Telesforo Cabrera Orig

Balilihan during the American Occupation: — On November 12, 1900 an American force from Antequera was known to be coming to Balilihan. All officials of the town, with a brass band, were prepared to greet them. When the American force arrived, all the town officials were gathered and guarded in the municipio. The town was burned because the foreign troopers learned that the town played a great role in supporting the insurgents. Officials like Capitan Antonio Racho, Secretary Manuel Diamante and Councilors Esteban Ibarra, Telesforo Orig, Protasio Calope, Pastor Cabrera (also known as Pastor Orig), Nicolas Bersamen, Ruperto Racho, Antonio Lacea, Proceso Racho, Dionisio Madanguit, and all members of the band were investigated within closed doors. The pleading to save the town from being burned made by Mr. Segundo S. Racho, who acted as the group's spokesman and interpreter was of no avail. These officials were ordered to move toward Sevilla while the civilians ran for safety to the outskirts of the town.