Hard War in Jolo

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the murderous war between American troops and the Tausug Moros on Jolo Island, 1903–1906. It begins by discussing Panglima Hassan’s failed efforts to nurture a working relationship with Sulu governor Hugh Lenox Scott. It goes on to list specific do’s and don’ts in fighting small wars. Governor Scott and Gen. Wood committed many of the “don’ts.” They initially failed to consider the centrality of arbitration to the Tausug datu system, how the abolition of debt peonage threatened datus, and how imposition of the cedula tax offended Tausug religious sensibilities. Despite numerous American victories against Hassan and other Tausug Moros, the insurgency grew and spread into a reign of terror. Its horrifying climax came in March 1906 with the massacre of 700–900 Moro men, women, and children on a volcanic peak called Bud (Mt.) Dajo.