INTRODUCTION:

One hundred twenty-three years ago, the Filipinos calls out for revolutions against the
Spanish colonial authorities. Their major reason was to end colonialism and to have democracy
for them to start a new life as independent people. This point of time in the Philippine history is
called the “Cry of Rebellion”, where Andres Bonifacio and a number of Katipuneros tore their
cedulas, signifying their protest against the Spanish colonialism. It was followed by series of
fierce fighting of Filipino bolos and spears versus Spanish muskets. The cedula is a piece of
paper that symbolizes the Spaniards’ oppression and tearing the same means the
start of our fight for freedom and independence. The use of it was brought to us by
the Spaniards, meaning that it has been used since the Spanish period in the 19th
century. The Cry of Rebellion in the Philippines happened in August 1896, northeast of Manila.
Given the month and the year, there were a lot of debate circulating regarding the day of when
did it really happened. Proposed dates were between August 23-26. When it comes to the setting
of where did it took place, two major places have been identified, calling it as the “Cry of
Balintawak” and the “Cry of Pugad Lawin”.

BODY:

The KKK (Kataas-taasan, Kagalanggalangang, Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) in

short katipunan and referred them as katipuneros. They were formed as an organization on 1892.
The Tagalog word "katipunan" meaning 'association' or 'assembly', from its root word "tipon"
meaning "gathering". In a secret organization, its members were subjected to the outmost secrets
and were expected to abide the rules established by society.

It was started when the news of discovery of the Katipunan reached to the officers.
Bonifacio called for an emergency meeting of officials to decide on the next move since the
Spanish authorities, started to find the members of the organization. So many rebels left
Balintawak and proceeded to Kangkong for a meeting. By the 23 of August, they arrived at the
house of Juan Ramos in Pugad Lawin where Cry of Rebellion happened in which they tear apart
their cedulas as a sign of revolt against Spanish government. They are highly motivated by the
killings and arrest of their members, so they tore up the documents and let out the cry "Mabuhay
ang Pilipinas" or “Long live the Philippines”. Knowing that with the lack of arms they could not
start a fight against the Spaniards, they decided to retreat and marched towards Pasong Tamo
were on 24 August, they arrived at the house of Melchora Aquino, known among as Tandang
Sora, the "Mother of Philippine Revolution".

The general attack of Manila was decided to be made on the night of August 29, who on
seeing the mob surrendered their weapons and were taken captive. Bonifacio issued a manifesto
asking for Filipinos to rise. He said "This manifesto is for all of you. It is absolutely necessary
for us to stop at the earliest possible time the nameless oppression being perpetrated on the sons
of the people who are now suffering the brutal punishment and tortures in jails, and because of
this please let all the brethren know that on Saturday, the revolution shall commence according to
our agreement." However, the attacks were unsuccessful. The Battle at San Juan del Monte was a
military disaster after the death of more than a hundred Katipuneros. Gen. Ramon Blanco, as a
response, declared a state of war in the eight provinces believed to be the hotbeds of revolution
namely: Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga.

In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal ordered the official commemoration of Cry of

Rebellion on August 23, 1896 at Pugad Lawin, Quezon City.

CONCLUSION:

Even today, questions are still being raised about the veracity of the venue and date ever
since these details were raised by Philippine historian Teodoro Agoncillo as the “definitive”
information regarding the “Cry of Rebellion.” There is also a debate regarding the date of when
did Andres Bonifacio and the rest of Katipuneros tore their cedulas. Some say the they tore their
cedulas more than once. Some say the Cry of Balintawak is a separate event. Perhaps the debates
will not be settled anytime soon. But some facts remain undisputed. Four places have been
identified- Balintawak, Kangkong, Bahay Toro and Pugad Lawin, while dates vary from 23, 24,
25, or 26 of August 1896. Olegario Diaz said that the Cry of Rebellion took place in Balintawak
during August 25, 1896; Teodore Kalaw stated that it happened in Kangkong, Balintawak in the
last week of August 1896; Santiago Alvarez put the cry in Bahay Toro in Quezon City during
August 24, 1896; lastly, Pio Valenzuela claimed it happened in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896.
But despite of all the debates circulating regarding the date and place of the Cry of Rebellion, we
cannot ignore the fact that the main reason of it was to raise democracy and to experience
independence among Filipinos and the country itself.