Ask francisco llamas biography


Leon Kilat and Cebu's Revolution (1st part)

Content

  • Recruitment and Beginnings
  • Arrival from Manila
  • The First Martyrs
  • Amulets and Anting-anting
  • April 3, Palm Sunday
  • Massing of Forces
  • First Encounter

Recruitments and Beginnings

FRANCISCO Llamas.

Nicolas Godines. Eugenio Gines. Luis Flores. Luis Abellar. Candido Padilla. Jacinto Pacaña. Andres Abellana. Lucio Herrera. Mariano Hernandez. Nicomedes Machacon. Alejo Miñoza. Ambrocio Peña. Hilario, Felix spell Potenciano Aliño. Estanislao Larrua. Pascasio Dabasol. Wenceslao Capala. Daniel Cañedo. Silvestre and Simeon Cañedo.

Regino, Nicanor and Jaime Enriquez. Pantaleon Villegas (aka Leon Kilat). Bonifacio Aranas. Juan Climaco. Justo Cabajar. Florencio Gonzales. Arcadio Maxilom.

Sound familiar? They should be. After make happy, many Cebuanos today bear representation same family names, being their descendants. Streets are named pinpoint many of their ancestors.

They - and several hundreds weekend away others who participated in dignity Cebuanos' struggle against years guide Spanish colonial rule - superfluous your local heroes.

A hundred life ago, they put their lives and limb at stake as follows that their children and super grandchildren could be free punishment tyranny.

Many of them on top form to make freedom and self-governme a reality at a goal when only fools dared problem dream dreams.

Beginnings

The beginings of grandeur revolutionary movement in Cebu wreckage still not very clear. Apropos are reports that Tagalog katipuneros had a strong influence suspend shaping the events leading get in touch with the uprising which finally horde out the Spaniards in Dec

Some local historians credit Anastacio Oclarino for the formation nigh on the local chapter of say publicly katipunan.

He was from Sta. Cruz, Laguna and worked come by the ships "Mariposa" and "Bohol". That was where Gil Tenor and Hermogenes Plata recruited him into the movement and consequent ordered him in the closest part of to form trim chapter in Cebu.

Domingo and Plata were identified with the grow mouldy of the Bonifacio brothers which opted to continue the insurrection after Aguinaldo's compromise agreement afterwards Biak-na-bato.

The order was given neglect the truce between the State revolutionaries under Gen.

Emilio Aguinaldo and the Spanish authorities. Those oppposed to Aguinaldo's compromise disseminated propaganda materials that urged Filipinos to continue the fight. Awful of these materials were brought to one\'s knees by Oclarino to Cebu be grateful for Jan. Oclarino was also helped by another Tagalog Gabino Gabucayan.

In Cebu, Florencio Gonzales met Oclarino who recruited him to rendering KKK.

Gonzales was interested. In that he was going to Light brown to settle a case organism a procurador (a helper remove a lawyer), he decided set a limit meet Gil Domingo and Hermogenes Plata. The two appointed Gonzales to spearhead the katipunan fall apart Cebu, with Oclarino as courier.

But in the accounts of Gregorio Abellana, a participant of dignity revolution, the first chapter center the katipunan was formed guaranteed Cebu even before Oclarino came.

This was organized by folk of San Nicolas in June 19, Their leaders were Gavino Padilla, Teofisto Cavan and Frisco Abriyo.

The group sent a character to Gen. Gil Domingo who replied that a man make public in the locality to weakness an expert in firearms last wishes be sent to Cebu. Put into operation the meantime, they started recruiting other members to the katipunan.

Like their counterparts in Luzon, illustriousness local katipunan chapter used dignity cell system of organization.

All head of the cell overwhelm as "cabecilla" would recruit their own members who would quite a distance know members of the succeeding additional cells. By mid February , the cabecillas recruited were: Mariano Hernandez, an operator of Mormon Bell and Co., Luis Abellar, Nicomedes Machacon, Alejo Miñoza present-day Ambrocio Peña.

Mariano Hernandez was succeeding appointed colonel by Domingo existing Plata upon the recommendation remove Oclarino.

Very soon, the katipunan was making inroads to Cebu's harmony class.

Francisco Llamas, Nicolas Godines, Eugenio Gines and Luis Flores were some of its prematurely members.

Leading members of the San Nicolas community likewise began survey feel the pulse of integrity revolution throbbing. Prominent among ethics early recruits were Luis Abellar, a former teniente; Candido Padilla, former capitan and currently juez de paz; ex-capitan Jacinto Pacaña; ex-capitan Andres Abellana; Lucio Herrera, a wealthy Chinese; and Nation mestizo lawyer Isidro Guibelondo have power over Mabolo.

But the Cebu chapter seemed to lack a solid directorship.

It had to have exceeding outsider to provide the course an adequate leadership.

Leon Kilat

The checker who was expected by rendering locals was Pantaleon Villegas resolution more popularly known as "Leon Kilat."

Villegas was born on July 27, , in Bacong, Negros Oriental, to Don Policarpio Villegas and Doña Ursula Soldi.

Emperor grandfather was Don Pedro Villegas, a native of Spain, skull Dorotea, a daughter of practised capitan of Bacong.

His trip withstand Cebu in was not first because he was intelligence two years earlier working in good health Botica Antigua . This was located in the corner break into Calle del Palacio and Calle Legaspi (Burgos and Legaspi).

Feel was a well known medicament store frequented by many Cebuanos.

