Narratives for the Talking Walls Project

Cenotaph of Andres Bonifacio

The Cenotaph memorializes the Pasigueno Katipuneros led by General Valentin Cruz who
successfully launch the Nagsabado sa Pasig of 1896. The statue symbolizes the praise of
Bonifacio to the local heroes “Talaga palang tunay na magigiting ang mga BatamPasig.”
The holding of Asamblea Magna of the Katipunan on Bitukang Manok in May of 1896 was the
most significant event which occured on the river in the 19th century. It was the first decisive
meeting of the secret organization to call the people to arms against the colonial government –
pending consultation with Rizal. The gathering was dissimulated by the annual confluence of the
May pilgrims in Pasig on their way to Antipolo. Unwittingly, perhaps the Katipuneros had
invoked the Virgin’s protection of their cause, which she obliged.
Starting at the Bahay Kuwago, a cave in Ugong near Sapang Nabas another tributary of the
San Mateo River before the latter branches out to Bitukang Manok, the covert assembly
continued their deliberations the following day on 17 bancas on Bitukang Manok. The meeting
culminated in the house of General Valentin Cruz located beyond the first bend behind the
Tribunal de Naturales.
Notwithstanding Rizal’s objections, Bonifacio went ahead with with the planning of the
Revolution. The very first battle known as, Nagsabado, was fought in the center of Pasig,
bordered by Bitukang Manok and encompassing the Tribunal de Naturales, the church and
convent (whose land extended to the river bank and where the Spanish priest and the Guardia
Civil barricaded themselves), the Plaza de la Paz, the tribunal de Mestizos and the Cuartel de la
Guardia Civil.
From Maybunga, after dark, the valiant Katipuneros converged on the Pariancillo Bridge and
spilled into the government and church grounds. The fateful river witnessed and reflected the
twists and turns as well as the triumphs and tragedies of the Philippine Revolution against Spain
and the Philippine-American War.