The Revolution and Ideology of Katipunan - PDF

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE REVOLUTION AND IDEOLOGY OF KATIPUNAN............................................... 1 1. 1 The Founding of the Katipunan.................................................................................... 1 K.K.K (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak...

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE REVOLUTION AND IDEOLOGY OF KATIPUNAN............................................... 1 1. 1 The Founding of the Katipunan.................................................................................... 1 K.K.K (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan)..........1 La Liga Filipina.............................................................................................................. 1 Cuerto de Compromisarios.............................................................................................1 K.K.K............................................................................................................................. 1 Initiation Ceremonies..................................................................................................... 1 Cartilla ng Katipunan..................................................................................................... 1 Recruitment of members................................................................................................ 2 Membership fees............................................................................................................ 2 Hierarchy of the Katipunan:........................................................................................... 2 Organizational structure of the Katipunan..................................................................... 2 Sangguniang hukuman................................................................................................... 2 1. 2 Katipunan Ideology: Equality, Liberty, and Nationalism..............................................2 1. 3 Key Figures: Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Others........................................ 3 Andres Bonifacio............................................................................................................3 Deodato Arellano........................................................................................................... 3 Emilio Jacinto.................................................................................................................3 Gregoria De Jesús...........................................................................................................3 Emilio Aguinaldo........................................................................................................... 3 DR. Pío Valenzuela........................................................................................................ 3 1. 4 The Cry of Pugad Lawin and the Start of the Revolution............................................. 4 1. 5 Strategies and Tactics of the Katipunan........................................................................ 5 1. 6 Challenges and Divisions: The Tejeros Convention..................................................... 5 1. 7 The Pact of Biak-na-Bato and its Aftermath................................................................. 6 1. 8 The Establishment of the First Philippine Republic......................................................8 Three Common Facts about the First Philippine Republic............................................ 9 1. 9 The Katipunan’s Legacy in Philippine Nationalism................................................... 10 1. 10 Comparing the Katipunan with other Revolutionary Movements............................ 11 Similarities between Propaganda and Katipunan......................................................... 11 Differences between Propaganda and Katipunan.........................................................11 References............................................................................................................................... 13  1 THE REVOLUTION AND IDEOLOGY OF KATIPUNAN 1. 1 The Founding of the Katipunan K.K.K (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) The formulation of the Katipunan was shaped by the organization that was formed by Jose Rizal which called the La Liga Filipina. La Liga Filipina The function of the organization is to guide people to build cooperatives that will promote capitals for scholarships of the Filipinos and their civic engagement and development. Apparently, the Spaniards took the organization as a threat to the government and deliberate the abolition of the La Liga Filipina by intercepting the members including capturing the founder, Jose Riza. Cuerto de Compromisarios Was led by Domingo Franco who continued the operation of La Liga Filipina as a faction named cuerto de compromisarios. They continued operating the La Solidaridad (propaganda movement) K.K.K Was formed on July 7, 1892 Continued as a faction which was led by Andres Bonifacio. They implemented a radical way of liberalizing the Philippines under the oppression of Spanish rule. Initiation Ceremonies Signing their names using their own fresh blood. Wearing of hoods. Cartilla ng Katipunan Code of morality.  2 Was written by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto. All the members of the Katipunan must abide the content of the Cartilla. Recruitment of members Initially, the way of recruiting the members is called” The Triangle system” wherein the individual will recruit two members that are stranger to each other. In the long run, this method of recruitment was no longer practiced and they instead recruit members as much as possible. Membership fees Each member pays 25 centavos. Hierarchy of the Katipunan: Katipon Kawal Bayani Organizational structure of the Katipunan Sangguniang Balangay. Sangguniang Bayan. Kataastaasang Sanggunian. Sangguniang hukuman Legislative body. The Katipunan underwent factionalism; The “Magdalo” and The “Magdiwang” 1. 