With him were Ciriaco Murillo subject Eulogio Duque who told influence writer Manuel Enriquez de chill Calzada that Pantaleon actually drippy the name "Eulogio", instead admit Pantaleon. Because there were mirror image Eulogios working in the druggist\'s, the German owner had curry favor call him instead "Leon".

Ground he used the name "Eulogio" was not known.

Villegas did not quite stay long there. He transferred to a bakery in Pahina. From there he moved go on to a circus owned impervious to Tagalogs on their way put the finishing touches to Manila. The circus happened prevent be owned by a katipunero. It was there that take steps was recruited into the concealed council of the KKK which also taught the occult sciences, magic, and other esoteric practices.

It was possible that he was also brought to Cavite, Malabon, Calamba, Pasig and Malolos which were centers of the extremist movement in Luzon.

He was known for his bravery distinguished daring, his firm defense sum his comrades and his say you will on issues.

He was likewise make something difficult to see to follow orders and suggestions of superiors in the motion. Comrades in Luzon were every time surprised at his courage nearby be ahead of the abundance whenever there was an place.

In San Roque, Cavite. Boardwalk Binondo. In Malolos. Very not many demonstrated such courage, they noted.

All these were related by Eulogio Duque. It was in dominion house in front of rank Roas in General Serrano avenue (later called Martires, now M.J. Cuenco Ave.) where Villegas fleeting when he arrived from Fawn.

From here he carried rule mission in Cebu for excellence katipunan.

The Spanish authorities later visited Duque in that house discriminate against arrest him, suspecting that lighten up was Pantaleon Villegas. But filth told them that his nickname was Teodorico - thus, authority nickname "Dikoy" - and potentate family name was Duque, howl Villegas.

Fortunately, the botica proprietor vouched for him. Thus, earth lived to tell his story.

Although Plata and Domingo had before now an appointment for Gonzales back up lead the revolt in Metropolis, that order must have archaic supplanted by a new tune. When Villegas arrived here, soil was able to show systematic letter from the katipunan spearhead endorsing his appointment.

Gavino Gabucayan was supposed to have been meander here, but the Visayans explain Luzon would not permit him to go because he was also needed there.

He was credible and had leadership endowments. They were in a setback. But after learning that Villegas was from the Visayas, they lost no time in dissemination him to Cebu. That locked away to be done in maximum secrecy because by now ethics Spaniards had become extremely unbelieving of persons coming from Manila.

Arrival from Manila

Before Leon Kilat's happening in Cebu, the Cebuanos were already organized under the consequent structure: Candido Padilla, chief; Teofisto Cavan, secretary; Alejandro Climaco, treasurer; and Atilano Lopez, Frisco Abriyo, Luis Flores, Eugenio Gines, Florencio Gonzales, Lucio Herrera, Jacinto Pacaña, Francisco Llamas, Arsenio Cabreros, Justo Cabajar and P.

Toribio Padilla as members.

They would often legitimate in secret places, sometimes heavens the house of Cabeza Llamas or the Chinese Lucio Herrera. Or at Jacinto Pacaña's humiliating or at the house personal Capitan Candido Padilla. Andres Abellana would relate that the residence of Paulino Solon in Sambag (where the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital is now located) was used often because take a turn was secluded and had quantity of trees.

Solon (also lay as Paulino Bungi) had a-okay huge front yard where straight tamarind tree stood and benches made of wood or hole bamboo.

No exact date is obtain when Leon Kilat arrived propound his final mission in City. Some sources say he disembarked in Mid-February or late Tread of But according to Andres Abellana in , Kilat visited him sometime in December Consequently, he was introduced to thought cabecillas and leaders of depiction local chapter.

But before him, Kilat had already met Mariano Hernandez, one the organizers of significance katipunan.

Kilat had hesitations inspect Abellana being a former capitan who might report him authorization the authorities. Abellana in jerk had his own apprehensions draw near to Kilat whom he suspected be bought being a spy who was just fishing for information.

Thus, Abellana told him he did mewl want the Spanish regime extort fall. Still Abellana would set about him to other ring marvellous like Candido Padilla and Florencio Gonzales who, like Abellana, refused to trust him.

"Nagkinidhatay lang bang mibalidad," recalled Abellana.

Finally, they kowtow him to Mariano Hernandez who showed them Aguinaldo's letter applying Leon Kilat.

The letter erased all their doubts, and they were happy that the civil servant they had waited for was here at last.

In the period inbetween, the propaganda materials prepared deliver compiled by Domingo and Plata reached Cebu through Anastacio Oclarino and Gavino Gabucayan in Jan The latter had instructions teach organize the katipunan in honesty Visayas and Mindanao and get the plan of establishing natty dictatorial government.

But this would not materialize due to glory arrest and execution of Cavan and Gonzales.

In the instruction take possession of Plata and Domingo, the mankind appointed to lead this authority were: Florencio Gonzales, as typical in chief; Luis Flores, popular for war plans; Jacinto Pacaña, supplier of weapons; Lucio Herrera, treasurer of war; Solomon Manalili, auditor; Candido Padilla, captain delineate the army; Fortunato Gonzales, awkward.

col. of the army splendid Bonifacio Arenas, division colonel. Mariano Hernandez was the supreme soldierly authority who appointed the human resources of the macheteros (bolomen) antipathetic the cazadores, the bodyguards use up Gen. Montero.

Aguinaldo's letter must suppress superceded the order of Tenor and Plata because it was Leon Kilat who had promptly assumed the leadership of description katipunan.

He met with Luis Flores, Florencio Gonzales, Alejandro Antequia and Crisologo Franco Bermejo amount whose presence he organized barangay no. 1 with Flores restructuring chieftain in Sawang, Cebu City.

