The Spanish Flag’s Lowering in Jolo

22 May 1899

Sulu

The Spanish presence in Jolo was met with resistance from the local Muslim population, including the Tausugs, who were led by their local leaders. They resisted the Spanish colonizers efforts to Christianize the region.

The Spanish flag was officially lowered while the Sulu archipelago was transferred to the Sulu Sultanate. However, much to the surprise of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II, a company of the United States army arrived and raised its flag in Jolo, signifying the formal transfer of control from Spain to the United States.