THE REVOLUTION

PHASE 1

The Katipunan became especially popular in the suburbs of Manila and in the provinces of Central Luzon. But as the number of its affiliates increased, the Spanish authorities began to suspect its underground character. The friars began to denounce the nightly meeting held by the Katipuneros and on August 19, 1896, Teodoro Patino exposed the society to Fr. Mariano Gil. With the discovery of the Katipunan, Bonifacio had no other alternative than to take to the field and on August 23, at Pugadlawin, he and his men declared their intention to fight to the bitter end. The revolution spread to other provinces. In Cavite, meanwhile, the two fanctions of the society were at loggerheads and Bonifacio was invited to mediate between them. At Tejeros, it was agreed to change the society with government responsive to the demands of the times, and in the election that followed Bonifacio was chosen Director of the Interior. Unfortunately, his election was questioned by Daniel Tirona. Bonifacio, hurt by the insult, declared the results of the election null and void. In april, he was ordered arrested, tried and executed. The Filipinos at the time losing battle after battle, Aguinaldo retreated to Biyak-na-bato, where the Republic was founded. Later, in December, the Truce of Biyak-na-Bato was concluded between the rebels and the Spanish Government. The truce, however, was a failure.

Rizal and the Revolution

Bonifacio wanted Rizal’s personal opinion on the necessity of rising in arms against the Spaniards.

He, therefore, commissioned Dr. Pio Valenzuela to go to Dapitan in June 1896 to confer with Rizal.

Dr. Pio Valenzuela revealed the real purpose of his visit. He then related the founding of the Katipunan and its aims, among which was to overthrow Spanish authority.

Rizal pointed out that a revolution without sufficient arms should not be started against an armed nation.He suggested that influential and wealthy Filipinos be attracted to the cause of the society in order to ensure the success of the revolution.

He suggested that Antonio Luna be appointed to direct all military operations against the enemy.

Valenzuela pointed out the difficulty of winning over the wealthy Filipinos to the Katipunan side. This was one problem Rizal failed to suggest a solution.

Rizal was not against the revolution but only in the absence of preparation and arms on the part of rebels.

Rizal feared that without arms the rebels would surely be defeated and thereby caused irreparable damage to the innocent people.

He believed that any revolution was useless unless the rebels were at least as armed as the enemy

PREPARATIONS FOR THE

STRUGGLE

The Katipunan began preparations geared for any emergency, Bonifacio thought that sooner or later the revolution would explode, and he did not want to be taken by surprise. He ordered the manufacture of bolos to be distributed to the members of the society. Bolos alone however, would not do, for the enemy was armed with Remingtons and Mausers.

A ray of hope shown on the Katipuneros when Valenzuela told Bonifacio that Japanese warship Kongo, with Admiral Kanimura on board, had dropped anchor at Manila bay and that it might be possible for them to seek the aid of admiral in the stuggle for national liberation.

Japanese refused to commit his country to the revolutionary plans of the society.

Bonifacio looked elsewhere for concrete help, but found that the best help was self-help.

He called Tito Miguel and Ramon Ramos who were employed in Maestranza (arsenal) and ordered them to steal rifles and pistols for the Maestranza was a place where the ordinance was located.

The weapons of Katipunan increased but the quantity of such weapon was not sufficient enough to start a revolution. More bolos were ordered and hidden to prevent the authorities from discovering the intentions of the society.

SPANISH SUSPICION AROUSED

The increase in the number of the Katipunan affiliates, while advantageous to Bonifacio, was in a way a disadvantage.

New members were impatient and in their impatience they met nightly, a circumstance that aroused the suspicion of the authorities.Rumors or such nocturnal meetings reached Manila and the Spanish population, particularly the friars, became jittery.

From Batangas, a rumor circulated that there were secret gathering and that riffles and ammunition from Hong kong and Yokohama were being landed.

The friars exploited this rumor to advantage by telling the governor-general to act at once in order to prevent a bloody uprising.

Blanco, the governor-general was reluctant to act upon the suggestions of the friars, for he was not exactly sympathetic o the friars.

Many rumors were reported. Many of them were exaggerated and calculated to force the governor-general to act precipitately. Blanco refused to take any action. He rebuked the friars and told Father

Mariano Gil’s messenger: “Undeceive yourself, freemasonry and filibustering are like a pit in which you put your finger and at once you touch the bottom. Both evils exist only in the minds of the friars and a few other fanatical

Spaniards”The friars continued to pester the governor-general with more reports of alleged secret meeting. To

them, the governor-general was a fathead who could not make up his mind.