2 Katipunan Ideology: Equality, Liberty, and Nationalism The Katipunan as an organization was not all about the imposition of overthrowing the government and sacrificing many lives for liberation but rather adhering to moral and civic code. The Katipunan was inspired by the teachings of Jose Rizal. They considered Rizal as their honorary leader of the Katipunan.  3 During the undercover visits of Dr. Pio Valenzuela with Jose Rizal, the latter did not agree with the revolutionary ideals as Filipinos according to Rizal was not quite ready for the revolution (they lacked resources and powers). 1. 3 Key Figures: Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Others Andres Bonifacio Was born in Tondo on November 30, 1863 A man of scanty education but nevertheless highly intelligent Was admired by Jose Rizal Also known as the “Father of the Philippine revolution” Deodato Arellano He was the first president of the Katipunan, serving before Andres Bonifacio took leadership. Emilio Jacinto Also known as the “brain of the katipunan” Secretary of the state Gregoria De Jesús Wife of Andres Bonifacio She aided the Katipunan by recruiting Filipina members and safeguarding weapons and documents. Emilio Aguinaldo He was a significant military leader in the revolution and later became the first president of the Republic of the Philippines. DR. Pío Valenzuela Andres Bonifacio’s right hand Aided the organization by helping to recruit members and spread revolutionary ideals.  4 1. 4 The Cry of Pugad Lawin and the Start of the Revolution The Cry of Pugadlawin is one of the most historical events in the history of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule, signifying the formal declaration of armed resistance by the Katipunan. It took place in August 1896, in the area of Pugadlawin, a sitio in Balintawak. The Katipunan, a well-hidden revolutionary society founded by Andres Bonifacio in 1982, grew its numbers and influence by the time of 1986. Its primary goal was the complete independence of the Philippines from the Spanish Colonizers. Despite carefully keeping the secrecy of the organization, the Spanish authorities eventually discovered its existence in August 1986, and began to take actions to mitigate the revolt. At the face of imminent danger and threat of mass arrests, Bonifacio, along with other key leaders, decided that it was the appropriate time to formally start a revolution. They gathered all their followers in a single place in Balintawak, to discuss their plans and strategies for the revolt against the Spanish colonizers. On August 23, 1896, Bonifacio called for an assembly of Katipunan members at Pugadlawin, in the house of Juan Ramos, the son of a Katipunan supporter, Melchora Aquino (known as "Tandang Sora"). At this meeting, Bonifacio passionately advised the assembled revolutionaries to take up arms and fight for their independence. The question before them was whether to fight now or wait for a better opportunity, despite the fact that Spanish forces had already begun rounding up Katipunan members and sympathizers. To symbolize their commitment to the revolution, Bonifacio and his men performed an iconic act tearing up their "cedulas". These cedulas were proof of their identity and citizenship under Spanish rule and represented their subjugation to the colonial government. By tearing these documents apart, the revolutionaries symbolically renounced their allegiance to Spain and declared their defiance. As they tore their cedulas, the men reportedly shouted, "Long live the Philippines!" (Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!), signaling their unified decision to start the revolution. This act of defiance is now regarded as the "Cry of Pugadlawin" and is considered the spark that ignited the full-scale Philippine Revolution (Jundis et al., 2019).  5 1. 5 Strategies and Tactics of the Katipunan The Katipunan, founded in 1892 by Andrés Bonifacio, began as a secret revolutionary society aimed at freeing the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule. The organization had a variety of Tactics and Strategies in the pursuit to obtain their goal. · The Katipunan operated under a veil of secrecy, the group employed a unique cell structure, where members knew only their direct recruits and leaders, preventing Spanish spies from infiltrating the entire organization. · To maintain confidentiality, Katipuneros used pseudonyms and secret codes written in a modified version of the old Tagalog script, ensuring their communications were indecipherable to outsiders. · There was a systematic recruitment process heavily relying on a triangle system. This was a system wherein each member was responsible for recruiting two others, spreading the movement swiftly but quietly. · Propaganda played a key role in enlarging its influence, with publications like Kalayaan fueling nationalist views by exposing Spanish abuses and rallying Filipinos to fight for their freedom. · The Katipunan mainly relied on guerilla tactics such as the element of surprise to make up for the shortage of military resources. Groups of Katipuneros often attacked isolated Spanish outposts, sabotaging supply lines, and ambushing enemy troops in a hit-and-run tactic (Battle of Manila, 2024) 1. 