Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1896, approx 500 members of the secret Filipino revolutionary org, the #Katipunan, gathered at the backyard of Juan Ramos, son of Melchora Aquino (at Caloocan) tore up their cedulas, and commenced the Philippine Revolution against Spain. (THREAD) #PH #history

After 3 centuries of Spanish colonial rule, & winds of progress and change continue to be abated by the Spanish friars & corrupt administration, discontent have been brewing in #PH. The unjust execution of #GOMBURZA, historians note, was the turning point.

In January 1892, the #Katipunan was conceptualized, w/ the sole goal of separating the archipelago from Spain by means of an armed #revolution, bec of Spain's "abusive behavior, hard-heartedness, treachery, and other degradations..." (Casaysayan, 1892)

Upon Jose Rizal's 2nd return to #PH in June 1892, he was subjected to surveillance due to his writings. Soon after, he was exiled by the Spanish admin to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. On the night of his exile, the Katipunan was founded.

The fledgling org, thru Pio Valenzuela, consulted Rizal in Dapitan. Rizal advised the org that they need to secure weapons & the support of the wealthy. The org soon recruited members from all over #PH. Communication was by means of an elaborate cipher.

In 1896, rumors spread of covert meetings as the Spanish admin initially dismissed it. Not until the org was discovered prematurely, w/ confirmation from Padre Mariano Gil, did the admin act, with mass arrests. Seeing that the org was in peril, Andres Bonifacio called a meeting.

Katipunan leaders gathered at the hills of old Kalookan, as Bonifacio laid out plans for an all-out coordinated & simultaneous revolution. Members tore up their cedulas in defiance of the Spanish authorities.

A cedula personal was a mandatory identification imposed by the Spanish colonial gov to exact taxes, monitor movement, and determine an individual's profile (contains address, profession, etc.) Tearing it up meant being incognito. To have no cedula risk arrest.

Recent scholarship suggests that the Cry may have been on the 24th or may have continued for several days. As for the exact place of the event, historians contend several possible locations. See map below from the Historical Atlas of the Republic (2016, archive.org/details/histor…).

Photos:
- Cry of Pugad Lawin Park, Project 8, Quezon City, from @manila_today
- A cedula personal, from John Sayles' "A Moment in the Sun"
- Map of contending dates & locations of the Cry of Revolution, Historical Atlas of the Republic (2016)

@subselfie @jmnualla @tonitiemsin