Tomás Mascardo

Tomas Mascardo (October 9, 1871 – July 7, 1932) was a Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War. He joined the fight against the Spaniards since the start of the revolution. He later became a one-term governor of Cavite from 1910 to 1912.

Early years
Mascardo was born in the town of Kawit, Cavite province to Valentin Mascardo and Dolores Echenique. The affluent couple, a landowner and a rice dealer, respectively, had a total of seven children. Tomas finished his teacher's diploma from Escuela Normal in Manila and became a teacher at the barrio school of Halang in Amadeo, Cavite.

Philippine revolution
Mascardo joined the revolution against the Spaniards from the beginning. He became the chief of the revolutionary intelligence service in Manila, succeeding Miguel Liedo who was captured and sentenced to death by the Spaniards. He was ordered by General Emilio Aguinaldo to attack a Spanish stronghold in Tanauan, Batangas, where the general was awed by Mascardo’s courage. In time, he was promoted to brigadier general. Mascardo, together with his commander, General Edilberto Evangelista, fought at the Battle of Zapote Bridge on February 17, 1897 where Evangelista was killed and Mascardo, wounded.

War against the Americans
During the Philippine-American War, Mascardo was assigned as commanding general of the revolutionary forces in Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales provinces with barracks in Bagac, Bataan. Following Aguinaldo's capture by the Americans on March 23, 1901 in Palanan, Isabela, he ordered a subordinate Major Manuel L. Quezon to surrender as well so he can verify the capture and if so, consult Aguinaldo for final orders as there was also an order for Mascardo to surrender. Quezon was able to meet Aguinaldo in a room at the Malacañang Palace where he was detained. After relaying Mascardo’s message, Aguinaldo instructed Quezon that the decision to surrender is up to Mascardo, himself. On May 15, 1901, he surrendered to the Americans. He calculated that their deficiency in weaponry would mean sure defeat from the well-armed Americans.

Political career and death
Mascardo returned to Cavite following his release by the Americans. He was influenced to enter politics, and won the gubernatorial seat of Cavite, a post he held from 1910 to 1912. He retired and lived a private life after only one term. On July 7, 1932, he died from a heart disease.

Personal life
Tomas Mascardo was married to Carmen Topacio of Imus, Cavite. The couple had eight children - Modesto, Dominador (who became a general), Petra, Pura, Jaime, Tomas, Salvador (a former collector of customs at the Manila International Airport), and Emiliano.