INTRODUCTION
Our country – the Philippines, has already gone to different battles to fought
for its freedom, and the Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events
happened in its history. Momentous events swept the Spanish colonies in the late nineteenth
century, including the Philippines. After Katipunan was discovered by Spanish authority
Bonifacio and his men planned a nationwide revolt.
Journalists of the time referred to the phrase "El Grito de Rebellion" or "Cry of
Rebellion" to mark the start of these revolutionary events, identifying the places where it
happened. The cry for a nationwide revolution – was the beginning of the Philippine
Revolution against the Spanish monarchy.
The term “cry” is translated from Spanish el grito de rebellion (cry of
rebellion) it refers to a decision or call to revolt and it does not necessarily connote
shouting. This event symbolizes their fight against Spain. This revolt leads to different
controversies, where does the “cry” happened? Is it in Pagad Lawin or Balintawak.
And if it happened on August 23, 1896 or August 24, 1896. Nonetheless, scholars and
many historians continues to hound for the truth and argue it this statements.
BALINTAWAK
The preponderance of the name “BALINTAWAK” in The historical source
comes from the fact that in 1896 and well into the middle of this century, small
settlements (sitio, pook, nayon, gulod) like Kangkong, Bahay Toro, Pasong Tamo,
Banlat, Daang Malalim, were within the limits of a real jurisdictional entity called
Greater Balintawak.
The Cry of Bahay Toro
August 24, 1896 – date of the “Cry”
Written by SANTIAGO ALVAREZ
A well-known Katipunero from Cavite and a son of Mariano Alvarez.
Santiago Alvarez Account
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 1896
As early as 10 o’clock in the morning, at the barn of Kabesang Melchora, at a place called
Sampalukan, barrio of Bahay Toro, Katipuneros met together. About 500 of these arrived, ready and
eager to join the “Supremo” Andres Bonifacio and his men…
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1896
There were about 1,000 Katipuneros…. The “Supremo” decided to hold a meeting inside the
big barn. Under his leadership, the meeting began at 10 o’clock in the
morning…
It was 12 o’clock noon when the meeting adjourned amidst loud cries of “Long live the Sons
of the Country” (Mabuhay ang mga anak ng Bayan)!
GREGORIA DE JESUS’ VERSION OF THE FIRST “CRY”
August 25, 1896 – the first “Cry” happened near Caloocan
Written by Gregoria de Jesus
Lakambini of the Katipunan and wife of Andres Bonifacio
She has been participant of this event and became the keeper of the secret documents of the
Katipunan.
Gregoria’s account
The activities of the Katipunan had reached nearly all corners of the Philippine archipelago, so that
when its existence was discovered and some of the members arrested, we immediately returned to
Caloocan. However, as we were closely watched by the agents of the Spanish authorities, Andres
Bonifacio and other Katipuneros left the town after some days. It was then that the uprising began, with
the first cry for freedom on August 25, 1896. Meanwhile, I was with my parents. Through my friends, I
learned that Spanish were coming to arrest me. Immediately, I fled town at eleven o’clock at night,
secretly going through the rice fields to La Lorna, with the intention of returning to Manila. I was
treated like apparition, for, sad to say, in every house where I tried to get a little rest, I was driven away
as if people therein were frightened for their own lives. Later, I found out that the occupants of the
houses which I had visited were seized and severely punished -- and some even exiled. One of them
was an uncle of mine whom I had visited on that night to kiss his hand, and he died in exile.”
Cry of Balintawak
This version is written by the Katipunan General Guillermo Masangkay.
An eyewitness of the historic event and a childhood friend of Bonifacio
August 26, 1896 – the first rally of the Philippine Revolution in Balintawak
PUGAD LAWIN
CONCLUSION
