The name "Hukbalap" is a combination of words that means "People's Anti-Japanese Army." The movement grew initially out of a growing peasant unification movement designed to protest the injustices perpetrated by the ruling class. By 1930 10% of the country's entire population lived under the thumb of the landlords on Luzon's central rice farming plain. With the profits split between Philippino rulers and their American backers, there began an effort to squeeze more money in to the system.

Luzon, the main island of the Philippines

Up until the mid 1920's the peasants had lived in an almost feudal society, tenant farming rice for the landlords in return for a share of the crop. They recieved 45% of the harvest and no-interest loans during the dry season. The relationship was quite paternalistic, with everyone satisfied. However, things changed as several factors took hold on the agricultural society. Most notably, during the dry season when things most difficult food loans came with heavy interest or not at all. Rates of 200% were not unheard of, and so the people moved about the countyside searching for a decent place to live. They spent their lives in deep debt and in danger of starvation. This change was a result of four factors:

1. Population Growth which allowed for lower wages while maintaining consistent demand.

2. Government Aid to the landlords kept them above reproach, employing the Philippine Constabulary as an Army against the peasants.

3. Growing Capitalism usurped traditional values

4. American Colonialism buttressed the corrupt society with overseas interest. American interests had much to lose if the farmers managed to upset the system.

American soldiers administer "The Water Cure" torture to a Philippino Nationalist

A cartoon about American imperialist politics, satirizing "The Water Cure"

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