Readings in Philippine History Page 1 of 9

Historic Controversies: Cry of Revolution

Topic: HISTORIC CONTROVERSIES: CRY OF REVOLUTION

III. LESSON PROPER

Case 3: Cry of Balintawak or Pugad Lawin?

The Cry of Balintawak or Pugad Lawin refers to the pivotal event in August 1896 that symbolized the
start of the Filipino revolution against Spanish colonial rule. However, the exact date and location remain
contested, with conflicting historical accounts adding to the ambiguity. Traditionally, this event marked the
tearing of cedulas (tax certificates) by revolutionaries, symbolizing their defiance.
Background:
In the late 19th century, revolutionary fervor spread across Spanish colonies, including the
Philippines. The term "Cry of Rebellion" emerged to signify the Filipino revolt against Spain. The act of tearing
the cedula became the defining symbol of this rebellion, emphasized by Teodoro Agoncillo, who placed this
moment in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896. However, other historians offer different dates and locations:
Santiago Alvarez suggested Bahay Toro on August 23, Gregorio Zaide claimed Balintawak on August 26,
and more recent research proposed Tandang Sora’s barn on August 24. These discrepancies have led to
multiple interpretations of where and when the “Cry” occurred.
Initially commemorated on August 26, the Cry’s monument now stands at the intersection of EDSA
and Andres Bonifacio Drive. Despite this, there remains no consensus on the exact event being
memorialized.
Definition of the Cry:
The debate about the “Cry of Revolution” stems from uncertainty about what it specifically refers to,
as there are three possible interpretations:
• Pasya – the decision to revolt.
• Pagpupunit – the symbolic tearing of cedulas.
• Unang Labanan – the first encounter with Spanish forces.
Each of these events happened at different places and times, making it difficult to pinpoint which
event the “Cry” commemorates. Historians have divergent views:
• Teodoro A. Agoncillo associates the Cry with the pagpupunit (cedula tearing), which followed
the decision to revolt.
• Isagani R. Medina believes the cedula-tearing happened before the decision.
• Soledad Borromeo-Buehler aligns with veterans of the Katipunan, seeing the Cry as the
unang labanan (first battle).
This historical complexity suggests that the "Cry" encompasses a series of interconnected events
that marked the start of the Philippine Revolution, with no single definitive moment.
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Historic Controversies: Cry of Revolution
Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s Account
Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a Filipino physician and revolutionary leader, was a close associate of Andrés
Bonifacio and an early member of the Katipunan. He played a key role in establishing Katipunan factions in
Morong (now Rizal) and Bulacan. His accounts of the First Cry of the Revolution became the basis for the
official date and place of this historic event. However, Valenzuela provided two versions of the events, which
have sparked debate.
First Account (August 22, 1896 - Balintawak):
• On August 19-20, 1896, Bonifacio, Jacinto, Plata, and other leaders took refuge in
Balintawak.
• By August 22, around 500 Katipuneros gathered at Apolonio Samson's house in Kangkong.
However, no major decisions were made at this gathering—only discussions took place.
Second Account (August 23, 1896 - Pugad Lawin):
• Valenzuela's second account, published in his Memoirs of the Revolution, claims that the
significant meeting took place at Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896, in the house and yard of
Juan Ramos.
• At this meeting, over 1,000 Katipuneros debated whether to start the revolution on August
29, with Teodoro Plata being the only one to oppose the idea.
• After the intense debate, the group symbolically tore their cedulas (community tax
certificates) and shouted, "Long live the Philippines!" as a defiant act against Spanish rule.
Debates and Credibility:
• Valenzuela’s seniority in the Katipunan, his profession as a physician, and his prominent
role in commemorations of the revolution gave his account considerable credibility.
• Historian Teodoro Agoncillo, in his book Revolt of the Masses, supported Valenzuela's
version, considering it a detailed and reliable eyewitness testimony. Agoncillo's
endorsement of Pugad Lawin popularized it as the official site of the Cry.
• However, historian John Schumacher questioned the reliability of Valenzuela's multiple
accounts, arguing that the inconsistencies in his narratives make them less credible, and he
criticized Agoncillo for relying heavily on them.

