Philippine Revolution: The Katipunan

Katipunan Initiation and Structure

• The initiation process for new recruits involved a series of tests, including a physical test where the candidate was led blindfolded into another room.
• The final rites of initiation involved the neophyte signing an oath of membership in their own blood, usually drawn from a cut made to the left forearm.

Katipunan Organizational Structure

• The Katipunan had three ranks of membership: katipon, kawal, and bayani, with new members starting out as katipon.
• Members paid an entrance fee of one real fuerte, equivalent to 1/8 of a silver real peso, as well as monthly dues and other fees.
• The organization was governed by the Supreme Council of the Katipunan, composed of a President, Secretary, Fiscal, Treasurer, and six councilors.
• The Katipunan Assembly was the legislative body, composed of the members of the Supreme Council and presidents of popular and provincial councils.
• Judicial power rested in the provincial courts, known as sangguniang hukuman, with grave matters judged by the Secret Chamber composed of Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Dr. Pio Valenzuela.

Katipunan Objectives and Founding

• The Katipunan was founded on July 7, 1892, by a group of men including Andres Bonifacio, Deodato Arellano, and Teodoro Plata, in response to the deportation of Dr. Jose Rizal and the banning of his works.
• The objectives of the Katipunan were threefold: political, moral, and civic, aiming for freedom from Spanish rule through armed struggle, while also helping the poor and oppressed, and promoting good manners, hygiene, and morality.
• The Katipunan was also known as the Kataas-taasang Kagalang-Kagalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan.