Rebolusyon!

Chapter 5

**Operation Sierra Madre**

*Sunday, January 12th, 1896*

---

Four days after the strategy meeting, the military had finalized its campaign plan to reclaim the Philippines. The plan was to establish a local army, trained by EPSC soldiers and equipped with necessary supplies. This new force would be named the Philippine Volunteers Army.

Before the army could be fully established, however, three key towns—Mauban, Infanta, and Baler—needed to be captured. These towns were critical to the campaign, and control over them was essential for any subsequent operations. As night fell, settlers and Spanish soldiers alike were unaware of the impending storm that would soon catch them off guard.

---

*Monday, January 13th, 1896*

*2:00 AM*

*Infanta, Tayabas (Quezon Province)*

In the deep of night, while the people of Infanta slept soundly, a drone—unseen and unheard—hovered high above the town, gathering crucial data and information. Its high altitude and minimal noise ensured it remained unnoticed by the guards below, who relied on dim lanterns and torches to survey the darkness.

Nearby, the BRP Conrado Yap and BRP Fidel V. Ramos lay anchored off the coast. The crews of these ships deployed fast attack crafts carrying soldiers from the EPSC 2nd Army Battalion. As they reached the shore, the 1st and 2nd platoons disembarked and began setting up a secure perimeter, their movements muted by the dense jungle surrounding them. The night was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal calls, the wind whispering through the foliage as they made their way inland.

The two platoons were tasked with distinct objectives: eliminate threats, secure the towns, and prepare for reinforcements. Armed with suppressed M4 carbines and equipped with night vision and thermal scopes, the soldiers moved silently through the shadows, their breaths visible in the cool night air.

Clad in camouflage uniforms and body armor, the platoon leaders met briefly by the light of a flashlight, their map spread between them. Lieutenant Carding Feliciano of the 1st Platoon began, "Our primary goal is to assert control over Infanta and the surrounding area. The main town, located south of the Agos River, has around 3,000 residents. To the north, adjacent to the river, lies a village that will become part of the future General Nakar Municipality. This village has approximately 1,000 people and is currently defended by a smaller garrison of about 30 Guardia Civil. My platoon will handle the main town—neutralizing enemies, capturing local authorities, and securing the area. The 2nd Platoon will focus on the village, which we’ll refer to as Nakar for now. They are expected to clear their objective quickly and then send half their force to assist with the main town."

Lieutenant Arnold Linga nodded in agreement. "What about the borders? With our limited numbers, there might be Spanish troops trying to slip past us. If some manage to escape, they could alert nearby Spanish forces."

Lieutenant Carding replied, "Command has assigned a small contingent of Scout Rangers to monitor the borders. They are stationed at the main road and key choke points—north, west, and south—to ensure no one escapes Infanta. While some enemies might attempt to evade capture by wandering the rugged terrain or the jungle, they will face significant challenges. The wild animals and harsh conditions make survival unlikely. Additionally, military drones will keep watch over the main road."

Lieutenant Arnold considered this, glancing at the dense foliage that seemed to close in around them. "What about the Spanish forces in the town?"

Lieutenant Carding continued, "According to our drone observations, the Spanish garrison in Infanta is stationed near the Limestone Church. There are approximately 40 regular Spanish troops and around 60 Guardia Civil stationed there. The regular troops are armed with Spanish M93 rifles and Remington rolling block rifles. Although these weapons are outdated, they are still highly lethal and require us to proceed with extreme caution. The Guardia Civil’s armament varies significantly—some carry older rifles, while others have bolos or even improvised weapons."