Santiago Alvarez’s Account

Santiago Alvarez, a revolutionary general and leader of the Cavite revolution, provided an account
of the First Cry of the Revolution, referred to as the Cry of Bahay Toro. His narrative, published in his memoirs,
gives a detailed but straightforward description of events, focusing on the logistical and strategic aspects of
the Katipuneros' activities.
Key Events in Alvarez’s Account:
• Background: Alvarez, known as “Kidlat ng Apoy,” was a Katipunan leader and a delegate of
the Katipunan’s provincial council in Cavite. His memoirs describe the First Cry as happening
on August 24, 1896, in Bahay Toro (now part of Quezon City).
• Arrival at Kangkong: On August 22, 1896, after a long, cold, and wet journey, the group led
by Andrés Bonifacio arrived at Apolonio Samson’s house in Kangkong. They sought refuge
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and warmth, with Bonifacio immediately assigning guards to ensure their security.
• Movement to Bahay Toro: Due to Bonifacio’s concern over a possible Spanish attack, the
group moved to Bahay Toro on August 23, where Melchora Aquino hosted them and
provided food. By this time, their number had grown to over 500 Katipuneros.
• Main Meeting (August 24, 1896): On August 24, more than 1,000 Katipuneros gathered in
Bahay Toro, and Bonifacio convened a crucial meeting. Key leaders such as Pio Valenzuela,
Emilio Jacinto, and others were present. The main agenda of the meeting was to decide on
the timing of the uprising.
o The group agreed to launch the revolution on August 29, 1896, but to remain on
high alert in case an earlier opportunity arose to strike when the enemy was
vulnerable.
• Symbolic Shouts: After the meeting adjourned, the Katipuneros loudly shouted, “Long live
the Sons of the People!” in anticipation of the impending revolution.
Debates Regarding Alvarez’s Account:
• Alvarez’s Cry of Bahay Toro account lacks dramatic embellishment, focusing more on the
logistical preparations and strategic decisions made by the Katipuneros, rather than
symbolic acts like the tearing of cedulas.

Gregoria De Jesus’s Account

Gregoria de Jesus, also known as the Lakambini of the Katipunan and wife of Andrés Bonifacio,
played a key role in the Philippine Revolution of 1896 by safeguarding important documents and weapons
for the Katipunan. Her account of the First Cry provides a personal and emotional perspective on the events.
Key Points in Gregoria de Jesus's Account:
• Role in the Revolution: As the custodian of secret documents and weapons, Gregoria risked
her life multiple times to protect these vital elements of the revolutionary movement. After
the revolution's outbreak, she moved to Caloocan to stay with her parents while Bonifacio
and his fellow Katipuneros gathered in Balintawak.
• Fleeing Arrest: When warned that Spanish authorities were coming to arrest her, she fled to
Manila. Her escape was fraught with challenges—she had to secretly travel through rice
fields at night. Along the way, Gregoria sought refuge in various homes but was turned away
by frightened locals, likely worried about Spanish reprisals.
• Impact on Others: Tragically, some of the families who offered her shelter, including one of
her uncles, were later arrested and punished by the Spanish. Her uncle was even exiled,
and he died in exile.
• First Cry: Gregoria recounts that the First Cry of the Revolution occurred near Caloocan on
August 25, 1896. While she was not present at the precise moment of the uprising, her
testimony offers a vivid account of the dangers and sacrifices made by those involved in the
revolution.
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Historic Controversies: Cry of Revolution
Olegario Diaz’s Account
Captain Olegario Diaz, a Spanish officer and commander of the Guardia Civil in Manila, provided an
official report on the events of the Cry of Balintawak, offering a Spanish perspective on the start of the
Philippine Revolution.
Key Points:
• Date and Location: Diaz claimed the Cry took place on August 25, 1896, in Balintawak.
• Events Leading to the Cry: Bonifacio and his followers, having fled Caloocan after the
discovery of the Katipunan, gathered with around 200 men in Balintawak. On August 24,
they were attacked by the Guardia Civil but managed to retreat.
• The Meeting: The next day, on August 25, more than 5,000 Katipuneros attended a large
meeting to decide their next steps. Despite some members wanting to surrender, Andrés
Bonifacio argued for immediate rebellion, and his plan was overwhelmingly supported.
• Significance: Diaz’s report framed the Cry not just as a symbolic moment but as a decisive
and violent confrontation with Spanish forces, marking the formal start of the revolution from
the Spanish point of view.
• Spanish View: The account reflects how the Spanish authorities saw the event as an open
insurrection, which required a military response to suppress the rebellion.

