"So what is the truth about Diego Silang?"
We all know Gabriela Silang, who gained more followers for his troops after his death by—yep, you guessed it—the betrayal of his fellow Filipino and close friend, Miguel Vicos. (Puñeta, ang sakit ng kasaysayan).
However, I went to 3 different internet sources and found 2 different perspective on the Britian-Ilocos relationship.
Wikipedia and Kahimyang briefly mentioned that Diego Silang joined forces with the British during the "Capture of Manila", something that most history classes skip.
Another source never mentioned anything about the British "occupation" or "capture"
Then, a book from my elementary days (couldn't find it, sorry) mentioned that the Silangs fought against the British.
For the lack of sources, I think the former sources are the most factual.
But of course, one fact is common. It is that Diego Silang formed this liberation group to fight against the Spaniards and the Catholic Church who were abusing the Ilocanos by huge tax, slavery, and suppressive monopolies (reminder, this is 1760s, not 2025. Baka lang malito kayo. hehe).
Now there are things I want to clarify, and I hope to find it when I visit the National Library.
1.) Did Diego Silang form the liberation group way before the British came?
2.) The British apparently promised Military aid, but with the way they lost even with Gabriela's recruits, did the British actually provide them?
3.) Would Diego's insurgence still happen even without the surprising meddling of Britain? Or did the meddling of the British forces alarm the Spanish troops, causing the Silangs' revolution to fail?
4.) Are the British even worth mentioning here?