6 Challenges and Divisions: The Tejeros Convention The Tejeros Convention, held on March 22, 1897, was a historic turning point in the Philippine Revolution, establishing the formal revolutionary government as well as the mark of an internal conflict between factions of the Katipunan. The convention took place in Tejero, Cavite, during a time of tension between the two factions in the revolutionary movement. By 1896, the Philippine Revolution had obtained a significant influence, particularly in the province of Cavite, where two factions of the Katipunan had arisen. The two factions  6 were the Magdiwang and the Magdalo factions. The Magdiwang faction was led by Mariano Álvarez and was aligned with the Katipunan’s founder, Andrés Bonifacio. Meanwhile, the Magdalo faction was led by Emilio Aguinaldo and his cousin Baldomero Aguinaldo which advocated for more centralized leadership and reforms. The Tejeros Convention was called with the primary goal of addressing the internal issues of the organization and forming a unified revolutionary government to replace the Katipunan’s existing structure. A lot of the members believed that a formal government was necessary to gain international recognition in the fight for independence from Spanish rule. However, tensions escalated quickly in the Convention. During the meeting, it was proposed that a revolutionary government should replace the Katipunan, and elections were held to choose its leaders. Tensions flared as Caviteño leaders, particularly from the Magdalo faction, had the upper hand in the election by having the most of the elected officials. The result of the election is the following: Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President, despite being absent from the convention due to his involvement in battlefield operations. Mariano Trías was elected Vice President. Andrés Bonifacio was elected Director of the Interior, a lower position compared to his previous role as the leader of the Katipunan. Artemio Ricarte was elected as Captain-General. Emiliano Riego de Dios was elected as Director of War. The outcome of the elections made a significant shift of leadership. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President, despite being absent from the convention as he was on the battlefield. Bonifacio, on other hand, was elected as Director of the Interior, a relatively lower position than his previous status as the leader of the Katipunan. Conflict arose when Bonifacio’s election was questioned by Daniel Tirona, a member of the Magdalo faction, who contended that Bonifacio was unqualified for the position because he was uneducated, Bonifacio took great offense. Tirona’s words were a public insult, and Bonifacio, feeling humiliated, declared the elections void. He walked out of the convention in protest, stating that he remained the leader of the revolution as the Katipunan’s Supremo (Philippine History -- the Tejeros Assembly of 1897, n.d.). 1. 7 The Pact of Biak-na-Bato and its Aftermath The Pact of Biak-na-Bato was a truce signed in December 1897 between the Spanish colonial government and the Filipino revolutionary forces, led by Emilio Aguinaldo. It was  7 an agreement that temporarily ended the initial phase of the Philippine Revolution (1896–1897) and allowed Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders to go into exile. By late 1987, after a year of battling and intense fight between the Filipino revolutionaries and the Spanish militants, the revolution had reached its limit. The Spanish forces, under Governor-General Fernando Primo de Rivera, were desperate to end the rebellion, which had already spread across many provinces. Despite experiencing a number of early victories by Filipino forces, it had already suffered with many casualties. In addition, internal conflicts and the execution of Andres Bonifacio weakened the movement. Aguinaldo and his forces retreated to Biak,na-Bato, a mountain in Bulacan that served as their stronghold as they reorganized. During this period, both sides were willing to consider a truce. Aguinaldo’s resources were running low on resources, while the Spanish were under pressure to end the costly and unpopular war. The Pact of Biak-na-Bato was supervised by Pedro Paterno, a Filipino lawyer and diplomat, who acted as a mediator between the Spanish government and the revolutionaries. The agreement was signed on December 14-15, 1897, and included the following key terms: 1. Exile of Revolutionary Leaders: Aguinaldo and his key officers were to be exiled to Hong Kong, effectively removing the revolutionary leadership from the Philippines. This would help pacify the rebellion. 2. Monetary Compensation: The Spanish government agreed to pay a sum of 800,000 pesos to the revolutionary leaders as a form of indemnity. The money was to be distributed in two parts: · 400,000 pesos would be paid once the leaders went into exile. · The remaining 400,000 pesos would be paid after the surrender of arms and cessation of hostilities. 3. General Amnesty: The pact included a promise of general amnesty for Filipino revolutionaries, allowing them to return to peaceful civilian life without fear of retribution.  