Guillermo Masankay’s Account:

Guillermo Masangkay, a childhood friend of Andrés Bonifacio and a fellow member of the Katipunan,
provided an eyewitness account of the first rally of the Philippine Revolution, which took place in Balintawak.
This event has been historically commemorated as the "Cry of Balintawak."
Key Points:
• Date and Location: Masangkay initially stated that the Cry occurred on August 26, 1896, in
Balintawak, near Manila, a date later adopted by the American government based on
consultations with surviving Katipuneros and historians. He eventually revised his account
to August 23, 1896, at Pugad Lawin.
• Meeting at Apolonio Samson's House: The significant gathering included leaders like
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Briccio Pantas, and Pio Valenzuela, with Bonifacio presiding over
the meeting. The main agenda was to determine the timing of the uprising against Spanish
rule.
• Debate on Timing: Several leaders, including Teodoro Plata and Pantas, cautioned against
an early revolution due to inadequate preparation and lack of resources. They argued that
the populace would suffer if the uprising was launched prematurely.
• Bonifacio's Rallying Call: Frustrated by the internal debate, Bonifacio stepped outside to
address the crowd, highlighting the urgency of rebellion. He reminded them of their
countrymen's fates and urged them to pledge their commitment to revolt by destroying their
cedulas (tax certificates), symbolizing their break from Spanish authority.
• Symbolic Act of Defiance: The assembled crowd responded with enthusiasm, tearing their
cedulas as a powerful act of defiance against Spanish rule. This act signified their
commitment to the revolution and their unwillingness to return to a life of oppression.
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• Decision to Revolt: After witnessing the people's fervor, Bonifacio returned to the leaders,
informing them of the crowd’s willingness to revolt. Despite some opposition, the board of
directors voted in favor of starting the uprising, prompted by the urgency of the situation.
• Preparation for Conflict: Following the decision, Masangkay described the preparations for
confrontation as Spanish forces approached. The Katipuneros strategically positioned
themselves for defense, marking the beginning of the revolutionary conflict.

Matrix of the Different Accounts

Aspect Dr. Pio Santiago Gregoria de Olegario Diaz Guillermo

Valenzuela Alvarez Jesus Masangkay
Date of the Cry First Account: August 24, 1896 August 25, 1896 August 25, 1896 August 26, 1896
August 22, 1896 (later revised to
August 23,
Second
1896)
Account: August
23, 1896
Location Balintawak (First Bahay Toro Near Caloocan Balintawak Balintawak
Account); Pugad (initially); later
Lawin (Second revised to Pugad
Account) Lawin
Key Figures Bonifacio, Bonifacio, Bonifacio (not Bonifacio, Bonifacio,
Present Jacinto, Plata, Valenzuela, present at the Katipuneros Jacinto, Pantas,
others Jacinto, others moment) Valenzuela,
others
Purpose of Discussed Decided on Personal Decision-making Discussed
Meeting timing of the timing for the narrative on on military timing of the
revolution uprising revolutionary response revolution
activities
Debate Over Yes, some Yes, some were N/A (focus on Yes, some Yes, some
Timing opposed early cautious personal wanted to opposed early
uprising experiences) surrender uprising
Symbolic Acts Tearing of Shouting “Long N/A (more Framed as a Tearing of
cedulas as a live the Sons of personal significant cedulas as a
pledge to revolt the People!” narrative) military event pledge to revolt
Credibility Supported by Focused on Personal and Official report Eyewitness
historians, but logistics, less emotional from Spanish account;
questioned dramatic perspective perspective debated
timelines
Perspective Revolutionary Revolutionary Personal Spanish officer; Eyewitness;
leader; leader with a account; viewed as notable for
significant strategic focus emotional and insurrection emotional fervor
credibility supportive
Focus of Leadership Logistics and Personal Military Leadership
Account dynamics, strategic sacrifices and engagement and dynamics,
decisions on preparations emotional the uprising rallying of
timing experiences Katipuneros

