LUKBAN smashed against a rocky portion of the river and eventually sink . 14
Punitive measures
The major defeat of American forces in Catubig , the first that they suffered in this part of the country , the continued harassment of their troops by the ever-present rebels in the country surrounding the towns , plus the indications that Lukban was getting reinforcements in arms and personnel from Luzon – these were factors that caused the American sub-district commander Maj . Henry Allen to change his strategy and responses to the threats .
His first act was to withdraw the detachment commanded by Capt . Dey from Catarman which had been depleted to 70 . “ This will relieve the pressure on both companies and at the same time put the Laoang garrison in position to make bold and forceful reconnaissance whenever it sees lit anywhere along the north coast ,” said Allen . 15
“ Since landing on Samar , it has been my policy to detach not less than a company as a garrison unless easily accessible to reinforcements . I am now persuaded that here ( where there are no roads ) it is even better to have garrisons larger rather than smaller than that mentioned . In my opinion it is best to occupy comparatively few posts , do it well , so that the effect of example may be thoroughly felt , and be prepared to send out at any time strong detachments wherever any disaffection be reported ,” Allen stated . 16
Then he instructed Gilmore to undertake punitive actions in Catubig and in the vicinity of Catarman to give the people stern lessons about supporting the rebel forces . Since they could not pursue the rebels without getting killed in the process or falling into their devious traps , it was the native population that bore the brunt of such lessons . ” There is no limit to the cruelties that the insurgents have practiced upon those whom they considered friendly to the American Government ; they have spared neither women nor children . Hence , they had to be punished ,” declared Allen . 17
Allen also conducted his own propaganda campaign in bid to win the hearts and minds of the populace , starting with the refutation of Lukban ’ s proclamations which he said , were “ believed by a number of these ignorant people .” In an assembly of people in Calbayog , 77 persons signed a protest citing the methods of Lukban and his followers . This was going to be circulated to other large towns for their endorsement , and would hopefully “ have the advantage of determining the status of many influential natives , who are now wavering in their allegiance .” 18
In Catbalogan , the local officials appointed by the Americans also held a meeting on April 25 , to discuss the means that would suppress the insurrection and restore the tranquility of the island for the sake of
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