History of Katipunan

Study Notes

The Katipunan, also known as KKK, was a secret society.
It was founded on July 7, 1892, in Manila.
Its main goal was to liberate the Philippines from Spanish rule through a revolution.
Translated, "Katipunan" means "Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation".

The Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule for 333 years.
Spanish colonization brought both exploitation and some benefits, such as infrastructure and education.
Growing tensions led to a desire for independence among Filipinos.

The primary political objective was to gain complete separation of the Philippines from Spanish rule.
This involved declaring independence and establishing an autonomous nation.

The civic objective revolved around self-help and defending the poor and oppressed.
Members were urged to help sick comrades and their families.
The society paid funeral expenses for deceased members.

As membership grew above 100, Bonifacio divided members into three levels: Katipon, Kawal, and Bayani.
Each level had specific symbols and responsibilities.

Women played important roles in the Katipunan despite it initially being a male-only organization.
Women played roles like hiding documents and joining meetings to avoid Spanish suspicion.
Gregoria de Jesus and Melchora Aquino known as Tandang Sora were influential women.
Tandang Sora provided shelter and support to injured Katipuneros.

The Spanish authorities learned about the Katipunan through Teodoro Patiño, who revealed it to a Spanish official.
Patiño exposed the society as a result of a dispute with a co-worker.
Word spread and authorities found evidence.

Andres Bonifacio called a meeting at Pugad Lawin in Manila.
Katipunan leaders decided to start the revolution.
People tore up their cedulas and shouted: "Long live the Philippines" (Mabuhay ang Pilipinas).
This started the armed struggle for independence led by Bonifacio.

The Katipunan attacked Spanish soldiers on August 30, 1896.
Despite courage and enthusiasm, the Katipunan faced significant casualties and poor equipment.
Battle highlighted the challenges faced by the revolutionaries.

Leaders from Magdiwang and Magdalo factions met in Tejeros, San Francisco de Malabon, on March 22, 1897.
Andres Bonifacio presided over the convention.
Members pledged to respect the majority's decision.
Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President, and Bonifacio was elected Director of the Interior.
Discrepancies in the election results prompted protests and disagreements.
Daniel Tirona protested Bonifacio's election, leading Bonifacio to declare the election invalid.

Bonifacio expressed suspicions about the election's fairness in a letter to Emilio Jacinto, believing it was manipulated.
Bonifacio and his supporters convened on March 23, 1897, and drafted the Acta de Tejeros (the Tejeros Act) which outlined their reasons for rejecting the election results.
The Naic Military Agreement was drafted by Bonifacio.

Bonifacio felt betrayed and left the Tejeros Convention.
Aguinaldo ordered Bonifacio's arrest.
Bonifacio was charged with treason and executed in 1897.
The Bonifacio brothers were executed on May 10, 1897, by a firing squad led by Major Lázaro Macapagal in the mountains of Maragondon, Cavite.

Despite its tragic end, the Katipunan remains a symbol of independence.
It played a vital role in Philippine history laying the foundation for future struggles for freedom.