8 4. Reforms: Although not explicitly stated in the agreement, Paterno assured Aguinaldo that the Spanish government would implement reforms, such as greater representation for Filipinos in the colonial government and the improvement of civil rights. These reforms were meant to address some of the grievances that had fueled the revolution in the first place. On December 27, 1897, Aguinaldo and around 30 of his fellow revolutionaries sailed to Hong Kong as part of the terms of the pact. They used a portion of the monetary compensation to set up what was later called the Hong Kong Junta, a revolutionary government-in-exile. Aguinaldo kept much of the remaining funds for future use in continuing the struggle for independence. However, while the pact temporarily halted open conflict, neither side fully adhered to its terms. The Spanish authorities delayed and ultimately failed to deliver on the promised reforms, and the monetary compensation was not fully paid. Some revolutionaries, dissatisfied with the pact, refused to lay down their arms and continued to resist Spanish rule. By mid-1898, the pact had effectively collapsed. The promised reforms did not materialize, and unrest continued in various parts of the country. In the meantime, the Spanish-American War broke out in April 1898, further destabilizing Spanish rule in the Philippines. When the United States defeated Spain in the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898, Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines from Hong Kong, using the funds from the pact to buy arms and renew the fight for independence. This marked the start of the second phase of the revolution, culminating in the declaration of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898 (Biak Na Bato Republic | Pact of Biak Na Bato, n.d.). 1. 8 The Establishment of the First Philippine Republic The First Philippine Republic or the Malolos Republic, was a nascent revolutionary government in the Philippines. It was formally established with the proclamation of the Malolos Constitution on January 21, 1899, in Malolos, Bulacan, and endured until the capture of President Emilio Aguinaldo by the American forces on March 23, 1901, in Palanan, Isabela, which effectively dissolved the First Republic.  9 The First Philippine Republic was established after the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire (1896–1897) and the Spanish–American War between Spain and the United States (1898). Following the American victory at the Battle of Manila Bay, Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines, issued the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898, and established a Revolutionary Philippine Government. In December 1898, Sovereignty over the Philippines was transferred from Spain to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, making the United States formally the Philippines colonial power. The Malolos Constitution establishing the First Philippine Republic was proclaimed the following month. When it became apparent that the United States had no intention of recognizing the newly established Republic, the Philippine–American War erupted with a declaration of war by the Philippines on the United States. The Philippine Revolutionary Forces, which lacked sufficient ammunition, lost many battles. By 1901, the Filipinos had completely lost the war. In the Philippines, January 23 is a working holiday known as the First Philippine Republic Day (Araw ng Republika ng Pilipino). Through Republic Act No. 11014, President Rodrigo Duterte established the annual observance of this day on April 5, 2018. This day commemorates the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic by General Emilio Aguinaldo at the Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan, on January 23, 1899. "The Malolos Republic is concrete evidence and proof of the Filipinos' courageousness amid the jarring colonizing system of Spanish colonizers who tried to shatter our nationalism," Senator Mark exclaimed. Three Common Facts about the First Philippine Republic 1. Emilio Aguinaldo led the First Philippine Republic It was Emilio Aguinaldo who led the declaration of independence for the Philippines from Spanish colonialism on June 12, 1898. Taking over from the former dictatorial government of the Philippines, he also led the proclamation of the Malolos Constitution on January 23, 1899. 2. Filipinos received freedom Filipinos were liberated from their colonizers under the First Philippine Republic, which allowed them to live freely and exercise their basic rights. Throughout history, this has  10 played a significant role. There were three branches of government under this system - the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary. It also promoted the use of native languages and the separation of church and state powers. 3. Malolos Republic was considered the First Philippine Republic The Philippines were under Spanish control for 300 years. The Philippines became an independent nation on January 23, 1899, after the declaration of the First Philippine Republic. Hence, the Malolos Republic was considered the First Philippine Republic that has given basic rights and freedom to Filipino citizens after a long period of colonization. 1. 9 The Katipunan’s Legacy in Philippine Nationalism Although the initial Philippine Revolution led by the Katipunan did not immediately achieve independence, it spurred nationalism among Filipinos. The Katipunan’s principles and bravery paved the way for future resistances, which ultimately led to the successful revolution against Spanish rule (Kapampangan Media, 2023). Even today, the Katipunan have become an enduring symbol of Filipino nationalism and patriotism. The bravery and sacrifice of its members in the pursuit of independence have been celebrated and revered by generations of Filipinos. The ideals of freedom, justice, and self-governance continue to inspire and resonate with the Filipinos today, while serving as a reminder of their collective struggle and aspirations (Kapampangan Media, 2023). Ironically, one significant contribution by the Katipunan that many may not realize, is their contribution to Philippine history. The collected writings, memoirs, and accounts of the group’s members have provided invaluable insights into the society’s activities, the broader revolutionary movement, and give us a look at the country’s socio-political climate of the time. These records have aided historians in piecing together the narrative of the Philippine Revolution and understanding the significance of the Katipunan (Kapampangan Media, 2023). Today, Filipinos continue to reference Katipunan, as it serves as a source of inspiration and guideline for creating positive change within the Philippines. Much of what is considered to be the “Filipino Spirit” is traced back to the Katipunans, without whom, the country of the Philippines would not exist. Their role in Philippine history is significant and  11 as such, many pay respects to them, especially on Independence Day (Kapampangan Media, 2023). 