WELCOME TO

History Class
with GROUP 4
 TODAY WE WILL DISCUSS

THE FIRST CRY OF THE REVOLUTION

HISTORICAL CONTEXT
• The Philippine Revolution of 1896 began with

the First Cry, marking the start of the fight for

independence.
• Symbolic act: Katipuneros tore their
cedulas as a sign of defiance against Spanish rule.
• The revolution started after the Katipunan was

exposed on August 19, 1896, leading to Spanish

crackdowns.
• Andrés Bonifacio led a meeting outside the city to

decide the next move.

• The original plan was to start the revolution at
 THREE RELATED BUT DISTINCT EVENTS
• Originally the term "cry" referred to the first clash between the katipuneros
and Civil Guards (Guardia Civil).

• The "cry" could also refer to the tearing up of community tax certificates
(cedulas personales ) in defiance of their allegiance to Spain.

• The inscriptions of "Viva la Independencia Filipina" can also be reffered as term for
the "cry" literally accompanied by patriotic shouts.

• the “pasya” – the decision to revolt;

• the “pagpupunit” – the tearing of cedulas; and
• the “unang labanan” – the first encounter with Spanish
Among the historians who have studied the “Cry” in greatest detail, there is a sharp divergence of
opinion as to how the term should be defined.

Teodoro A. Isagani R. Soledad Borromeo -

Agoncillo Medina Buehler
(Nov. 9 1912 - Jan (1930 - 2004) ( )
 “ Homenaje del Pueblo
Filipino a los Heroes de
‘96/ Ala-ala ng Bayang
Pilipino sa mga Bayani ng
‘96”

“26, Agosto 1896”

 COMMEMORATION

• The First Cry is commemorated as National Heroes' Day, a public holiday in

the Philippines
• First annual commemoration was in 1908 in Balintawak after the repeal
of the Sedition Law
• Honors Andrés Bonifacio and the Katipuneros for their bravery
• 1911: A monument was erected in Balintawak (symbolizing the
Cry)
• Later transferred to Vinzons Hall, UP-Diliman
• 1984: The National Historical Institute installed a commemorative
 COMMEMORATION
• The Cry of Pugad Lawin was a call for freedom
• Marked the awakening of the Filipino people to fight for independence
• Symbolized unity and bravery against Spanish rule
• Filipinos realized the value of freedom and
independence
• The revolution proved Filipinos were worthy of self-rule
• The legacy of the Cry continues to inspire modern
Filipino patriotism
THE ONGOING CONTROVERSY
• The debate among historians about the Cry of Pugad
Lawin continues today.
• The exact date and location of the Cry (August 23, 1896, in Pugad
Lawin) remains uncertain.
• Lack of strong documentation and supporting evidence raises doubts.
• Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s testimony is insufficient to fully authenticate
the event.
• Historians and direct participants, not politicians, should
resolve the controversy.
Primary Sources of the Raging Controversy of
“The Cry”

Dr. Pio Valenzuela Santiago Alvarez Guillermo Masangkay

(July 11, 1896 - April (July 25, 1872 - Oct. (June 25, 1867 - May
6, 1956) 30, 1930) 30, 1963)
 Pio Valenzuela y Alejandro
• Filipino Physician
• Revolutionary Leader
• Studied Medicine at University of Sto. Tomas;
• took responsibility of establishing factions of the secret
society in different parts of Moring or Rizal Province
and Bulacan
• Authored a controversial version of “Cry of Pugad
Lawin”
• happened to be the eyewitness
 Account on the First Cry (Cry of the Pugad
• Lawin)
“first version”— the prime staging of the City was in
Balintawak on at the house and yard of Apolonio
Samson at Kangkong on August 22, 1896.
• Among himself were Andres Bonifacio, Procopio
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Teodoro Plata, and
Agueldo del Rosario
• “second account”— Memoirs of Revolution; Cry
took place at Pugad Lawin in August
23, 1896, in store-house and yard of Juan Ramos;
wherein the debate wehter the revolution against the
Spanish government to bes started or not on Aug. 29,
1896.
• Teodoro Plata protested and fought against war
 The People tore their cedula
certificates and shouted “LONG
LIVE THE PHILIPPINES! LONG
LIVE THE PHILIPPINES!”
 Arguments Regarding his claim

Factors That Strengthened His Version

• Seniority in the Katipunan

• Status as a physician
• Political career and influence
• Connections with historians
• Prominent role in revolution commemorations
Support from Teodoro Agoncillo

• Agoncillo, author of Revolt of the Masses, supported

Valenzuela’s testimony
• Considered it "complete with details" as an eyewitness
account
• Term Pugad Lawin gained recognition after Agoncillo
emphasized it in his work

Counterarguments from John Schumacher

• Schumacher disputes Agoncillo’s claims

• Argues that Valenzuela gave multiple versions of events
 Santiago Virata Álvarez
• Revolutionary General and leader
in the Katipunan
• Founder and honorary president
of the Nacionalista Party
• Known as “Kidlat ng Apoy” for his
bravery in Cavite’s battles
Account on the First Cry (Cry of the Bahay
Toro)
• The Cry happened on August 24, 1896, at Bahay Toro in

