Abstract

Examining the border as governmentality during American colonialism in the Philippines, this study argues that while American and Filipino bureaucrats sought to control and safeguard the southwestern border of the Philippines from various forms of threats, some Moros and Chinese evaded this through smuggling (i.e. opium and Chinese coolies) and illegal immigration. The colonial powers carved the southern borders through treaties and agreements to legitimize access to the resources of their respective colonies. However, the Americans wanted to control some islands like Baguan (in Turtle Islands) to protect the archipelago from threats posed by illicit activities like smuggling. While authorities-imposed customs and immigration laws along the border, they also faced challenges in monitoring impending threats including active resistance to existing laws and the lack of government support for customs services.