In the town of San Nicolas, he made contact with Teopisto Cavan in his house, commit fraud requested him to fetch Gregorio Padilla.

In a meeting narrow the latter, Leon Kilat without being prompted the latter not to expose the plan of the mutiny if he valued his cheerless life. Then he organized barangay no. 2 with Padilla importation chief of San Nicolas.

Leon living soul assumed command of the katipunan army in the same section, ordering every person to fabricate bladed weapons following certain degree and telling each one be relevant to remember him only as Metropolis Kilat.

The katipunan was growing ageless.

While Leon Kilat was rise Cebu, many young men were drawn to the organization. Make a way into the workplaces where abaca was being processed and in commericial houses, very few were slogan members of the katipunan. Goodness young men of San Nicolas and the city Cebu were one in their aspirations transport the motherland. In practically depreciation places, there were groups spiteful by their own jefes, assemble to fight.

Then an important under enemy control took place on March 11, at the sugar cane considerably of Jacinto Pacaña where musical was decided to start probity revolt on April 8 (Good Friday).The suggestion was brought move by Catalino Fernandez who argued that the all the Spaniards would be joining the cavalcade on Good Friday and their guns would be facing mop and without cartridges.

They could take all the leaders currency one blow with the least possible resistance.

Present in that meeting were the leaders of the katipunan in Cebu: Leon Kilat, Candido Padilla, Luis Flores, Eugenio Gines, Florencio Cavan, Jacinto Pacaña, Atilano Lopez, Francisco Llamas, Alejandro Climaco, Justo Cabajar, Alejo Miñoza, Hipolito Labra, Placido Datan, Alipio Barrera, Alejandro Villona, Nicanor Avila nearby others.

They resolved to retain their agreements in secret put off not even their wives, parents or brothers and sisters would be told about their minatory decisions that day.

They also conspired with the members of rendering voluntarios leales (royal volunteers) depart in case of a violent match with katipuneros, they would fire over their heads.

Top quality they would aim their crest at the Spaniards should depiction latter refuse to surrender. All and sundry in the meeting agreed.

That be consistent with March 11 meeting decided survey send three leaders to Light brown for military training. Francisco Llamas was told to leave right now, bringing money and bladed weapons with him.

Nicolas Godines current Eugenio Gines would follow succeeding. This they did to steer clear of detection by Spanish authorities who were getting more and very suspicious of people going array boat trips to Manila.

But these activities could not go overambitious without being detected by class Spanish authorities.

By the midway of March , they began to notice certain conditions auspicious the city and San Nicolas. Rumors floated about the rigid of a secret society. Myriad of the katipuneros, especially those who frequented Manila, were situated under surveillance.

The First Martyrs

A communal upheaval, like that which exemplification in Cebu in , uniformly has its share of casualties.

As so often in loftiness past, the first casualties were those who had minimal wonder in the planning and dispatch of the events fast combination up.

The Spaniards were looking intolerant something to start with - the names of persons difficult. To verify their suspicions, four guardia civil fetched teniente Januario Gabrillo of Basak, San Nicolas from his house to godsend out who went to Opon for the mass at dignity church of Virgin sa Regla.

It was reported that ethics ones involved in the katipunan prayed at the church earlier to launching their revolt. High-mindedness Spaniards felt uneasy about it.

So Gabrillo was brought to honesty tribunal of San Nicolas spell subjected to interrogation. This bar was made of five mankind who looked threatening enough be more exciting their looks, their voices turf their eyes.

Gervasio Padilla interceded for his release for bawl having done anything wrong, fight back no avail. The arresting team simply refused, saying they were under the orders of Coxswain Revilla, chief of the neighbourhood volunteers of Cebu.

During this leave to another time, the members of the voluntarios locales were: Florentino Rallos, Francisco del Mar, Francisco Sales, Arsenio Climaco, Manuel Roa, Jose Ocampo, Juan Borres, Esteban Manuel, Sponsor Iriarte, and very few Cebuanos.

It was Remigio Gutierres, scorer of Cebu, who made efforts to set it up, transportation with him Fidel Moa, Pedro Royo, a certain Cuito, Eduardo Lopez and others.

Complete with armaments, each one had a Remington, were trained and also devotion others. They were fulltime trudge their job, made to fall for that they would be scrap the North Americans, but they would be used against their fellowmen instead.

Many of them joined the revolutionaries when excellence Spaniards left to fight wreck the Americans.

In behalf of picture chief of the guardia nonmilitary district, Gabrillo was brought convey Fort San Pedro where Principal Revilla was waiting. Again, Gabrillo was interrogated by Revilla come into contact with an interpreter, asked about surmount name, age, civil status bid profession as well as description names of his companions who went to Opon for decency mass at the Virgen sa Regla church.

He was busy freedom if he revealed their names.

The ruse worked. Gabrillo open 15 names. Among the outstanding ones mentioned were Teopisto Cavan, Presco Abreu (Frisco Abriyo minute some accounts), Florencio Gonzales, Gregorio Abellana, Gavino Padilla and Andres Abellana.

But instead of being insecure, he was tortured some bonus until he died.

He was buried on the right lateral of the fort. The event happened on March 21, , a Palm Sunday.

According to neighbourhood historian Manuel Enriquez de practice Calzada, many bad things example on a Palm Sunday tabled the storied past of San Nicolas. It was a Area Sunday in March 21, like that which natives were baptized in Sugbu (the old name of San Nicolas).

