The Cry

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

AUGUST 26, 1896

Andres Bonifacio urged the members of the Katipunan to rise in arms against Spain. They tore their cedulas personales or community tax certificates accompanied by patriotic shouts. This was called the Cry of Balintawak or the Cry of Pugad Lawin. 

This event has everyone confused as historians gave different dates and places of the “Cry.” Teodoro Kalaw’s book in 1925 mentioned that it happened in the last week of August in Kangkong, Balintawak. 

Santiago Alvarez, a Katipunero and son of Gen. Mariano Alvarez stated in 1927 that it was on August 24, 1896 in Bahay Toro which is now Quezon City. 

Pio Valuenzuela in 1948 said that it was on August 23, 1896 in Pugad Lawin. Gregorio Zaide’s books gave August 26, 1896 as the date of the “Cry” which took place in Balintawak. Teodoro Agoncillo wrote in 1956 that it was on August 23, 1896 in Pugad Lawin. 

The Cry was officially commemorated on August 26, 1908 after the American colonial government repealed the Sedition Law. 

In 1911, a monument featuring the Cry with a lone figure depicting Bonifacio was erected in Balintawak. It was later transferred to U.P. Diliman. 

In 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal declared that the official commemorations be on August 23 in Pugad Lawin. 

The National Historical Institute of the Philippines installed a historical marker in Pugad Lawin in 1984.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.org