saturday the transfer and re-interment of the remains of a former military commander who served during the Philippine Revolution against Spain and the Philippine-American War.

The re-interment of Gen. Juan Cailles took place at about 11 a.m. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City -- at the area where the remains of other generals like him were also buried.

According to NHCP, the decision to transfer Cailles' remains from his original resting place -- also found at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, specifically in the World War II Veterans area -- was made in consideration of his great role and contribution as Filipino military commander during two important episodes in the campaign for Philippine independence.

Although Cailles was born in the Philippines, he was not considered a true-blooded Filipino since his father was a Frenchman while her mother was an Indian national.

“However, the mere fact that he had functioned as one of the true Filipinos serving the country during that time, NHCP decided to accord to him the honor of being buried and given full military honors done with other Filipino generals that is rightfully fitted for him,” Carminda Arevalo, NHCP deputy executive director, told the Philippines News Agency during necrological services for Cailles held Friday evening.

Cailles was born in Nasugbu, Batangas on Nov. 10, 1871.His parents were Hippolyte Cailles, from Lyon, France, and María Caupama, from Kerala, India. He was the sixth among seven children.

He graduated from the Escuela Normal, then ran by the Jesuits in Manila and now called Ateneo De Manila University.

He became a teacher and taught for five years in the public schools of Amaya, Tanza and Rosario, Cavite.

During the 1896 Revolution, he took part in many encounters with the Spaniards, particularly in engagements that resulted in the deaths of his superior officers like Generals Candido Tria Tirona, Edilberto Evangelista and Crispulo Aguinaldo. The braveness he showed during such battles caused his rapid promotion.

In the Battle of Mabitac in Laguna province on Sept. 17, 1900, Cailles’ troops out-maneuvered and routed a strong American contingent led by one Col. Cheetham.

Cailles allowed Cheetham to recover from the field the bodies of eight slain American soldiers, together with all their personal belongings.

After serving as acting chief of operations in the First Military Zone of Manila during the Philippine-American War, Cailles was appointed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as military governor of Laguna and half of Tayabas (now Quezon) province.

The capture of Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901 convinced Cailles that the war was lost, and so he surrendered to the Americans on June 20 of the same year.

He served as governor of Laguna from 1901 to 1910, and also from 1916 to 1925.

After his second term, he was appointed representative of the Mountain Province in the Philippine Legislature in 1925 and reappointed in 1928.

In 1931, Cailles was again elected governor of Laguna, and reelected in 1934.

It was during his term as governor that the Sakdal uprising flared up on May 2, 1935, in Santa Rosa and Cabuyao, Laguna.

The revolt was suppressed through his firm administration and revolutionary experience.

Cailles had a role too in the capture of Teodoro Asedillio, the "Terror of the Sierra Madre."

He died on June 28, 1951 due to a heart attack.

Meanwhile, Lorenza Cailles, one of his 14 children, said, “We feel proud and grateful that finally he will be in the generals' resting place where he rightfully belongs.”

The 83-year-old Lorenza was interviewed by this writer during the necrological rites and tribute held at the mortuary place of Libingan ng mga Bayani Friday evening after his remains were dug from his former resting place.

Also present during the ceremonies were Laguna Gov. Jeorge E.R. Ejercito Estregan, representatives from NHCP, some French and Indian nationals, Cailles children and descendants, among others.

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