PHILIPPINE REBELS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22100, 4 May 1935, Page 13

PHILIPPINE REBELS

INDEPENDENCE ISSUE FIGHTING IN PROVINCES NEW CONSTITUTION OPPOSED (Received May 3, 9.5 p.m.) MANILA, May 2 Fighting in which several persons were wounded developed to-day as the Sakdalistas —members of an extremist organisation opposed to ratification of the proposed Constitution —rebelled in the provinces. Four members of the Philippine Constabulary and two " boys " wero taken to hospital. News of the fighting Came slowly to Manila over the disrupted communications system, the telephone wires north and south of Manila having been severed and the radio in the Bulacan Province being silent. American troops took up stations in Manila in order to protedt property, on the strength of alarming reports that the Sakdalistas intended to invade the city. The Sakdalistas, who have been campaigning against the Government, allege that taxes are too high and that the condition of the poor has become worse under the indirect manner of granting the Philippines independence. •

Reports to hand late to-night state that five persons were killed, including a member of the constabulary, and eight wounded: also that 33 people were arrested.

The revolt, which involved five provinces, is declared to have been quelled.