TheDiscovery

of the

KatipunanTHE

DISCOVERYOF THE

KATIPUNAN

The discovery of the Katipunan was the result of a misunderstanding between two Katipuneros. The Katipuneros were Teodoro Patiño and Apolonio de la Cruz. Both of them were working at the Spanish-owned Diario de Manila. As an action against de la Cruz, Patiño revealed the

secrets of the society to his sister, Honoria, an inmate at the orphanage in Mandaluyong in the suburbs of Manila. She was shocked about the

revelation and she cried. A madre portera, Sor Teresa saw her cry. Then the sister asked Patiño to tell all he knew to Father Mariano Gil, the

parish priest of Guadalupe and one of those trying to convince Governor-General Blanco to act quickly.

In the afternoon of August 19, 1896, Patiño disclosed the secrets he knew to Father Gil. The friar rushed to the printing shop of Diario de Manila

and, with its owner, conducted a search of the premises. The friar sought hidden evidence of the existence of the secret society. They found the

lithographic stone used to print Katipunan receipts, which was confirmed by Patiño. “So here they are,” Father Gil might have whispered. A locker

was forced open. There he found a dagger and other documents. http://choy123.blogspot.com/2011/03/discovery-of-katipunan.html

The discovery of the

Katipunan was

immediately followed by

mass arrests of filipino suspects. Others, though

innocent, were throw into jail and

fort santiago.

Wealthy Filipinos Implicated

As Valenzuela feared, the wealthy Filipinos refused to join the Katipunan. Bonifacio thought that in order to force them sympathize with the members of

the society a trick should be played on them in such a way to make it appear that they were deeply involved in the Katipunan. Jacinto then drew up a list of wealthy Filipinos, while some of the Katipuneros were ordered to study their

signatures for thr purpos of forging them on some documents they were about to prepare. This done, fake letters with the forged signatures of the wealthy

victims were made. The alleged documents contained the information that such wealthy en were heavy contributors to the Katipunan fund and that they were in sympathy with the principles and plans of the society. The result of this trick was unexpected: instead of forcing the wealthy Filipinos to join to the society, they denounced it and denied any knowledge of its existence. The authorities

did not believe them. Francisco L. Roxas was executed, while Yangco and others were saqved by bringing some highly-placed Spanish officials.

The “Cry” of Pugadlawin

The news of the discovery of the Katipunan spread throughout Manila and the suburbs. Bonifacio, informed of the discovery, secretly

instructed his runners to summon all the leaders of the society to a general assembly to be held on August 24. They were to meet at

Balintawak to discuss the steps to be taken to meet the crisis. That same night of August 19, Bonifacio, accompanied by his brother

Procopio, Emilio Jacinto, Teodoro Plata, and Aguedo del Rosario, slipped through the cordon of Spanish sentries and reached Balintawak before

midnight. Pio Valenzuela followed them the next day. On the 21st, Bonifacio changed the Katipunan code because the Spanish authorities had already deciphered it. In the afternoon of the same day, the rebels,

numbering about 500, left Balintawak for Kangkong, where Apolonio Samson, a Katipunero, gave them food and shelter. In the afternoon of

August 22, they proceeded to Pugadlawin. The following day, in the yard of Juan A. Ramos, the son of Melchora Aquino who was later called the "Mother of the Katipunan", Bonifacio asked his men whether they were prepared to fight to the bitter end. Despite the objection of his brother-in-law, Teodoro Plata, all assembled agreed to fight to the last. "That

being the case, " Bonifacio said, "bring out your cedulas and tear them to pieces to symbolize our determination to take up

arms!" The men obediently tore up their cedulas, shouting "Long live the Philippines!" This event marked the so-called "Cry of Balintawak,"

which actually happened in Pugadlawin.

FIRST SKIRMISHES

In the midst of this dramatic scene, some Katipuneros who had just arrived from Manila and Kalookan shouted: “Dong Andres! The civil guards are almost behind us and will reconnoiter the mountains.” Bonifacio at once ordered his men to get ready for the expected attack of the Spaniards. Since they had inferior arms the rebel decided, instead, to retreat. Under cover of darkness, the rebels marched toward Pasong Tamo, and the following day, August 24, they arrived at the yard of Melchora Aquino, known as Tandang Sora. It was decided that all the rebels in the surrounding towns be notified of the general attack on Manila on the night of August 29,1896.