1. 10 Comparing the Katipunan with other Revolutionary Movements Propaganda movement and Katipunan or Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan are both societal movements or revolutions in the Philippines during the Spanish Era. Similarities between Propaganda and Katipunan 1. Both of them are aiming for equal treatment between the Spaniards and Filipinos. 2. Both were reformed multiple times during the end of the Spanish occupation. 3. Both organizations have an enormous love for the country. Differences between Propaganda and Katipunan 1. Propaganda Movement aim to make the Philippines a province of Spain whereas the Katipunan had four aims, namely: (1) to develop a strong alliance with each and every Katipunero, (2) to unite Filipinos into one solid nation, (3) to win Philippine independence by means of an armed conflict or revolution, and (4) to establish a republic after independence. 2. Propaganda spread awareness through writing whereas Katipunan used weapons. 3. Propaganda is considered a peaceful movement whereas Katipunan used brute force to fight for our country. The goal of the Propaganda Movement was to reform the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines and make it better for the native Filipinos. The goal of the Katipunan was for the Philippines to become a free nation with no more political domination. Katipunan The writings and works of Ilustrados like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena were a source of inspiration for the members of the Katipunan. These intellectual leaders provided a foundation of nationalistic thought, advocating for Filipino identity, unity, and self-determination. The Katipunan drew upon these ideas to shape their  12 own revolutionary ideology, seeking to actualize the aspirations expressed by the Ilustrados (Kapampangan Media, 2023). The revolutionary spirit, need for national identity and unity spoken about by the Ilustrados served as a catalyst for the formation and mobilization of the Katipunan. Transcending regional, geographic and societal divisions, Filipinos came together as the Katipunan, with the independence of the Philippines as their ultimate goal (Kapampangan Media, 2023). Advocating for freedom, equality and social justice, society members took part in secret meetings, rituals, and ceremonies. To continue to maintain secrecy, the Katipunan developed a complex system of codes and symbols. They had three degrees of membership: Katipon, Kawal, and Bayani. Each member took an oath of loyalty and committed to the cause of the organization. The Katipunan’s emblem, the triangle, represented their threefold ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity (Kapampangan Media, 2023). Other Propaganda Movements (The Ilustrados) The Propaganda Movement, which the Ilustrados were active in, advocated for reforms and raising awareness of the Filipino cause in Spain. Notable Ilustrados such as Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena were key figures in this movement which saw the most activity between 1880 through 1895, in the years leading up to the Philippine Revolution. Using newspapers, pamphlets, and other means of communication, they sought to expose the injustices of Spanish colonial rule and to rally support for political changes and independence (Kapampangan Media, 2023). The emergence of a nascent middle class, composed of educated Filipinos from various social classes, played a crucial role in driving the nationalistic movement. With access to education, exposure to revolutionary ideas from Europe and neighboring countries, they became instrumental in organizing and mobilizing the masses towards the cause of independence. Enlightenment ideals, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity, heavily influenced the socio-political landscape in the country. Filipinos began questioning the legitimacy of Spanish rule, demanding representation, and asserting their rights as individuals and as a nation. These ideals served as the intellectual foundation for the movement towards independence.  13 References Armed Forces of the Philippines. (n.d.) Brief History: Philippine-American War. https://www.afp.mil.ph/about-us/brief-history Biak na Bato Republic | Pact of Biak na Bato. (n.d.). https://www.philippine-history.org/biak-na-bato.htm Guerrero, M. (2003). Andres Bonifacio and the 1896 Revolution. University of the Philippines Press. MaSTeRNoEL. (n.d.). Andres Bonifacio: The Father of Philippine Revolution. https://masternoel.tripod.com/compdev/page32.htm Kapampangan Media. (2023). The Katipunan – History, Significance, and People Leading to Philippine Independence. https://kapampangan.org/the-katipunan-history-philippine-independence/#:~:text=The %20Katipunan%2C%20also%20known%20as,independence%20against%20Spanish %20colonial%20rule. Philippine History -- The Tejeros Assembly of 1897. (n.d.). 2009. https://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/tejeros.html The Digital Philatelist. (n.d.) First Philippine Republic. https://thedigitalphilatelist.com/first-philippine-republic/ Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 20). Battle of Manila (1896). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Manila_(1896)