Spanish Authorities Execute Revolutionaries

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

SEPTEMBER 4, 1896

Spanish authorities executed Sancho Valenzuela, Modesto Rivera, Eugenio Sylvestre and Ramon Peralta at the Campo de Bagumbayan. 

They were earlier captured at Polvorin and were dragged in chains by the Spaniards. Valenzuela was the leader of a group of Katipuneros, numbering a hundred which included two women, Luisa Lucas and Segunda Flores Santiago, who all came from Sta. Mesa to attack the Spanish forces in Polvorin upon the orders of Andres Bonifacio. 

The Battle of San Juan del Monte on August 30, 1896 led by Bonifacio was the first real battle of the Philippine Revolution. 

The surprise attack left the Spanish troops with no choice but to retreat to a nearby building after their commander and another person were killed. 

Spanish reinforcements arrived under the command of General Bernardo Echaluce y Jauregui and almost wiped out Bonifacio’s men, who were forced to retreat towards the Pasig River. 

The encounter left around 150 dead Katipuneros and more than 200 captured which included Valenzuela and his men.

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

Photo credit: withonespast.wordpress.com