History of Arlandica

The history of Arlandica refers to the history of the Kingdom of Arlandica and the land it currently encompasses. Arlandican history is divided into four (4) parts: the pre-Arlandica era, the First era, the Second era, and the current Third era.

Within these periods, they are further subdivided into phases, which are considered sub-periods.

According to the Ministry of Information, responsible for recording the timeline of history, the term "era" traditionally denotes a span of many years. However, in Arlandican history, these distinct eras represent phases integral to the country's historical narrative.

For instance, in the second era part, which lasted only for at least 2 months, Arlandica transitioned from a dictatorial republic into a monarchy. In the following third era part, it is considered the contemporary period (current history).

Arlandica claims to be the successor to and continuation of the Realm of Davao Gulf, which existed from 1800 to 1850. However, it is important to note that there is no factual basis for this claim.

Pre-Arlandica

Datu Bago (1770–1850), National Hero of Arlandica.

Earliest hominin activity in the Philippine archipelago is dated back to at least 709,000 years ago. The areas of what is now Santo Niño City was once a lush forest inhabited by nomadic peoples such as the Bagobos and Matigsalugs. Meanwhile, in the areas of what is now Galrea, Paddaya, and Lémarita, Spanish Empire already occupied most of Luzon earlier before the Europeans landed in Davao.

In the late 1700s, Datu Bago, a Maguindanaon Datu, was granted authority over the Davao Gulf region, locally known as Tagloc, by the sovereign of the Sultanate of Maguindanao as a reward for his support in resisting Spanish colonization. Around 1800, Datu Bago moved to this region, where he gained the allegiance of tribes, including the Bagobos, and established control over the entire Davao Gulf. In 1830, he founded the fortress of Pinagurasan, located in what is now Bangkerohan Public Market, which served as his capital and military base. Over time, this settlement grew into a thriving trade hub, attracting various local tribes.

By 1843, with his dominance firmly established, Datu Bago was crowned Sultan by his followers, creating a virtually independent sultanate over the Davao Gulf region, distinct from the Sultanate of Maguindanao and on equal footing with the Sultanate of Sulu.

Although the Spaniards began exploring the Davao Gulf area as early as the 16th century, Spanish influence in the Davao region remained minimal until 1842. That year, Spanish Governor-General Narciso Clavería ordered the colonization of the Davao Gulf region for the Spanish monarchy.

In April 1848, José Cruz de Uyanguren from Vergara landed at the mouth of the Davao River and took control of the area. Datu Bago resisted the Spaniards but ultimately failed to defend his settlements and was forced to retreat further inland. Spanish control over the Davao Gulf region remained unstable, as Lumad and Moro natives frequently resisted the Spanish authorities’ attempts to resettle them and convert them to Christianity. Datu Bago passed away on March 15, 1850.

After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines became a territory of the United States.

During World War II, the Davao area, like the rest of the Philippines, fell to the Empire of Japan following their initial invasion in December 1941. The tide began to turn in 1944 with General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines, marking the start of the liberation campaign.

With the Japanese surrender in September 1945, the Philippines was granted independence by the United States on July 4, 1946.

Micronational Discovery Phase

Between the years 2017 and 2019, Jerold Garte gained an interest in nation-building projects. He attempted to create one in the backyard of his residence with the name "Arland Republic", but it didn't last long and lacked proclamation documents. He watched micronation-related videos on YouTube and Facebook. Jerold Garte discovered and joined micronational Facebook groups, with plans to announce an official micronation. He was inspired by the Empire of Austenasia, Republic of Molossia, and the Principality of Sealand.

First era

On April 2020, Jerold Garte, on his birthday, announced the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Arland. The first original territory was the surrounding areas of the Arland River, and its territories expanded over the next several years. At that time, he prioritized creating flags and coats of arms. A few months later, Arlandica established its first foreign relations and contacted Vilasia, its neighboring micronation. Arland (or FDRA) began taking some territories in Antarctica, the Davao Gulf, and the Mariana Islands.

Central Square in Santo Niño City under the occupation of Opposition forces during the 2020 coup d'état attempt.

On October 2020, the country adopted Marxism-Leninism as its ideology. However, the administration received many criticisms, and the country experienced instability. Arland joined Accande Terrie Ornindo, becoming the first intergovernmental organization that the country was once a part of.

A month later, Jerold decided to declare martial law to remove all leftist influence and figures within the country (Decommunization). Two months later, Jerold wanted to establish a monarchy, but his sister, Jeanne, disagreed, as she supported the continuation of the republic under the Communist Party. Jeanne attempted to overthrow her brother's leadership by organizing a coup d'état, but she failed to gather enough supporters. The coup marked the beginning of the internal conflict. Jerold was crowned as the monarch, and the Arlandican monarchy was established on December 26, 2020.

