 The British had established trading centres in Jolo by the 19th century and the French were offering to purchase Basilan Island from the Spanish government.On 21 February 1876, the Spaniards assembled the largest contingent against Jolo, consisting of 9,000 soldiers in 11 transports, 11 gunboats, and 11 steamboats.Headed by Admiral Jose Malcampo, they captured Jolo and established a Spanish settlement.