After Kilat's execution, Maxilom continued the revolution in Cebu as second in command. The Katipunan regrouped in the then impenetrable, mountainous central part of Cebu island which now part of the central highlands. On 16 December 1898, Maxilom wrote a letter to the Spanish authorities in Cebu, demanding the latter to surrender. The Spaniards quickly responded, weary after incessant fighting and on the impending defeat of the Spanish forces by the Americans overseas, on Christmas Eve of the same year, the Spaniards had left, leaving behind only three Catholic clerics.