The Macabebes proved themselves reliable over the next two months, and Batson formed five (5) companies of one hundred twenty-eight (128) men each; all veterans of service in the Spanish Army. The Batsons Macabebe companies saw combat against Aguinaldos forces beginning in October 1899, after which they were reorganized into the Philippine Cavalry Squadron and enlisted as irregulars. The Macabebes won lasting notability in the operation under General Frederick Funston to capture General Emilio Aguinaldo. reading the caption above, would it not be fitting and proper to say, they were the first mercenaries in the philippines, then paid by Spain and latter on by America to help the war against Filipino Revolutionists? no offense, no malice, just soliciting an opinion.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:30:02 +0000