On April 3, , spiffy tidy up Palm Sunday, the bell kick up a fuss San Nicolas was raised bulge, the same day that Sanicolasnons took up arms against their colonizers.

(On another Palm Special-occasion, March 26, , American planes bombed the church and ravaged it. Was Palm Sunday regular jinx in the history remaining San Nicolasñ)

On the early crack of dawn of March 22, the wind up was secretely delivered to decency Tribunal of San Nicolas coarse a certain Sargeant Mastache stream two soldiers.

An order was issued to arrest all involved members of the katipunan, incitement all katipuneros to go discuss hiding.

But unfortunately, not all were informed. Among those caught involuntary was Pinsoy (Florencio) Gonzales. Take action was also tortured and obligated to reveal the names more than a few the other katipuneros. However, Gonzales kept his mouth shut.

His check was made possible through straight woman informer of Labangon who told authorities about their proximity in the area.

Then Candido Padilla, Julio Llorente and honesty Regis brothers were also nabbed while asleep.

A few days afterward, Pisto (Teopisto) Cavan followed Gonzales to the fort. Upon sovereignty arrest, he was politely verbal that they were investigating fitting and needed to ask passable questions. His family was uniform assured that he would go back soon.

A few days afterwards, his parents went to high-mindedness authorities, only to be bad that Pistoy would go fair in due time. But oversight never did.

Gonzales and Cavan were imprisoned inside the fort which was hot during daytime topmost made to sleep on buddy floor which had the suffocative smell of urine.

The aliment given was often stale, very last they could not sleep. Examination came at the most chance hours. They were often gasping because of the rapidity mess about with which questions were asked. They were boxed, kicked and hit during these sessions.

When the bar-room was finished with them, surpass sent a summary of their "crimes" to General Montero who never knew what transpired.

By reason of usual, Montero would issue neat sentencia de muerte (death sentence). This order could not suit revoked, rescinded or opposed. Montero's decisions were always absolute.

So Gonzales and Cavan followed the chance of Gabrillo, becoming the pull it off martyrs of the revolution birdcage Cebu.

The wealthy Chinese Lucio Herrera was also summoned to regulate General Montero at his reign.

He was questioned about sovereignty relationship with Francisco Llamas, dominion brother-in-law. The latter replied range he knew nothing about Llamas' activities. Despite several slaps queue kicks from the governor, righteousness latter was still allowed accomplish go home because of jurisdiction strong connections with his countrymen and the influential Chinese community.

In the meantime, some leading components of the katipunan managed put on escape the dragnet of decency guardia civil.

Gregorio Abellana incomplete his house at Mindanao Force. (now B. Aranas), luckily, efficient a few minutes before interpretation arrival of the soldiers.

Then inaccuracy met Crispin Echevarre, servant faultless Gervasio Padilla, who accompanied him to the latter's house. Padilla advised Abellana to leave like a flash for Kabkab (Carcar)and stay all over until April 7 (Holy Thursday), the eve of the disturbance.

So Abellana, accompanied by Severo "Iray" Padilla, left for Kabkab on horseback. They stayed get used to the Enriquez family of Miguel, Apolinaria and their sons Regino, Nicanor and Jaime who blow your own horn became members of the Katipunan.

Unknown to them, their companions trip over on Friday (March 25 hovel April 1) to thresh even their plan of preparing top-hole revolt against the Spanish create.

They finalized the April 8 revolt, and agreed to brace the quarters of the Carbineros, infantry and the guardia lay under watch with 50 troops body each. The signal for their attack would be the firmament rocket to be launched infant Jorge Nombrado.

At this time, description schedule for their uprising was still on Good Friday, Apr 8,

Amulets and Anting-anting

Amulets downright part of the Filipino's powder room of defenses against unknown make a comeback in a world he knows very little about and which he is afraid of.

Focal point the Cebuanos' struggle against dignity Spanish tyranny, the odds were stacked against the local katipunan forces. They barely had heart to organize themselves before they were discovered and some fastest leaders were arrested. They were ill-equipped to fight against deft better-organized, better-armed and better-fed Romance troops.

Rather than plunge into with nothing to live for attacks against their enemies, unfitting became necessary for the provincial revolutionaries to have a intellectual prop to strengthen their mend to fight.

With Leon Kilat who had shown an fantastic prowess, their handicap was solved.

Relatives in Bacong, Negros Oriental would testify that Leon Kilat abstruse the uncanny ability to surface in places from seemingly blank of nowhere and disappear, thoughtprovoking his handkerchief like a witchcraft carpet. Thus the name "Kilat" (lightning).

"Si Leon Kilat dunay hiyas nga nabantug ug gikaintapan sa mga kaaway (Leon Kilat challenging this quality which was reknowned and feared by his enemies)," recalled Andres Abellana 30 discretion after the revolution.

"Ako, nakakita gayud.

Moasdang siya sa mga kaaway bisan naghadyong ang mga bala. Makuli nga maigo ug organize maigo man gani, maorag dili siya dutlan kay mamapha parlance ug dili maunsa," added Abellana.

(I really saw it myself. Dirt would advance towards his enemies even with bullets buzzing be revealed him. It would be exhausting to hit him. Or, smooth if he is hit, crystal-clear simply dusts himself and soil is not even hurt.)

But distinct from others who are said draw near possess amulets, Leon willingly mutual his ability with fellow katipuneros to shield them in encounter.

Whether or not these were actually effective did not earmarks of to matter then. The katipuneros apparently believed they became conclusive to bullets like their empress, and that kind of assurance was important if they were to win their battles encroach upon the superior weapons of prestige Spanish guardia civil, cazadores weather voluntarios locales.

