Author Topic: Punishment for Deserters of Military Draft  (Read 1035 times)

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Punishment for Deserters of Military Draft
« on: August 28, 2008, 10:22:05 AM »
By Jes Tirol
Bohol Chronicle

Bohol During the Spanish Period
Part 9. Punishment for Deserters of Military Draft

Proem

Our present day laws requires all male citizens reaching the age of 18 years to undergo military training. However, this requirement is hardly implemented for the reason that the government can not afford the expense of conducting military training.

However, during Spanish times in the Philippines, there was such a thing known as quinto or five.

Spanish Quinto

The word quinto means five. All male Filipinos from ages 18 to 25 were qualified to be selected for the yearly military draft known as quinto. The exempted where those who were married and those who were the sole bread winner of the family.

All those who were qualified were listed for every town. Only one out of every five will be taken in for military service. That was why it was called as quinto. The selection was by drawing of lots.

Penalty

The penalty for dodging the quinto was the following: 1) An imprisonment for six (6) months to be assigned at hard labor in a public works project. 2). To pay for the expense of the search, capture, and transport of the fugitive. This is the most burdensome part because you would not know how much will be the amount.

Why would some Boholanos try to evade the quinto? It is because you have an uncertain future. You would not know where you will be assigned and you will serve the military as long as you are physically fit. After your service in the military you do not have any pension or any means of support. To be selected as a quinto was considered as a kind of "life sentence."

Maybe it was the reason why during Spanish times many Boholanos would try to marry early in life. A married man was not included in the quinto.

An Example


On May 9, 1856 there was a call for quintos. On October 8, 1856, the governor of Bohol, Don Guillermo Krikpatrick implemented it. On October 14, 156 the notice was publish at the Ubay, Bohol Town Hall.

Two of those who were selected dodged the military draft. They were: 1) Anselmo Cutamura, single, 21 years old, and a fisherman. He was a naitve of Talibon, Bohol but already a resident of Ubay, Bohol. 2) Fausto Duran, single, 25 years old, and a fisherman. He was a native of Maasin, Leyte and already a resident of Ubay, Bohol.

When these two people did not report for enlistment, the Gobernadorcillo (Mayor) of Ubay, Bohol, Don Vicente Buyser was ordered to bring their parents, relatives, and teachers to come to Tagbilaran, Bohol to explain the desertion. They were given one month to produce the two before they will be declared as fugitives.

Pedro Cutamora, the father of deserter Anselo Cutamora informed the governor that his son escaped to Maasin, Layte and he do not know where was his particular location.

Jose Duran, the father of deserter Fausto Duran informed the governor that his son asked permission from the Gobernadorcillo to go to Maasin, Leyte because he wanted to participate in the quinto drawing of lots at his native place. However, he did not go there but instead went to Baybay, Leyte because actually he did not want to be a solider.

Comment

The imprisonment of six (6) months and assigned in hard labor in public works seem to be a light penalty. However, the provision that you will pay for the expense of the search, capture and transport is very heavy if you are caught. In all probability you and your parents could not afford to pay the cost and you will rot in jail until you will be able to pay.

During that time, a Boholano can be easily identified because all travelers from Bohol must have a passport. If you arrive in another province without a passport, a Boholano will be arrested. Maybe Fausto Duran thought that he had an advantage because he was from Leyte and he escaped to Leyte. If he would change his name, he will still have the disadvantage of not being legally married because he must have his name verified in the Baptismal Book.

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