Key Similarities:
• Context of the Revolution: All accounts emphasize the urgency and significance of the
revolution against Spanish rule.
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• Influence of Bonifacio: Bonifacio's leadership and presence are consistently highlighted
across the narratives.
• Debate on Timing: Most accounts reflect discussions and debates among leaders regarding
the timing of the uprising.
• Symbolic Acts: The tearing of cedulas is a significant act in multiple accounts, symbolizing
a break from colonial authority.
Key Differences:
• Date and Location Variations: The accounts differ in the specific dates and locations where
the Cry took place, leading to debates about the official narrative.
• Emphasis: Some accounts focus on emotional and personal experiences (e.g., de Jesus),
while others are more logistical and strategic (e.g., Alvarez).
• Perspective: Valenzuela, Alvarez, Masangkay, and de Jesus provide revolutionary
perspectives, while Diaz offers an official Spanish perspective, framing the events as an
insurrection.

Historical Geography Context

The confusion over the locations of historical events like the Cry of Pugad Lawin arises from changing
definitions of Balintawak and Caloocan over time. At the turn of the century, Balintawak referred not only to
a specific area within what is now Caloocan but also to a broader region, which included parts of present-day
Quezon City. Similarly, Caloocan was a large area that encompassed parts of modern Quezon City and
Pasig. Locations such as Pugad Lawin,
Pasong Tamo, and Kangkong were
once part of "Greater Balintawak,"
which was itself within "Greater
Caloocan."
During the American colonial
period, Caloocan was a large town
northeast of Manila made up of various
barrios and sitios. However, when
Quezon City was created through
Commonwealth Act 502 in 1939, many
of these areas, including Balingasa,
Kangkong, La Loma, and Santol, were
transferred to the newly formed city. In
1949, the boundaries of Quezon City
were expanded further, resulting in
Caloocan losing more areas such as
Bahay Toro, Novaliches, and Pasong
Tamo. This redistricting caused
Caloocan to split into two disconnected
parts—north and south—which
persists to this day.
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Historian’s Take
Teodoro Agoncillo:
• Agoncillo's narration of the Cry in Revolt of the Masses follows Pio Valenzuela's "Memoirs,"
stating that the decision to revolt (Pasya) occurred at Juan Ramos's place in Pugad Lawin.
However, Agoncillo did not fully adhere to Valenzuela’s version, and did not disclose
deviations. Besides Valenzuela, Agoncillo also cited Guillermo Masangkay and Francisco
Carreon, though neither mentioned Pugad Lawin.
• Based on Agoncillo’s recommendation, the Philippine government replaced the term "Cry of
Balintawak" with "Cry of Pugad Lawin."
Dr. Milagros Guerrero, Ramon Villegas, and Emmanuel Encarnacion:
• These historians argue that the various locations mentioned by eyewitnesses are all within
the Balintawak/Caloocan area. They believe Bonifacio and the Katipunan moved between
different places to avoid arrest by the Spanish.
• They propose that August 29, 1896, should be the commemorated date, as it marked the
actual birth of the revolution.