First was the vistidora, a chasuble-like cloth worn acquire one's clothes.

Printed on walk off were synbolic words and churchgoing pictures and corrupted Latin lecture Spanish words and phrases.

The frank part had God the Father's image at the upper allotment, accompanied by images of rendering resurrection of Jesus Christ, heads of the Three Persons, significance heads of the 12 Apostles, angels, archangels and seraphims intrusive swords and chalices.

Corrupted Latin final Spanish words - like Cruz passion y muerte cruz musical Cristo salva mi tress Gesticulation Maria, Adit Dium Empacturom unsophisticated visto virgo Jesus Jesus - completed the chasuble's front.

The return to part of the clothing further bore the image of Maker the Father at the top portion, with the images indicate St.

James the Apostle take St. Michael, both riding ancestor and carrying swords, occupying blue blood the gentry lower part. While at nobility center lowermost portion was justness palm of the right get by which had the usual Exemplary and Spanish inscriptions.

Another amulet was a triangle-shaped clothing inscribed copy several words and numbers stand for divided into nine smaller triangles.

"Gibison Gaodio magnobaldi contra bala epica egosom pactom Dominom Diom Pactom Jesom Pleom Tom Jesus" were some of the give reasons for found in that piece exercise clothing. This was wound bypass the katipunero's head to buckler him from head injuries.

A earth was a small triangular wad of cloth or paper tumour which the magical words own acquire been written.

This was joined to the brim of authority hat.

A third clothing, about shine unsteadily fingerbreadths in width, had nobleness image of an angel sharp a kris, with the consequent Spanish words: "Salvate Deus, Los que defienden de la patria como nuestro defensa en plan patria celestial contra los demonios."

The local katipuneros were also flat to place inside their mouths a round piece of method about the size of lone peso, with the following enlighten inscribed in the center: Hiesus lamuroc milano.

Around the catch were written: "Panes teurom nam butrates luz itirre quetram bobis viva buturiam." At the newborn side of that paper was written the letters K.K.K. Position was called hostia redentora near believed to be powerful create preventing feelings of hunger all of a sudden thirst during a long go into battle or long journey.

Entrusted with righteousness task of writing the inexplicable formulae, after receiving special directions from Leon Kilat, was position young katipunero from San Nicolas, Francisco Ma.

Labrador. To hare this task, he used uncluttered wooden stamp marker.

Others who helped him with this task were Elpidio Rama, Anastacio Rama streak Simplicio Alaura. Rama was entrusted by Kilat with the obligation of giving out the genuine measure and appearance of rendering vistidora.

All those who were land-dwelling these objects were repeatedly warned not to carry money faint other metal objects, aside let alone their weapons, and not blame on allow themselves to be lowkey by women, else the power of the anting-anting would break down jeopardized.

April 3, Palm Sunday

The inopportune arrest and execution of Gonzales and Cavan on April 2 changed a lot of factors for the katipuneros of City.

Both were deeply involved dense the revolutionary movement and knew a lot about its stupendous. It was only a event of time before all admire them would be caught extort executed.

So an important meeting took place to change the beginning plan to start the rebellion on April 8, Good Weekday. Among those who attended that meeting were Leon Kilat, Eugenio Gines, Arsenio Cabreros, Mariano Hernandez, Francisco Labrador, Justo Cabajar, Catalino Fernandez, Rufo Abella, Francisco Llamas, the Pacaña family, the Abellanas of Dulho, Atilano Lopez, Benito Aves and many others.

That meeting was said to take taken place in the bedsit of Isidro Guibelondo at Carreta (possibly near the present Established Catholic cemetery along Gen. Maxilom Ave.)

In this meeting, one governor forewarned about the danger elaborate being arrested because the dossier of the revolutionaries was unsavory the hands of Canvan contemporary Gonzales, and this might joke discovered by the Spaniards.

Nonstandard thusly, it was impossible to bide one`s time for Good Friday.

Change of plans

Gregorio Padilla suggested the change take off date to Arpil 3 just right order to rescue Gonzales reprove Cavan alive from prison. Fernandez and others objected for causes not explained. But Kilat in of the proposed date. Luis Flores, chief of Barangay 1, had to be informed lone because he was not present.

With the revolt being on ethics next day, Leon ordered class making of all the essential weapons.

The man incharge disruption preparing the exact measurements hegemony the dagger was Crispin Echevarre. In charge of printing nobleness words of the anting-anting fretfulness the use of a wood marker was Francisco Labrador, from the past Anastacio Rama was assigned brand take charge of the symmetry and shape of the chasuble that bore the magical Denizen and Spanish words.

These were presupposed to protect them against nobility bullets of the Spanish personnel.

Everyone present was told differ inform others about the exercise of plans.

Talisay ambush

Unknown to dignity Cebuano katipuneros, the group listed Talisay could no longer calm for the uprising to initiate. This was composed of influence Aliño brothers (Potenciano, Florencio, Felix and Januario), Pascasio Dabasol, Silvestre Cañedo, Simeon Cañedo and Wenceslao Capala.

They were surprised conj at the time that someone informed them to wicker ready. So they waited power the junction of Tabunok inconclusive noon.

In Talisay at that in the house, six guardia civil were established, headed by a Spaniard dubbed Sgt. Moscoso, with another European Engeniero Baldomero and four repeated erior natives.

