The battlecry is one of the most historical event in the Philippines which marks the

beginning of the Philippine revolution where the Katipunan, as led by Andres Bonifacio tore their
cedulas as the cedula is the indication of Spanish government’s tyranny against Filipinos who
were branded as “Indios” for three-hundred years of Spanish colonization. Knowing the history
and stories behind the battlecry, commemorates the act of courage and nationalism of our
heroes for the freedom we enjoy today. Despite the remarkable event, it is controversial to
locate the site of the first revolutionary battlecry upon evidences collected, However, in this
paper, I believed that the first revolutionary battlecry happened in Balintawak.
As a person who grew up in Balintawak, I almost see every day the secluded circular
park-like area with different versions of flags of KKK hanged in its surrounded fences. We were
taught by our elementary and high school teachers that our place is a historical one as it is
where “Sigaw ng Himagsikan” happened. My grandparents also told us some stories of
Philippine revolutionary as our great-great-grandparents is present in the said revolution. My
Lola once told me that the Balintawak was also once named “pugadlawin” as the location is
surrounded with trees and crops like kangkong and corns which is similar to the shape of
pugadlawin or bird’s nest as seen in maps. In this case, naming of “pugadlawin” of Balintawak
may confused people to another place called “pugadlawin”. However, all these are coming from
hearsays which possibly may true or false.
In addition, according to Philippine-Historical Association round-table discussion, a great
granddaughter of Tandang Sora claims that the use of toponym “Pugad Lawin” referred to a
hawk’s nest on of a tall Sampaloc tree in the highest elevated area near Balintawak. Also,
Balintawak is known as the reference point or meeting point for a larger area (Guerrero, 2003)
as it is also the intersection of locations of north and south provinces in Luzon like Bulacan,
Nueva Ecija, and such. This may prove that the location of Balintawak base on its name and
characteristic of place, fits to be a venue for a massive event like the declaration of war of
Independence.
On the same on the same online source, Guerrero (2003) mentions that in the memoirs
of Emilio Aguinaldo, Mga Gunita ng Himagsikan, mentions two letters from Andres Bonifacio
which was dated 22 and 24 August of 1896 whereas stating that the Magdalo Council received
a secret letter from Supreme Andres Bonifacio saying that the Katipunan will hold an important
meeting on the 24th of the said month in Balintawak. In the letter of Bonifacio also states that it
was extremely required or necessary to send two delegates or representatives in the name of
Magdalo Council.
On the testimony of Guillermo Rafael Masangkay, one of the original members of the
Katipunan and one of the friend and Adviser of Andres Bonifacio claims that it was in Balinatwak
is where a big meeting was held wherein Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Pio Valenzuela, and other
board of directors, and representatives were present. He also shared that the men katipuneros
were distributed in strategic positions, preparing for the possible attack if civil guards.
Nonetheless, Filipinos today should commemorate the Katipunan’s brave act of tearing
apart of their cedulas indication for Revolutionary War. If it weren’t for Revolution, the Philippine
today may still suffer from the colonization of Kastila
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References
Guerrero, M. et al. (2003). In focus: Balintawak: the cry for a nationwide revolution. Retrieved on
January 23, 2019 from: http://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/balintawak-the-cry-
for-a-nationwide-revolution
Masangkay, G. R. (1932) A Katipunero Speaks. The Sunday Tribune Magazine.