Sudlon, a historical landmark (Part 1)

CEBUpedia reproduces the article written by historian Publio S. Piedad. This article is contained in the book written in 1965 by Atty. Gervasio L. Lavilles, the brains of the Cebu City Charter. The Cebuanos have forgotten this landmark and may this article inspire its restoration:

“Next to Mactan Island, the most revered spot among Cebuanos is Sudlon. Here, on this tiny ground, a handful of Cebuanos repulsed assault after assault by the American forces at the turn of the century.

“Yet only a small marker now overrun by thick cogon growth on the peak of Sip-ak, and placed there by the students of the Cebu Junior College, University of the Philippines, in 1941, stands as a reminder of Sudlon’s glorious past.

“The dedication on the marker reads:

“‘This tablet marks the spot,

Sudlon,

The last stronghold of the Filipino forces

in Cebu against the American invasion.’

“After the untimely death of Pantaleon Villegas, better known as General Leon Kilat (he took overall command of the Cebuano revolutionary forces after the declaration of hostilities against Spain on April 3, 1898), the remaining strength under his command dispersed. Later, these forces regrouped and established headquarters in the fastness of Sudlon. Using this spot as a base of operations, they attacked the Spaniards in the lowlands. At one time, the casadores under General Montejo made a desperate attempt to follow the retreating Revolucionarios, but they were held at bay by Captain Rafael Tabal and his men in the rugged hills of Pardo. Sporadic encounters continued for months. But at the height of the Insurrection, when the Spanish forces were practically confined in Fort San Pedro, the American occupation troops landed in Cebu. This was in the first week of February 1899.

“The Revolucionarios, then were to face a much stronger enemy who had superior arms and more manpower. The intensive bombardment that followed from the American warships “Boston”, “Charleston”, “Baltimore”, and “Managnoc” gave the Insurgents a foretaste of what was to come. Their advance post at San Nicolas had to be withdrawn to Pardo Church, making the crossroad at Kinasang-an as a no-man’s land.” (To be continued)