The Philippine Flag flies over Mindanao

26 December 1898

Surigao City

Colonial Evacuation
The successes of the Filipino Revolutionaries in Luzon and Visayas quickly spread throughout the country. The rising of local Katipunan chapters, mostly organized after the start of the revolution, overwhelmed the spread-out Spanish Forces that were garrisoned in different towns and cities. The proclamation by Aguinaldo of a dictatorial government, the defeat of the Spanish against the Americans in Manila Bay and Cuba, and other similar events eventually led to officials and clergy abandoning their posts.

This was the story that transpired in Surigao, then the capital of the Caraga. On 23 December 1898, the Spanish Governor ordered the evacuation of his people, and a provisional Filipino Junta took over control of the region.

The Flag flies over the Land of Promise
On 26 December 1898, Fr. Alberto Masoliver, SJ, the parish priest of Surigao noted that the Philippine Flag, the flag that Aguinaldo waived during the proclamation of our independence, was raised at the Casa Real of Surigaom the seat of government of Caraga, which also had jurisdiction over Butuan and Cagayan de Oro. This is recognized as the first instance of the Philippine flag hoisted in Mindanao.