Second era

Expansion Phase

On January 2021, Jerold renamed the country from Arland to Arlandica and enacted its first documented constitution, the Basic law. However, it was not enough to fix the problems of his government. Later, Arlandica annexed EstaGrik to add it to its collection of colonies. Including mainland Arlandica, the total amount of land under Arlandican sovereignty reached 2,400,000 km² (930,000 sq mi), with 99% of it concentrated in Antarctic claims. This was its greatest extent so far, in February 2021. The Okasakawan-Arlandican Crisis escalated in the first weeks of that same month after Angelus I, the leader of Okasakawa (now Bagsawa), allegedly interfered with Arlandica's internal affairs. Arlandica later left Accande Terrie Ornindo due to the pressure caused by the Okasakawan leader.

Foreign Intervention Phase

Suleiman became the next monarch of Arlandica, replacing Jerold, after they signed an agreement called the "Arlandic Agreement" in March 2021. It allowed Renderfeit and other foreign states to intervene in the internal affairs of Arlandica. Antarctic claims and other colonies were abandoned until 2022, while EstaGrik became part of Renderfeit. Some supporters and Arlandicans were unhappy about the agreement. They were not consulted, and Suleiman's rule made the country more dependent on Renderfeit. Foreign micronational leaders in the Philippines expressed their interest in Arlandica joining their micronations, with a promise that they could govern the country very well. However, the Arlandican people and Jerold rejected all of their offers.

Two weeks after Suleiman came into power, Jerold formally claimed the title of legitimate head of state for himself. He refused to call himself the "prime minister" and preferred to be called a "monarch." The Arland Crisis occurred due to conflicts between Suleiman and Jerold I. The forces of Arlandica, led by Jerold I, successfully liberated the entire country, restoring its independence. Arlandican nationalism was introduced by Jerold I following the crisis, and it later became the official ideology of the country.

Third era

Pre-Stable Phase

On April 20, 2021, Jerold I declared an absolute monarchy and initiated the process of creating a constitution.

On June 1, 2021, Vilasia annexed Baylosa, an Arlandican province. Arlandica was prepared to send its forces, but an agreement was reached between the two parties, preventing a conflict. However, later that day, Republican Movement rebels, instigated an offensive in the areas of what is now Nueva Bago province, with an aim to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic form of government. This resulted in a battle that ended in a victory for the Arlandican government.

Ruled by Zoe Bernardino, the Galrish Empire initially agreed to join Arlandica as a dependency but later expressed a desire to separate, leading to a battle on September 17, 2021. Arlandican forces, led by Athena Sanidad, clashed with Galrea's Guards in the Battle of Princepium, resulting in a victory for Arlandica. Galrea faced instability onwards.

Arlandica became a member-state of the Commonwealth of South Pacifis on December 9, 2021.

On March 11, 2022, the governments of Arlandica and Vilasia signed a mutual defense and cooperation treaty, forming an alliance for intermicronational defense. Arlandica upholds civilian supremacy and does not maintain a military. As part of the Treaty of Coulman signed in June, Coulman Island was ceded to Vilasia.

On May 23, 2022, King Jerold I enacted the Constitution of Arlandica, marking the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one. On the same day, the Council of State was established as the advisory body to the monarch, and the capital was renamed from Arland City to Santo Niño City.

The Muskobina standoff occurred from May 27, 2022, until January 14, 2023, after Monzen announced its intention to invade and destroy Arlandica. This prompted the Civil Guard to tighten security as a precaution, although the invasion was not executed.

Lémarita joined Arlandica as a province on July 6, 2022. Nueva Bago separated from the Mainland and became a separate province on July 8. Galrea joined on July 20, and Paddaya joined on August 27. Months later, Arlandica transitioned from a principality to a kingdom.

On July 15, 2022, following the formation of the Trans-Arlandic National Bank, the Arlandican dollar was implemented as the country's secondary currency alongside the Philippine peso. Later on July 27, magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck northern Luzon, affecting parts of Lémarita, Paddaya, and Galrea.

The country left the Commonwealth of South Pacifis on September 2, 2022.

Typhoon Neneng struck near Lémarita on October 16, 2022, causing extensive flooding in the province. It damaged a 18-meter bamboo flagpole built by the Arlandican government in Rio Santiago City.

The Republican Movement's guerrilla tactics failed, leading rebels to shift loyalty to the Arlandican Government. On November 19, 2022, General Jay Arce, as authorized by King Jerold I, granted amnesty to former rebels, integrating them into the Civil Guard and marking the end of the Internal conflict with Arlandica's victory.