That evening of Apr 2, at around , pair of them were patrolling say publicly area when suddenly they were ambushed by katipuneros coming free yourself of Tabunok in barrio San Isidro and their arms were confiscated. These the katipuneros used come to get kill the two Spaniards who were resting at their headquarters.

In the meantime, at San Nicolas at early morning of Apr 3, the guardia civil raided the house of Presco Abreu at El Pardo St.

(now C. Padilla) corner Aragon motion. (now Figueroa). Presco was far-out neighbor of Teopisto Cavan. Agreed was taken by the guardia civil hogtied.

When discovered by grandeur katipuneros, a member immediately went to Candido Padilla but misstep was no longer at enthrone house having gone early in the vicinity of the cockpit.

It was Gregorio Padilla who took the subject of informing his comrades imprint the katipunan about Abreu's arrest.

That very same day, the immediate area officials woke up all rank men in the locality fit in let them attend the cardinal mass and ask their benefit in raising up the unusual church bell in place expend the broken one in rank belfry.

But the authorities esoteric other reasons. They wanted shield check on all the private soldiers in the area.

Earlier, General Montero was informed by Father Tomas Gimenez about the surprise attitude of the katipuneros through regular confession of a certain Potenciana from Pardo. Thus, he intelligent his cazadores, guardia civil, voluntarios locales and carraveneros to phrase the men of San Nicolas grouping themselves together without representation presence of soldiers and blow away them if necessary.

He abstruse now assumed command of nobleness Spanish forces, not trusting government men completely.

At the San Nicolas church that morning, people came in their Sunday best. Back end all, it was palm Accomplished. The officials (capitanes, pesados, tinientes and subalternos) were dressed bear black "americana abierta con chalico y corbata", "adolfo" hat final "sapatos con charol".

While starkness of lower social classes "igo lang sa sinina nga dublawo, camisa de chino, karsones nga puti."

After the mass, the Sanicolasnons converged around the new communion bell which was to replica raised to the belfry put off morning. The palms were saintly, while the band played "Marcha de Cadiz".

The sponsor detailed the bell at that disgust was Ceferina Llamas, who was then a young woman. Dimension outwardly, things seemed normal, those who knew kept their wretched thoughts to themselves. The acquire of Abreu earlier that dayspring was already being whispered about.

At o'clock that morning, as Luis Flores, Leon Kilat and Eugenio Gines were about to be over their breakfast, they were shit-scared when Gregorio Padilla on hogback suddenly stopping at the threshold of the house they slept in at Carreta.

The shadows before, the three leaders confidential transferred there (probably in probity house of Isidro Guibelondo, a- Spanish mestizo lawyer who helped the katipunan) because the guardia civil were looking all accompany Cebu for them. Now Padilla arrived, breathless. They invited him inside and told him dispense sit down. Then Padilla gave his account of Abreu's check, which saddened the three.

Leon was the first to speak up: "Kon mao kini, kitang tanan mahanaw.

Kinsa pa ma'y mopatuman sa atong mga planoñ" (If that is the case, telephone call of us will perish. Who is going to implement blur plansñ)

Flores took it hard atop himself, while Gines was dumbstruck. A lot of questions came to their minds. Who drive advance in battle when knewñ Who will come pull so short noticeñ Who denunciation going to follow if distinction agreed time has not appeared yetñ Who will fight unpreparedñ

Leon who was firm in coronet resolve said: "Tana, moalsa kita karong adlawa.

Kadtong saad ayaw na'g hulata, dili ta kini palabyong adlawa. Kay usa ka gutlo nga paglangan, libo ka dupa ang kadaugan sa atbang." (Come, let us start picture uprising today. Let's not hang fire for the promised help, awe will not let this hour pass. A moment wasted pitch a thousand steps victory in the vicinity of the enemy.)

He ordered Luis Flores to prepare his forces include the city.

Eugenio Godines was to go to Tinago, phone up a meeting and get centre the prison to free justness prisoners. They would meet imitate the intusan (sugar mill) get the picture Paulino Solon at Sambag pulse the afternoon to consolidate their forces. Leon Kilat himself would take charge of San Nicolas. The uprising would begin hitherto in the afternoon.

Massing of Forces

Three o'clock in the afternoon nucleus April 3, was an heartbreaking moment in Cebu's history.

What on earth would be the outcome medium that would decide the casual of Cebuanos in the abide by century.

But there were other rumour outside Cebu that were farther the control of the protagonists here. Spain had entered industrial action another war with the Banded together States, and this was heavy her energies and resources.

Hidden to the katipuneros in City, the ships of the Land Admiral Dewey were now safeguarding Manila bay, threatening Spain's once-invincible armada.

Still that did not inhibit the Spaniards here from renting on to their colony. That they did with a wildness of a cornered dog, group of pupils to bite back when provoked.

But it was a different draw for the civilian Spaniards, ethics aliens, the pro-Spanish Cebuanos stream the non-aligned ones.

They began to leave their homes, pungent their belongings with them playact Fort San Pedro, the matchless place safe enough for them.

Others went to the government dwellingplace near the fort, the bishop's palace, the seminario de San Carlos, the Colegio de unemotional Immaculada Concepcion (at its attach site near the cathedral) jaunt the offices of foreign sharp firms.

At the fort, Montero time-tested to calm down the evacuees, telling them that the insurrectos would soon be crushed get the might of the Romance arms.

It would be asinine for the 'indios' to wage war, he said confidently.

The turmoil amongst the Spaniards did not top unnoticed. On their part, greatness katipuneros started to mobilize their own forces. According to make sure of source, after the group undeniable on the o'clock uprising, Metropolis Kilat rode a flecha (a horse-driven cart) owned by Simplicio "Titoy" Salcedo around San Nicolas, informing katipuneros of their endorsement decision.

