Free Ilocos was a state in Northern Luzon which was declared independent by revolutionary Diego Silang in December 14, 1762. Villa Fernandina (now Vigan) was designated as the capital of the independent state.[1][2][3] Diego Silang led a revolt to liberate Ilocos from Spanish colonial rule taking advantage of the Spanish colonial government's momentary loss due to the British occupation of Manila. Diego Silang accepted an offer of protection and friendship sent by the British Governor of Manila, Dawsonne Drake, on September 24, 1762.[4] Free Ilocos was effectively disestablished upon Diego Silang's assassination in 1763.

Free Ilocos
1762–1763
StatusBritish Protectorate
CapitalVilla Fernandina
Common languagesIlocano, Spanish
Governor 
• 1761–1763
Diego Silang
History 
• Established
December 14, 1762
• Disestablished
May 28, 1763
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Spanish Philippines
Spanish Philippines
Today part ofPhilippines

References edit

  1. ^ Zaragoza, Ramón Ma. "History of Villa Fernandina II". Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture. 2004. 8 (3). Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  2. ^ Bloom, et al. ], Greg (2009). Philippines (10th ed.). Footscray, Vic.: Lonely Planet. p. 145. ISBN 978-1742203706.
  3. ^ Woods, Damon L. (2006). The Philippines : a global studies handbook. Santa Barbara, Calif. [u.a.]: ABC-Clio. p. 192. ISBN 1851096752. Diego Silang a Ilocano from Pangasinan along leaders from the Ilocos region, Abra and Cagayan led a revolt in Northern Luzon. He proclaimed Vigan the capital of Free Ilocos and was recognized by the British
  4. ^ "Ilocano Cultural Orientation". Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. July 2006. p. 6. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)