At ten in the morning of August 25, some women came rushing in and notified Bonifacio that the civil guards and some infantrymen were coining. Soon after, a burst of fire came from the approaching Spaniards. The rebels deployed and prepared for the enemy. In the skirmish that followed, they lost 2 men and the enemy 1. Because of their inferior weapon they decided to retreat. Spaniards also retreated because they are finding themselves greatly outnumbered.This was the first skirmish fought in the struggle for national emancipation.On august 26, Spanish reinforcements were dispatched to Pasong Tamo to drive away the rebels. But the latter who were going to, or were already in balara could not be found.

Meanwhile, the rebels, skirting the mountain trails day and night finally arrived at Mariquina. Later that day,

however, they abondoned it and preceeded to Hagdang Bato on August

27. The following day, bonifacio issued a manifesto inciting the people to take up

the Filipino cause and to go set for a concerted attack on the Spaniards on

August 29

This manifesto is for all of you: It is absolutely necessary for us to stop at the earliest possible time the nameless oppressions being perpetrated on the sons of the country who are now suffering the brutal punishment and tortures in jails, and because of

this please let all the brethren know that on Saturday, the 29th of the current month, the revolution shall commence according to our agreement. For this purpose it is necessary for all towns to rise simultaneously and attack Manila at the same time. Anybody who obstructs this sacred ideal of the people will be considered a traitor and an enemy, except if he is ill or is not physically fit, in

which case he shall be tried according to the regulations we have put in force. Mount of Liberty, 28th August 1896.

The intend attack on manila did not materialize

Bonifacio and Jacinto lead their men in an attack on the powder magazine at San Juan del Monte on August 30

With the defending Spaniards, outnumbered and weak, fought a delaying battle until reinforcements could arrive.

Fresh Spaniards troops arrived, Bonifacio and his men lost the battle and were driven back with heavy casualties.

The Revolution Spreads

The Revolution Spreads- Meanwhile, south of Manila the rebels grew in strength. A thousand marched toward Pasig and attacked the small force of civil guards. At almost the same time, about 400 rebels attacked the church of Pandakan and captured it without any resistance, for the priest ran to the belfry to save his life. Pateros, Tagig, Kalookan, Kawit, San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias), Noveleta, San Pedro Makati,nand other towns rose as one man and pursued the Spanish enemy. Bonifacio and his men shifted the rebel attack to San Mateo, Mariquina, and Montalban, which they captured but which were later recaptured by the Spaniards. With the defeat of the Filipinos in the battle of Langka River, near San Mateo, Bonifacio ordered them to retreat to Balara. The spaniards pursued them and in the battle that followed, Bonifacio nearly lost his life when a Spanish bullet ripped the collar of his shirt while he was protecting his friend Jacinto.

In the north, the rebels of San Isidro, armed with bolos and pointed sticks attacked the Spanish garrison on September 2, 3, and 4. Led by Mariano Llanera and accompanied by musikong bumbong. (band with bamboo instruments), the rebels attacked furiously but were repulsed by the heroic defense of the Spaniards.

The Reign of Terror

The flames that now engulfed many provinces worried the Spanishes to no end. To frighten the population into submission the authorities resorted to a reign of terror. Only by this means could they hope to prevent the revolutionary movement from becoming national in scope. The Spanish volunteers and Corps of Vigilantes promptly invaded the homes of Filipinos in order to secure evidence against those who were directly orr indirectly involved in the uprising. In trozo, Captain Carlos march of the Spanish volunteers found incriminating evidence against Katipuneros. All suspect were immediately arrested and thrown in to jail.

Governor General Ramon Blanco issued a decree on August 30 declaring the provinces of Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva ecija in a state of war and placing them under martial law. The decree further provided

that “any person accused with treachery and those against the presnt form of government” would be handed over to the military court for trial. Blsnco, however emphasized that “those who would surrender within forty-eight hours after publication of the decree would not be turned over to the military court, except, of course, the leaders of Katipunan. They tortured many

Filipinos to confess what they knew about the Katipunanan. Many who were innocent were also jailed and tortured, some were executed. Those executions, however, only served to make the Filipinos more bitter and to fight with fiercer determination.

Katipunan in Cavite

Two Factions:1.Magdalen- Baldovero Aguinaldo (Cavite El Viejo)

2.Magdiwang-Mariano Alvarez (Noveleta)

BONIFACIO IN CAVITE

The rivalry that existed between the Magdalo and Magdiwang led to a series of reverses early in January 1897. To patch up matters, they invited Andres Bonifacio to intervene in the conflict. On December 31, an assembly of revolutionist was held in Imus to determine whether the Katipunan should be superseded by another form of government. The Magdalo believed that with the outbreak of the revolution, the Katipunan ceased to be a secret society and should, therefore, be superseded. The magdiwang contended that the Katipunan should remain the government of Revolutionist because it already had a Constitution and by-laws recognized by all. The meeting ended without accomplishing anything.