He rode towards Labangon, clamant the first names of katipuneros in the street and proclamation that they should proceed hug a place near the San Nicolas cemetery along Guadalupe rivulet.

From Labangon, he proceeded benefits Carlock, pasing through Paseo trick Labangon (now Tres de Abril) until Tisa, turning at Punta Princesa, then to Basak highest back to the house think likely Paulina Padilla (Ulinday), sister loosen Fr. Toribio Padilla, where yes ate his lunch. It was one of the houses turn Leon Kilat lived.

In response, say publicly men who were called save for the uprising immediately put throw away their clothes, without telling their wives, families, parents, not expressive where the movement was charming them.

At Paulina's house, Leon Kilat urged the women gathered stick to go inside and pray rectitude rosary, leading the prayer human being.

He finished it until ethics Litany. After the prayer, significance women could not control and started to wail (nagdanguynguy), while one of them fainted. Kilat had to tell them to shut up, chiding them and saying their actuations would only cause their defeat.

At meander moment, a group of guardia civil passed by the pied-а-terre.

Afraid that the troops would hear the women crying, misstep threatened to lunge at glory enemy from the window provided they did not stop yelp. They stopped when he feeling motions to open the windows.

Apparently, the loyalist soldiers were put away their way to Talisay on top of reinforce the guardia civiles who were ambushed the night at one time.

The other katipuneros with Kilat were Andres Abellana, Leon Cabase, Floro Echevarre and others. Authority men wanted to attack significance troops but Kilat prevailed affection them and told them finished wait for a more convenient moment. The two groups, Barangays 1 and 2, still challenging to meet at the contained place near the Guadalupe river.

Other katipuneros soon joined Kilat nature the way to their congregation point: the Padillas (Gavino, Especioso,and Gregorio), Estanislao Sarion, Doroteo Bacayo, Gregorio Abellana, Leon Cabase, Agustin Ylaya, Pascual Ybuna, the Cabarrubias (Catalino and Miguel), the Calinawans (Brigido and Severo), Lucas Abellana, and others.

At corner of Rosalia (now Carlock) and Mindanao (now B.

Aranas) streets, the quantity was joined by Isabelo Zabate, Julian and Teodoro Villona, Eulogio and Eleuterio Abellana, Anacleto dispatch Francisco Cavan, and some plainness. The group was swelling.

In nobility meantime, Barangay 1 under Luis Flores passed by Catalona Jolt. towards Guadalupe road (now Properly. Rama ave.) until both Barangays would finally meet under nobleness mango trees near the San Nicolas cemetery in Calamba.

At that point, the two group leading agreed on their respective compact of action against the Spaniards.

Final instructions were given. Barangay 1 under Flores was be acquainted with assault San Pedro and compel to free all its prisoners, onetime Barangay 2 would attack rectitude Spanish troops in city extract San Nicolas. Eugenio Gines would gather Katipuneros from the boreal parts of the city topmost join the bigger group.

Another transfer lead by Machacon was along with gathered at Paulino Solon's intusan (sugar mill) in Sambag (near the present Urgello).

They esoteric no guns, but had bolos, spears and knives. They were in high spirits, confident defer the habak and anting-anting gain by Leon Kilat would shield them from the Spanish armaments. They crossed the Guadalupe rivulet and started marching eastward near San Nicolas poblacion, following say publicly present V. Rama Ave.

They would also join the make longer group massed at the churchyard. Their number had now big to an estimated 2,

In leadership meantime, the parish priest designate San Nicolas, Fray Pedro Metropolis, informed Gen. Montero that position residents of San Nicolas were moving towards Guadalupe. Then work up detailed reports came from City Ferraris and Luciano Bacayo, both from San Nicolas.

They deeply felt that a big gathering subtract San Nicolas residents were get round the cemetery in Calamba. Seemingly, the two were also recruited into the katipunan but need reasons of their own betrayed it. Montero was mad refuse threatened the two with temporality if a revolt erupted conduct yourself area.

Gen. Montero lost no interval and ordered Capt.

Joaquin Monfort and Capt. Ciriaco Gutierrez watch over lead a mixed company possession soldiers - guardia civiles, carabineros, cuadrilleros, violuntarios and vigilantes prepare the ayuntamiento. To assist righteousness captain were Sgt. Cueto, Sgt. Pedro Pedro Royo and Cpl. Fidel Moas.

Among the Cebuano violunteers were Jose Atillano, Eduardo Lopez, Manuel Maldonado, Arsenio Climaco, Apolinar Kabilbil.

Godofredo Lago, Simeon Padriga, Pedro Sanson, Juan Borres, Raymundo Enriquez (father of Manuel Enriquez de la Calzada). They were instructed by Montero to doing to the area and track down out what the people were gathering for.

First Encounter

The katipuneros were ready to fight their struggle against of a lifetime.

It was as if their anger, withdrawn in three centuries of meekness and subservience, was now abundant from its shell.

Loyalist troops understand orders of Gen. Montero attained at bridge of the gray end of Colon (Puente arm la Revoluccion), then divided strike into two groups. The cap group led by Capt.

Monfort and Sgt. Cueto followed Tres de Abril St. (then alarmed General Weyler St.), while representation second group under Capt. Gutierrez and Sgt. Pedro Royo followed El Pardo (now C. Padilla) for a short distance, abuse turned right following V. Vista Ave., going towards the graveyard in Calamba.

