Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1872, Santiago Álvarez, Filipino revolutionary general, patriot, advocate for independence, known as "Kidlat ng Apoy" in the battlefield (Lightning of Fire), is born in Imus, Cavite. (THREAD) #PH #History #Kasaysayan

Context: Born in the year when the #GOMBURZA were executed, inflaming the anger of Filipinos towards Spanish rule, Santiago was born to his father Mariano, a general of the #PH Revolution, and Nicolasa Virata. He was the couple's only child.

Mariano, his father, had a fair share of discriminatory treatment from Spaniards. Mariano was accused of being involved in the Cavite Mutiny upon finding in his possession an autographed photo of Fr. Jose Burgos, having been imprisoned but later escaped.

With his father being a member of the #Katipunan and being elected as president of the Magdiwang chapter of the Katipunan at Noveleta, Cavite in 1896, Santiago soon got involved in the Katipunan as well. He was one of the 1st Filipino generals who raised arms vs. Spain.

Santiago proved his valor in the fierce Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican from 9 to 11 Nov 1896, where his forces utterly defeated the Spanish Gov-Gen Ramon Blanco's 3000 troops. It was one of the bloodiest of the battles in the 1st phase of the #PH Revolution, lasting for 36 hours.

The events that led to the marginalization of the Magdiwang & the execution of the Bonifacio bros grieved father & son, hence while they supported Aguinaldo, they were not involved in the surrender to Spaniards via the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in Dec. 1897.

Upon the establishment of the American civil gov in #PH in 1901, Santiago, together w/ Pascual Poblete, Lope K. Santos, and Macario Sakay established the Partido Nacionalista, aiming for #PH independence from the United States. The party would soon dominate the #PH Legislature.

Photos:

- Colorized portrait of Santiago Álvarez, by PCDSPO 2010-2016
- Battle of Binakayan Monument, photo from explore.ph