Rebolusyon!

Chapter 6

**Transition, Adaptation, and Recapture**

---

*10:00 AM*

*Friday, January 17th, 1896*

**Municipality of Polillo, Polillo Island**

*Polillo Municipal Hall*

As the first rays of morning light pierced through the windows of the Polillo Municipal Hall, a significant event unfolded inside the historic building. For the first time, the High Council of the newly formed Interim Government Council of the Republic of the Philippines convened to tackle the challenges facing their nascent government. This gathering marked a crucial step in organizing and stabilizing their administration as they prepared for the inevitable conflicts ahead.

Head Councilor and Brigadier General Otto Del Castro, alongside Vice Councilor Arturo Jose Patio, presided over the meeting. The room was filled with a sense of purpose and urgency, as the carefully selected officials took their places around a long, polished table. Each of them was an expert in their respective fields, chosen for their experience and dedication to their roles.

Seated at the table were:

- **Sarah Silangan**: Education Department
- **Eng. Joven Laureño**: Public Works and Infrastructure Department
- **Atty. James Mario Tabungan**: Labor and Employment Department
- **Dr. Manalo Vicente**: Research and Development Department
- **Christian Reyes**: Communication and Public Affairs Department
- **Lt. Colonel Quinito Santos**: Defense and Security Department
- **Dr. Rica Dimaculangan**: Health Department
- **Prof. Raymundo Vien Lee**: Environment and Resources Department
- **Joselito Abril**: Foreign Affairs Department
- **Mariano Lim**: Agriculture Department
- **Marisa Martinez**: Budget, Finances, and Commerce Department

The meeting began with a round of introductions, each councilor briefly outlining their background and areas of expertise. Once formalities were over, the discussion shifted to pressing issues and strategic plans.

**Lieutenant Colonel Quinito Santos** was the first to speak, his voice firm and authoritative. "With Operation Sierra Madre underway and the recent success of retaking Infanta, we must anticipate a potential Spanish retaliation in the coming weeks or months. While our current military capabilities, including advanced equipment and weapons, are formidable, I am concerned about the possibility of international interference. We need to bolster our troop numbers, expand our naval and aerial assets, and enhance our land forces to prepare for any external threats."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Although resources are scarce, we can achieve these goals once we have secured control over the entire country. For now, our focus will be on establishing a robust volunteer army with the support of the EPSC. Additionally, we need to plan for significant military reforms, but these will be deferred until we have regained full control of the Philippines."

**Christian Reyes**, Councilor of the Communication and Public Affairs Department, took the floor next. "The ongoing crisis has severely disrupted communication, leading to unrest among the populace. We have managed to restore local networks with the help of local broadcasters, and we have provided updates on the situation in our municipality. Despite our efforts, some citizens remain fearful and skeptical, especially regarding potential foreign intervention. While unrest has decreased, we must continue to work on rebuilding trust and ensuring stability."

He added, "We anticipate that as we make progress, the populace will gradually come to terms with the new reality. However, it will take time to fully stabilize the situation."

**Dr. Rica Dimaculangan** of the Health Department addressed the council with concern. "We have witnessed a significant rise in cases of mental health issues, including stress and depression, due to the current crisis. Thankfully, most cases are manageable, and we have been able to provide assistance. Our main concern now is ensuring a steady supply of medicine, specialized equipment, and other health resources. We plan to collaborate with the Research and Development Department to address these needs, given the advanced nature of our equipment. Additionally, we are dispatching experts and volunteers to Infanta to address local health concerns, with plans to expand to other towns and provinces as we secure them."