THE FIRST CRY OF

THE REVOLUTION

(AUGUST 1896)

GROUP 2:
Buenconsejo, Clyd K.
Nognog Kathleen G.
Gumangan Clarrisse G.
Coria-en, Krizz Anne G.
Guban, Marjorie F.
The debate surrounding the “Cry” of the Philippine Revolution is complicated by the lack
of agreement on what the term specifically refers to. The term has been linked to three
related but distinct events:

•The “pasya” – This refers to the decision to revolt against Spanish rule.
•The “pagpupunit” – This is the act of tearing the cedulas, which symbolized the rebels'
rejection of Spanish authority.
•The “unang labanan” – This means the first encounter with Spanish forces,
marking the beginning of open conflict.
 Overview

• The Philippine Revolution of 1896 began with the event known as the "First Cry,"
marking the initial move of the Filipinos towards revolution for independence.

• The tearing up of cedulas (residence certificates) symbolized the start of the fight
for independence.

• The First Cry happened after the Katipunan (the revolutionary group) was
exposed on August 19, 1896, prompting the Spaniards to crack down on
suspected rebels.
 Overview

• It was originally believed that the First Cry occurred on August 26, 1896.
However, Various Katipunan personalities who were present during the time
contradicted this date, claiming different accounts.

• The National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized August 23,

1896, at Pugadlawin (now part of Project 8, Quezon City) as the date and
location of the First Cry.
 Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s claim

• The First Cry of the Philippine Revolution did not happen in Balintawak, where the
monument now stands, but in a place called Pugadlawin.

• Valenzuela was present during the event and stated that over 1,000 members of the
Katipunan met at the house and yard of Juan Ramos (son of Melchora Aquino) on August
23, 1896 in Pugadlawin.

• During this meeting, after a debate about whether to start the revolution against Spain on
August 29, 1896, many Katipuneros tore their cedulas (residence certificates) and shouted
"Long live the Philippines!", symbolizing the start of the revolution.

• Valenzuela's account forms the basis for the official date and place of the First Cry as
recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
 Guillermo Masangkay's claim

• The First Cry of the Philippine Revolution happened on August 26, 1896 in Balintawak,
specifically at the house of Apolonio Samson in Caloocan.

• A large meeting of Katipunan leaders was held, where a debate took place about whether
to begin the revolution. Some leaders opposed starting the uprising due to a lack of arms
and resources.

• Andres Bonifacio, after sensing opposition during the meeting, delivered a passionate
speech to the crowd outside, urging them to revolt.

• Bonifacio encouraged the people to tear their cedulas (residence certificates), which
symbolized their break from Spanish rule, and they did so, shouting "Long Live the
Philippine Republic!".
 Guillermo Masangkay's claim

• This event marked the formal declaration of the revolution against Spain, known as the Cry
of Balintawak.

Although Masangkay later revised his claim to match the August 23 date proposed by Pio
Valenzuela, his original statement of August 26 in Balintawak was widely accepted and led to
the erection of the Monument to the Heroes of 1896 in that location.
 Santiago Alvarez's claim

• The significant gathering of Katipuneros took place at Bahay Toro on August 23, 1896. By
then, over 500 members had assembled, and this number grew to over 1,000 by August 24,
1896.

• At a meeting on August 24, presided over by Andres Bonifacio and attended by key
Katipunan leaders, it was decided that the revolution would officially begin at midnight on
August 29, 1896.

• The revolutionaries were instructed to stay on high alert, ready to start the uprising earlier
if favorable circumstances arose.

• The main objective of the uprising was the capture of Manila.

Unlike the dramatic "Cry of Balintawak" accounts, Alvarez's narrative focuses on the logistical
discussions and preparations for the revolution at Bahay Toro.
 Gregoria de Jesus’s account

• The uprising started with the cry for liberty on August 26, 1896. This happened when the
Katipunan was under close watch from Spanish authorities.

• After the Katipunan's activities were discovered, she and others went back to Kalookan,
but most men, including Andres Bonifacio, soon left because they feared arrest.

• Gregoria shares her experience of trying to escape late at night, facing fear and rejection
from people in the area, who were scared to help anyone connected to the revolution.

• She explains that many people who tried to help her were arrested or punished,
including her uncle, who was exiled for his involvement.

• Her story highlights the personal struggles and fears of those involved in the revolution,
showing the human side of the First Cry, rather than just focusing on meetings or battle
plans.
 Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 12). Philippine Revolution. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Revolution

Admin. (n.d.). Bonifacio Cry of Pugadlawin 1896. Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation | San Francisco, Ca
https://philippinefolklifemuseum.org/portfolio-items/andres-bonifacio/attachment/bonifacio-cry_of_pugadlawin-1896/

Philippine History -- The Cry of Pugadlawin. (n.d.). 2009. https://www.msc.edu.ph/centennial/pugadlawin.html

The cry of Pugadlawin. (n.d.). https://www.philippine-history.org/cry-of-pugadlawin.htm

Facebook. (n.d.). https://web.facebook.com/HistoricManila/photos_by/?_rdc=1&_rdr