Igorot revolt

The Igorot Revolt of 1601 (Filipino: Aklasan ng mga Igorot) was a failed expedition in 1601 by Spain in an attempt to subjugate and Christianize the Igorot people of northern Luzon, in the Philippines. The term "revolt" is a misnomer owing to the independence of the Igorots at the time.^[1] The Spanish colonial government considered themselves the legitimate government in the entire Philippines and considered any resistance to be illegal.^[3]

On November 1601, Governor-General Francisco de Tello de Guzmán sent Lt. Mateo de Aranda with Spanish and Filipino colonial troops. The Spaniards were determined to convert the Igorots to Christianity. Another reason for their desire to colonize the Igorots were the presence of gold and the tobacco monopoly in the Cordillera, which the Igorots typically use for ornament and trading.^[4]

The expedition was ambushed by 3,000 Igorot warriors who were prepared for a military response, foiling the expedition. Over the next three centuries, Spain would undertake more expeditions into the Cordillera region, with minimal success.^[5]