Tomas Mascardo

Tomas Mascardo (October 9, 1871 – July 7, 1932) was a Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution. He led the battles against the Spaniards from the start of the revolution and became a governor of Cavite from 1910 to 1912.

Biography

Early years

Mascardo was the son of Valentin Mascardo and Dolores Echenique, who had seven children. He finished his bachelor’s degree in Philippine Normal University in Manila and became a teacher in Amadeo, Cavite.

Philippine Revolution battles

Mascardo joined the revolution against the Spaniards. He was given orders by General Emilio Aguinaldo to attack a Spanish stronghold in Tanauan, Batangas, where the general was awed on Mascardo’s courage. Mascardo, together with his commander, General Edilberto Evangelista, fought in the Battle of Zapote on February 17, 1897. Unfortunately, Evangelista was killed while Mascardo was wounded. After Miguel Liedo was captured and sentenced to death by the Spaniards, Mascardo took over Liedo’s post as chief of the revolutionary intelligence service.

As a general during American Occupation

In Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales, Mascardo was assigned as commanding general of the revolutionary forces and had a barracks at Bagac, Bataan. Aguinaldo was captured by the American on March 23, 1901 in Palanan, Isabela. Mascardo sent Major Manuel L. Quezon to verify the news about Aguinaldo’s capture and talk to Aguinaldo for final orders because Mascardo was ordered to surrender to the Americans. Quezon was able to meet Aguinaldo in a room at the Malacanang Palace where he was detained. After relaying Mascardo’s message to Aguinaldo, Quezon was instructed by Aguinaldo to tell to Mascardo that decision to surrender or not is Mascardo’s call to make. Mascardo decided to surrender after hearing Aguinaldo’s message through Quezon. On May 15, 1901, Mascardo surrendered to the Americans to keep his men from total destruction. Also, he calculated that he had a deficiency in weapons to battle the Americans and he would face a sure defeat.

Political career and death

Mascardo returned to Cavite when he was released by the Americans. After being influenced to go in politics, he won a gubernatorial seat in Cavite and held it from 1910 to 1912. He lived a private life after retiring in politics. He married Carmen Topavio of Imus, Cavite and had eight children. On July 7, 1932, heart disease ended his life.

References

*Quirino, Carlos. Who's who in Philippine History. Manila: Tahanan Books, 1995.
* [http://www.geocities.com/kabitenyo1/kabite5e.htm Tomas Mascardo (1871-1932)]