Ambrosio B. Somoza Negros Oriental Hero

 

Ambrosio B. Somoza was a prominent patriot of the Negros Revolution and a key figure in the establishment of the Cantonal Republic of Negros in 1898. During this pivotal period that ended Spanish colonial rule on the island, Somoza held vital roles that leveraged his local authority and diplomatic skills. He served as the Capitan Municipal of Manjuyod in Negros Oriental, a position equivalent to a town mayor, which provided him with a crucial base of influence in the northern part of the province to support the revolutionary cause. Furthermore, he acted as an envoy of the revolution, facilitating necessary communication, coordination, and diplomacy among various revolutionary leaders and towns.

 

Somoza was instrumental in the military and political maneuvers that led to the swift liberation of Negros Oriental. He was part of the forces led by General Don Diego de la Viña (or Dr. Jose de la Viña), and his efforts contributed to the successful coalition with local insurgents from Bais, led by General Sergio Lopez Sinco and Hermenigildo Teves Villanueva Jr. This unified front was essential for the successful, and largely peaceful, takeover of the provincial capital, Dumaguete, on November 24, 1898.

 

Following the successful revolution, Somoza, along with figures like Dr. Jose de la Viña and Luis Rotea, played an important part in the provisional government of the short-lived Cantonal Republic of Negros. He is remembered and honored today in Negros Oriental as a symbol of courage and unity for his service and significant contributions to the island's brief period of self-governance.