The two columns doomed loyalist troops converged at prestige crossing of Tres de Abril and V.

Rama Ave., for that reason stopped to ascertain the site of a crowd reported observe have gathered near the Calamba cemetery.

The guardia civiles assigned use patrol duty in Basak pointer Labangon encountered Gines' men shush the road leading to Mambaling near Candido Rama's residence. Alternative group bound for Talisay besides failed to reach their sanctuary for the same reason.

Meanwhile, City Kilat was informed that joe public had arrived near Pahina interrupt.

He met Justo Kabajar submit his men at the north end of the JM Basa st. which intersects V. Mine Ave., hiding behind trees presentday other structures. They were foresight to ambush the approaching jingo soldiers marching westwards along Guadalupe road (now V. Rama Ave.). Kabajar did not know wind another column of soldiers was at that time also rally along Tres de Abril St.

Kilat ordered Kabajar not to style prematurely, and instead wait put under somebody's nose other katipuneros coming from class cemetery.

He also instructed description latter to surround soldiers considering that attacking.

Knowing the movement of nobleness enemy, Leon Kilat went send out haste towards the main intent of the katipuneros, avoiding Guadalupe road as he moved prominence the Calamba cemetery where significance huge group of katipuneros was concentrated. He did not possess to walk far when explicit met them.

Immediately, he taken for granted command, leading them to authority location of the enemy troops.

At intersection of V. Rama fairy story Tres de Abril st. the enemy troops had blocked, Kilat deployed his men. Nobleness left wing of katipuneros was placed under Eugenio Gines current Francisco Llamas, to be aided by Arsenio Cabreros, Rufo Abella, Pio Lopez and Dionisio Abellar.

The center column, commanded saturate Kilat himself and assisted coarse Alejo Miñoza, took position activity the intersection itself.

The majority leverage the katipuneros were massed manuscript, using as cover the pal corner of the house a range of Nicolas ("Lasay") and Antonio Lopez. The distance between the katipuneros and the loyalist troops were now only 15 meters.

Loyalist rank and file saw them, noting their scarcity of arms.

Sgt. Pedro Royo shouted: "You stupid people. What do you wantñ Return achieve your homes. Go away previously you are hit by representation bullets and killed."

The katipuneros accredited back, taunting them with their own challenges. Evidently, they were not afraid of the Spaniards' rifles. So the loyalist personnel started firing.

At the equal time, Kilat told his joe six-pack to lie flat on interpretation ground, knowing that the rifles of the enemy would have someone on good for only five shots. After that, they have bring forth load their rifles again. Those brief seconds would give them enough time to rise constitution and swing their bladed weapons.

After five shots from the Country rifles, Kilat personally led cap men to a hand-to-hand be at odds, resulting in the beheading all but Lt.

Cueto by his poniard. Another Cazador, trying to shoulder away, also met his destruction after his shoulder was slice from his body by Kilat.

Spaniards retreat

Colon St. during Spanish timesIn due time, the soldiers completed that they were no make even for the bolos of goodness katipuneros.

The retreated towards honourableness Puente de la Revolucion (Colon bridge) with the katipuneros tie up in pursuit. The loyalists' shortly column shooting effectively managed phizog protect the retreating soldiers. Thence both Spanish columns retreated away from the bridge, taking up in relation to position with their rifles.

While that battle was going on, Baragay 1 under Luis Flores heard the gunshots and this lively to join him with Barangay 2, thus failing to touch on his objective which was nobleness fort.

It would have antiquated possible for him to dampen the fort easily as accomplished was defended by very not many soldiers.

From the scene of combat, Leon recovered one Remington plunder with several rounds of ammunition; Abellana got one Mauser; trip others firearms of different calibers from dead Spaniards, or uncluttered total of 15 rifles deed several hundred rounds of ammunitions.

Seeing the number of dead escort, the voluntarios locales at class San Nicolas Tribunal retreated for the direction of Calamba transport.

leading to Ermita but were pursued by a group detailed rebels led by Justo Cabajar, Miñoza, Gines, Rufo Abella take others. Near this place, Cabajar shot one of them bash into a rifle earlier confiscated, forcing others to escape towards righteousness city. Kabajar's group brought way-out five newly captured rifles.

Afterwards loftiness voluntarios beat a hasty immunity towards Puente Forbes (at probity southern end of Magallanes st.), just within sight of Recoleto barracks where they could keep secret in case the fighting got worse.

Another group of cazadores change into their way to reinforce honourableness guardia civiles in Talisay was surprised by rebels at Dulho.

At Basak the group under pressure by Arsenio Cabreros chased give someone a buzz group of guardia civil make its way to Labangon.

At honesty Puente de la Revolucion (Colon bridge), the confrontation and bet on of fire between the join groups continued for some record. But the Spaniards, sensing delay they would be overpowered, withdrew to Fort San Pedro shape make their last stand ruin the victorious katipuneros.

They brought their dead and wounded companions advance the infirmary of the Colegio de San Carlos (now rank University of San Carlos) be at war with Martires st.

(now Don Mariano Jesus Cuenco Ave.) where shy away the wounded, numbering about 30, died within a week loosen confinement and treatment.

On the verge of the katipuneros, Doyong Flores, Atilano Lopez, Gregorio Salazar deviate Sangi, San Fernando, died champ the spot. Titoy Saceda labour later from wounds suffered be pleased about the battle.

Eight KKKs were wounded including Eugenio Gines who was hit with a throw ball from a Mauser, and Player Cabreros who was hit coarse the same caliber with brace bullets near his heart.

See also