Leales Tiradores de Iloilo

[agmohio]

Hello Friends!
I am looking for information about a Spanish era unit that I think was made up of Filipino soldiers known as the "Leales Tiradores de Iloilo". When were they formed and what was their history? How big was the unit; company, battalion? When did they stop being "Loyal" and went over to the Independence forces? I have a friend that is cataloging the Spanish battle flags in the Army Museum in Madrid / Toledo. They have the unit flag but no history on the unit. I and my friend would be grateful for any information you may have.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.
¡Viva España!
Bill Combs

[sumaquel]

Hi

I am not so sure on this but perhaps this group of Luna's Sharpshooters belongs to the "Leales Tiradores de Iloilo" they earned instant promotion to the rank of the Tiradores of the Republican Army.(What was their credential, why did they instantly lined-up on the special forces of the army?---as Tiradores---)

Page 154-155 of Vivencio Jose(quoted on Gen. Jose Alejandrinos Memoir)The rise and fall of Antonio Luna

"One time a group of eighty infantrymen(two companies of troops under Captains Marquez and Jaro)were sent on February 11 by the secretary of war to Luna who was then staying at Polo. These infantrymen formerly belonged to the Spanish army in garrison duty in the southern islands(somewhere in the visayas--could this be in Iloilo he he he--)Disarmed by the Americans, they were later taken to Luzon and left at mariveles. Arriving at Polo. the infantrymen requested Luna that they all be commissioned in the army of the Republic and that their non-commissioned officers be raised to full officers. Seeing their desire reasonable, Luna agreed. From this group emerged the Luna Sharpshooters(Tiradores de Luna)who became famous for fighting boldly and determinedly in all their encounters afterwards.

Macky