The Cry of Pugad Lawin or Balintawak— Andres Bonifacio (CHRONOLOGICALLY EXPLAINED)

Key Concepts:

• First Cry (El Grito): Call to revolt, not necessarily a literal shout.
• Katipunan (KKK): Philippine revolutionary organization seeking independence from Spain.
• Cedula: Community tax certificate, a mandatory identification card during the Spanish colonial period.
• Cry of Pugad Lawin/Balintawak: Disputed location and date of the first act of rebellion.
• Historiography: The study of historical writing and the approaches used by historians.

1. Definition and Significance of the First Cry:

• The "First Cry" (Unang Sigaw) is not a literal cry but a call to rebellion, translated from the Spanish term "El Grito."
• It signifies the start of the Philippine Revolution, led by Andres Bonifacio, to gain independence from Spanish colonial rule through armed conflict.
• It represents the realization of Filipinos' desire for freedom and independence and their willingness to fight for it.

2. Historical Background and the Katipunan:

• Jose Rizal's exile led Andres Bonifacio and others to believe that reform through propaganda was insufficient.
• The Katipunan (Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) was founded on July 7, 1892, to achieve independence through revolution.
• The Katipunan was a secret organization discovered by the Spaniards in August 1896. Different versions exist regarding how the Spaniards learned about the Katipunan. One version is from Teodoro Patiño, who feared for his safety and revealed the organization. Another version is from the diary of Mariana Alvarez.
• Upon learning of the discovery, Bonifacio called a meeting of Katipunan officials and declared a revolution.

3. Significant Events During the First Cry:

• Tearing of Cedulas: Katipuneros tore up their community tax certificates (cedulas), symbolizing their rejection of Spanish authority. This act was a public display of defiance.
• Shouting "Long Live Philippine Independence": The tearing of cedulas was accompanied by patriotic shouts ("Viva la Independencia Filipina"), expressing the Katipunan's goal.
• These events served as a signal of the Katipuneros' defiance and marked the official beginning of the Philippine Revolution.
• The revolt spread to eight provinces: Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija, represented by the eight rays of the sun on the Philippine flag.

4. Controversy Surrounding the Date and Location:

• The exact date and place of the First Cry are disputed due to conflicting accounts from primary sources.
• The controversy remains unresolved due to the ambiguity of place names and differing eyewitness testimonies.

5. Eyewitness Accounts:

• Dr. Pio Valenzuela: Initially claimed the cry was in Balintawak on August 26, 1896, then later stated it was in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896.
• Gen. Santiago Virata Alvarez: Accounted the first cry happened on August 24, 1896, at Bahay Toro, Quezon City.
• Guillermo Masangkay: Initially dated the cry on August 26, 1896, then changed it to August 23, 1896, similar to Valenzuela's assertion. However, his granddaughter later cited sources indicating the original date was August 26, 1896.
• Gregoria de Jesus: Stated the cry happened near Caloocan on August 25, 1896.

6. Arguments for Pugad Lawin:

• Dr. Pio Valenzuela's account is the primary basis for this argument.
• Theodoro Agoncillo, a prominent Filipino historian, supported this view in his book "Revolt of the Masses" (1956), stating that over 1,000 Katipunan members met in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896, tore their cedulas, and shouted for Philippine independence.
• Agoncillo's influence led the National Heroes Commission (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) to declare the event as the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" on August 23.

7. Arguments for Balintawak:

• Multiple accounts suggest the First Cry happened in Balintawak, with different locations mentioned (Caloocan, Kangkong, Quezon City, Bahay Toro, Pugad Lawin).
• Historians Milagros Guerrero, Ramon Villegas, and Emmanuel Encarnacion argue that all these places were part of Balintawak during that time. Quezon City did not exist yet.
• Guillermo Masangkay's account details a meeting on August 26, 1896, in Balintawak at the house of Apolonio Samson, where Bonifacio and others discussed the uprising. After a fiery speech, the people tore their cedulas and shouted for the Philippine Republic.
• Historian Pedro A. Gagelonia argued that the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" lacks sufficient documentation and supporting evidence.

8. Masangkay's Account Details:

• August 26, 1896: Meeting held in Balintawak at Apolonio Samson's house.
• 9 AM: Meeting opened with Bonifacio presiding and Jacinto as secretary to discuss the timing of the uprising.
• Bonifacio argues with other leaders about starting the revolt too early and leaves.
• Bonifacio gives a fiery speech, and the people shout for revolt.
• They tear their cedulas.
• Bonifacio returns and informs the leaders of what happened outside.
• They vote for revolution, and the people shout "Long Live the Philippine Republic" at 5 PM.
• Guards warn of the approaching Spaniards, and Bonifacio leads them to prepare for the attack.

9. Conclusion:

• The controversy surrounding the date and location of the First Cry stems from conflicting eyewitness accounts.
• While the exact details remain debated, the essence of the event – the decision to revolt and the commitment to Philippine independence – is the most important aspect.
• The significance lies in the contribution of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan to the Philippine Revolution and the achievement of independence.