Artemio Ricarte was a general during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War. He is considered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the "Father of the Philippine Army".

ARTEMIO RICARTE

After the start of the Philippine Revolution, Ricarte led the revolutionists in attacking the Spanish garrison in San Francisco de Malabon. Ricarte led his men in various battles in Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.

When the Philippine-American War started, he was Chief of Operations of the Philippine forces in the second zone around Manila. In July 1900 he was captured in Manila and deported to Guam together with Apolinario Mabini.

In early 1903, both Ricarte and Mabini would be allowed back in to the Philippines upon taking the oath of allegiance to America. Mabini, who was ill, took the oath but Ricarte refused. Ricarte was set free but banned from the Philippines. In December 1903, Ricarte returned to the Philippines . Ricarte planned to reunite with former members of the army and rekindle the Philippine Revolution. The Americans were notified of his plans and a reward for US$10,000 was issued for Ricarte's capture, dead or alive.

In March 1904 Ricarte was arrested and jailed. Due to good behaviour, Ricarte served only 6 of his 11 year sentence. He was again ordered to pledge his oath of allegiance to the United States. He still refused to swear allegiance and he was again deported to Hong Kong.

20 October 1866

to 31 July 1945