Thread by @indiohistorian

#TodayinHistory in 1896, Melchora Aquino de Ramos (known as "Tandang Sora") at age 84, was arrested by the Spanish authorities at Pasong Putik, Novaliches for aiding the #PH Revolution vs. Spain. She went thru intense interrogation until her exile to Guam. (THREAD) #history

Hailing from Banlat, Balintawak (now in Quezon City) from a well-to-do family of farmers, she was married to Fulgencio Ramos, a cabeza de barangay, and had 6 children. The death of her husband devastated her, but she single-handedly thrived managing the business her husband left.

It was on her backyard that the Cry of #PH Revolution happened. Her son Juan Ramos was a member of the #Katipunan. She generously gave 100 bags of rice, 10 carabaos, & other supplies to the movement, believing in the cause of the Revolution.

It was 6 days later, on this day in 1896, when she was arrested and incarcerated at her local cabeza de barangay residence. She was moved to Bilibid Prison the next day where she underwent intense interrogation. She, old that she was at age 84, never gave any valuable info.

As #PH Revolution raged, w/ 3 days of getting no info from Melchora, 🇪🇸 GovGen Ramon Blanco ordered her exile to the island of Guam. It was only in 1903 when the 🇺🇸 freed Melchora, then at 93 years old. She boarded SS Uranus & arrived in #PH, received by her family, all in tears.

Just like Teodora Alonso, mother of Jose #Rizal, Melchora Aquino denied all offers of pension & financial support from the Americans. She died peacefully on 2 March 1919 at the very old age of 107, a full-life lived for the Nation that honors her. 🇵🇭

- Melchora Aquino at Banlat, c. late 1900s.
- The old Bilibid Prison as it looked like in the late 19th century, from @BNE_biblioteca
- Melchora Aquino depicted in the 100 Philippine Peso English series, used in #PH from 1949-1969, from @BangkoSentral

@subselfie @tonitiemsin @jmnualla