The Tejeros Convention

They called another meeting of both factions in order to solve their internal problem. March 22, 1897, the two factions again met at Tejeros. Bonifacio prudently acceded to the wish of some that a new government should replace Katipunan. However he

stated he principle that the will of majority should be respected and obeyed. The Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed.Elected were: Emilio Aguinaldo – President

Mariano Trias – Vice-PresidentArtemio Ricarte – Captain General

Emiliano Riego de Dios – Director of WarAndres Bonifacio – Director of the Interior

When Bonifacio was being proclaimed, Daniel Tirona, A Magdalo stood up and said: “The position of Director of the Interior is an exalted one and it is not proper that a person without a lawyer’s diploma should occupy it. We have in our province a lawyer, Jose

Del Rosario!” Bonifacio was hurt and felt insulted, for it had been previously agreed that whoever got elected was to be respected.

Second meeting at Tejeros

Aguinaldo, wanting to bring back bonifacio, to the fold, sent a delegation to him to persuade him to cooperate

with the new constituted government.But Bonifacio refused to return to the revolutionary fold headed by

Aguinaldo.

THE NAIK MILITARY AGREEMENT

At Naik, Bonifacio and his men drew up another document in which they resolved to establish a government independent of, and separate from, that established at Tejeros. An army was to be organized by persuasion or force and aa military commander of ttheir own choice was to take command of it. The document read: We who sign these presents with our true names, all officersof the army who have met in convention headed by

Supreme Chief, on account of the critical situation of the pueblos and the war, having discovered the treason commited by certain officers who have been sowing discord and conniving with the Spaniards, our enemies, corrupting the army and being guilty of criminal neglect in the care of the wounded, have agreed to deliver people from this

grave danger by the means hereinafter enumerated:First: All combatants shall, by persuasion or force, be incorporated in an army corps

and placed under the command of General Pio Del PilarSecond: We shall recognize no one as being vested wih full power except Right in the first place, and those courageous officers who, since the beginning of the war and ad

until the present moment have never gone back on their oath and have conducted themselves loyally.

Third: Any disloyal person shall be punished on the spot, according to his desserts.

THE TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF

ANDRES BONIFACIO

Aguinaldo ordered the arrest of Bonifacio brothers. A group of soldiers under the command of Colonel Agapito Bonzon was dispatched to Limbon to effect the arrest. Bonifacio was stabbed in the larynx, Ciriaco was killed,and Procopio was wounded. Bonifacio was placed in hammock and brought to Naik, the capital of the rebel government. Andres and Procopio were found guilty of treason and seditionin spite of lack of evidence.

THE REVOLUTIONCONTINUES

General Camilo de Polavieja, tired of the

endless battles, asked for his relief as governor-

general. He was replaced by Fernando Primo de

Rivera.

He issued a decree granting pardon to those who, up to may 17, would give up their arms and surrender to the

government

He issued another decree extending the benefit of his

pardon beyond May 17

Aguinaldo went to Biyak-na-Bato

THE GOVERNMENT OF CENTRAL LUZON

The rebels met in the camp of General licerio Geronimo. Those assembled established the Department Government of central Luzon.

The assembly elect6ed the following:Pedro Dandan - President

Anastacio farancisco – Vice PresidentPaciano Rizal – Secretary of the treasuryCipiano Pacherco – Secretary of the War

Teodoro Gonzales – Secretary of the InteriorFeliciano Jocson – Secretary of Welfare

The Biak-na-Bato Republic

Primo de Rivera issued a decree which prohibited all inhabitants to leave their village

and towns

Aguinaldo issued a proclamation in July“To the Brave Sons

of the Philippines” in which he listed the

revolutionary demands

The Biak-na-Bato constitution was signed on November 1, 1897

THE TRUCE OF BIYAK-NA-BATO

Pedro A. Paterno, a mestizo, who had spent a part of his life in Spain, approached, Primo de Rivera and asked that he be made a mediator between the Filipinos and the Spaniards. Paterno wanted the stop the conflict between Filipinos and Spaniards because He loved Spain and Philippines. Rivera agreed. Paterno negotiated with Aguinaldo and Primo de Rivera from August to December. They decided to sign the document of the truce.

Filipino generals left at Biyak na Bato did everything in their power to surrender the arms given up by the rebels. Some of the Filipino rebels, however, were suspiciousof Spanish aims and continued to hold their

weapons. The Spanish authoriies on the other hand, did not trust the Filipinos. The result

was that periodic clashes occurred.

FAILURE OF THE TRUCE