The American Era started with a controversial municipal president, Deogracias Belmonte (1901–1903). He was branded as pro-American by the insurrectos headed by Comandante Florencio Eras. Belmonte was almost beheaded on December 8, 1899, in the cemetery of Pandan, Catandauens. However, the father of then Senator Jose O. Vera saved him from execution.