<div class="image-550">
<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-22/american-soldiers-during-moro-campaigns-2.avif" alt="American soldiers battling against Moro fighters" loading="lazy" />
<div>
(American soldiers battling against Moro fighters)
</div>
</div>
<p>
Earlier, following the American occupation of the Northern Philippines in 1899, Spanish forces in the Southern Philippines were abolished, and they retreated to the garrisons at Zamboanga and Jolo.
</p>
<p>
After the Spaniards were overthrown in Zamboanga, a revolutionary government was formed, leading to the creation of the Republic of Zamboanga with General Alvarez at its helm. However, this newly formed republic was short-lived, enduring only until November 1899, as American forces assumed control of Zamboanga in December of the same year.
</p>


May 18, 1899: Americans assumed control over Spanish government in Jolo, Sulu