From July 5 to 18, 2023, a heatwave known as the Lebetaryan Heatwave was experienced in Lémarita, featuring a succession of exceptionally high temperatures. The heat index reached an unprecedented 46°C over the province.

On July 28, 2023, following a constitutional amendment, the territories of Mainland, Galrea, Nueva Bago, and Lémarita underwent expansion, leading to the creation of new territories. Arlandica's territorial claims in Antarctica have been declared dissolved due to their exclusion from current claims and maps, despite the country's expansion of territory in the Philippines. Additionally, the Parliament of Arlandica was established, replacing the Council of State as the supreme decision-making body of the country. King Jerold I inaugurated the first legislative session of the Parliament and appointed its members, known as Governor-Representatives. Just a day after the amendment was enacted, the country witnessed its first successful general elections for the position of the President of the Parliament. Benz Gian Arellano emerged as the sole candidate for the position, resulting in an historic uncontested election. Arellano assumed the position as the first President of the Parliament.

On December 2, 2023, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck eastern Mindanao, affecting the Mainland and Nueva Bago.

After the ratification of an act of Parliament on December 8, 2023, the following day, King Jerold I formally inaugurated the establishment of the Supreme Court. On January 1, 2024, Jerold I decided to declare Rio Santiago City as the legislative capital since the Parliament is based there, although the status is not permanent. On the same day, the Compact for Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Partnership with Hesminia starts its effectiveness. It is an alliance concerning intermicronational defense.

On January 11, 2024, amid chaos and instability in Zakinesia, the Civil Guard's Special Forces intervened by occupying the country's capital, San Sebastian City, as ordered by King Jerold I. The operation was successful, encountering no resistance, and Zakinesia was annexed by Arlandica. Grand Duke Zakia Jacob, the monarch of Zakinesia, accepted the terms set out by King Jerold I. This action is not recognized by all governor-representatives of the parliament, as it is classified as a "secret mission" of the Civil Guard. However, four days later, Arlandica withdrew its annexation, and Zakinesia regained its independence. It is the first micronation to gain independence from Arlandica.

On January 19, 2024, the War in Jalaur River broke out between the Coalition forces and the Principality of Norgain. The Coalition forces are led by Arlandica and Hesminia. It erupted following the offensive of Norgain that captured the territories of Curimae, Hesminia, and some Philippine micronations in Jalaur River. Norgain attempted to take over Corvalon Islands, a territory under the jurisdiction of Galrea, but it was prevented due to the presence of the Civil Guard in the area. Begley Commonwealth joined the coalition forces while they prepared for a counteroffensive. Prince Nico, the monarch of Norgain, surrendered after the start of the counteroffensive. The Peace Treaty of Jalaur was later signed by the belligerents.

On January 25, 2024, Zakinesia became a protectorate of Arlandica after the Treaty of San Sebastian. Zakinesia remains independent but will rely on the country for political, economic, informational assistance, and defense.

Stable Phase

On February 19, 2024, following a constitutional amendment, the lyrics and the title of the national anthem were converted into Cebuano language. The cabinet was established, comprising 4 ministries: the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Information, and the Ministry of Defense.

On April 6, the National People's Party was created, becoming the sole ruling party in the country. Benz Gian Arellano became the Party Leader, and Jeanne was appointed as the leader of the party's youth wing, the Youth for Progress. Among its members is Jerold I, who contributed to the party's creation. Currently, the party occupies the majority of seats in the parliament.

The Sports Committee of Arlandica later joined the Micronational Olympic Federation on April 10.

Arlandica, Vilasia, Zakinesia, and the recently established Kingdom of Courline signed an "Agreement for the Cession" on April 29, 2024. Under the terms of this agreement, Vilasia and Zakinesia would cede all of their Antarctic claims to Courline, which would be acknowledged as a sovereign nation on its own. Later that day, Courline entered into a personal union with Arlandican protectorate status.

The country became a member of the Union Against Micronational War (UAMW) on May 21. The day after, it also became a founding member of the Santo Niño Cooperation Union (SNCU).

On June 6, 2024, Arlandica amended its constitution, adding Filipino and Ilocano as official national languages alongside Cebuano and including new provisions related to territorial integrity. It also established crown dependencies as province-level autonomous areas in the country.

On July 1, Arellano was re-elected as the president of the Parliament for his second term.

On September 7, Jerold I signed an act of Parliament declaring that Arlandica will be registered as a non-profit organization in the macronational world.

Between October 24 and November 12, four typhoons, Trami, Kong-rey, Yinxing, and Toraji, devastated Lémarita and Paddaya as part of 2024 Pacific typhoon season. Marce, the most powerful of the four, crossed Arlandica's territorial waters near the Babuyan Islands. It caused significant infrastructure damage in Rio Santiago City, particularly to the Parliament House and Lémarita Palace.