Pugad Lawin
• Journey to Bahay Toro:
• August 22: Bonifacio assigned guards at

Balintawak boundary
• August 23: Arrived at Cabesang Melchora’s

residence
• 10:00 AM: Bonifacio held a meeting inside the barn
• Key attendees: Valenzuela, Jacinto, Torres,
Pacheco, and others
• Decisions made:
• The uprising would begin at midnight on
August 29, 1896
• Katipuneros should stay alert and strike when
the enemy was vulnerable
• After the meeting, revolutionaries shouted in unison:
 Arguments Regarding his claim

• Álvarez’s account is strictly factual

• Lacks dramatic descriptions compared to other narrations
• Considered a reliable but less romanticized version of
events
 Guillermo Masangkay
• One of the first members of the
Katipunan
• Revolutionary General in the
Filipino-American War
• Close friend and adviser of
Andrés Bonifacio
• His accounts helped shape the
Accounts on the First Cry (Cry of Balintawak)

• The uprising happened on August 26, 1896,

in Balintawak
• Goal of the Meeting: Decide when the revolution
should begin
• A large gathering took place at Apolonio Samson’s
house
• Bonifacio presided, Emilio Jacinto was the
Debate on the Timing of the Revolution
• Plata, Pantas, and Valenzuela opposed an early uprising
• Concerned about lack of preparation
• Bonifacio’s Response:
⚬ Urged the people to pledge their commitment
⚬ Ordered the destruction of their cedulas (residence
tax certificates) as a sign of revolt
⚬ Warned that delaying the uprising could result in
more executions
Decision to Revolt

• Despite opposition, the majority voted for the

revolution
• The people shouted:
“Long Live the Philippine
Republic!”
 Arguments Regarding his
claim
• His eyewitness account is highly regarded
• Similar in core details to other accounts but differs in
location and date
• Emphasizes Bonifacio’s role and the decision-making
process
• Considered a crucial historical testimony
 Similarities Of Each Account
Common Meeting Location
• All accounts mention meeting at Apolonio Samson’s house in Kangkong, Balintawak
• This was the first gathering of Katipuneros before the revolution

Date of the First Meeting

• August 22, 1896: First meeting at Apolonio Samson’s house
• Exception: Masangkay’s account slightly differs in date

Second Meeting Location

• Second meeting took place at Bahay Toro in Pugad Lawin
• Melchora Aquino’s house (Mother of Katipunan) served as their refuge
• Now part of Project 8, Quezon City
Number of Katipuneros at Bahay Toro
• Over 1,000 Katipuneros attended the second meeting
• The revolution was gaining more support

Debate on Starting the Revolution

• Some Katipuneros opposed an early uprising
• Valenzuela’s Account: Only Teodoro Plata disagreed
• Masangkay’s Account: Plata, Briccio Pantas, and Valenzuela opposed early action
• Alvarez’s Account: Did not mention any opposition

The Tearing of Cedulas

• Valenzuela & Masangkay’s Accounts: Katipuneros tore their cedulas as a sign of
defiance
• Álvarez’s Account: No mention of cedula tearing
Teodoro Agoncillo:
• Based his narration on Pio Valenzuela’s Memoirs, stating that the Cry happened at
Juan Ramos' place in Pugad Lawin.
• However, he did not fully adhere to Valenzuela's version and lacked disclosure about
his sources.
• The only other sources he cited (Guillermo Masangkay & Francisco Carreon) never
mentioned Pugad Lawin.
• His influence led to the Philippine government favoring “Cry of Pugad Lawin” over
“Cry of Balintawak.”
Dr. Milagros Guerrero, Ramon Villegas, & Emmanuel Encarnacion:
• The locations mentioned by eyewitnesses are all in Balintawak/Caloocan, showing that
Bonifacio and the Katipuneros moved frequently to evade the Spaniards.
• They argue that August 29, 1896, should be commemorated as it was the true birth of
the revolution.
 Analysis/
Conclusion
Legacy of the Katipunan
• The First Cry symbolizes the beginning of the revolution led by Andres Bonifacio
• The Katipunan’s bravery ignited the fight for independence
• Their legacy continues to shape Filipino nationalism today

The Debate on Historical Accuracy

• Different narratives have caused historical debates
• Questions over credibility and accuracy still exist today
• Whether Pugad Lawin or Balintawak, the key takeaway is the fight for freedom
 Analysis/
Conclusion
Importance of Recognizing the Revolution
• More important than the location is the courage of the revolutionaries
• The uprising paved the way for independence
• Their sacrifice should be acknowledged over minor historical discrepancies

Lessons from the Past

• The Katipuneros embodied unity and patriotism
• Modern Filipinos can learn from their bravery and determination
• Understanding local history helps us appreciate our national identity
 THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING
ANY QUESTION?
 GROUP FOUR

ABRENICA, MAE KYLA S.

SAPLAN, RAIMIE JOY I.

MAGLINAO, EDILITO

MONTE DE RAMOS, RAD J.

BSN 1 -