Juan Sumuroy

JUAN SUMUROY

(Samar, c. 1649)

A brilliant military leader, who led the people of Samar in opposing the conscription of men from their homes to work in the shipyards of Cavite. He won several victories against the Spaniards and their allies. He resisted for a year, was captured, and executed.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Lapu-Lapu

LAPU-LAPU

(Mactan, Cebu, c. 1521)

The Chieftain of the small island of Mactan. On April 27, 1521, with a force of more than 1,000 followers, Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan killing him. His victory over the Spaniards delayed the colonization of the Philippines until 1565.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Aman Dangat

AMAN DANGAT

(Batanes, c. 1791)

The Chief of Malacdang, Batanes, who led an uprising of the Ivatans in 1791. Armed only with native weapons, he and his men battled the Spanish forces for three days, was captured and publicly executed to instill fear among the people.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Francisco Maniago

FRANCISCO MANIAGO

(Pampanga, c. 1660)

A leader of the village in Mexico, Pampanga, who led a revolt in protest against forced labor and confiscation of rice by the Spaniards. He blocked the mouths of the rivers of Pampanga to stop commerce with Manila. His rebellion ended with the acceptance of his demands by the Spaniards.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Apolinario Dela Cruz (Hermano Pule)

APOLINARIO DELA CRUZ

(Tayabas, d. 1814-1841)

A deeply religious man, he was known as Hermano Pule. Being a native he was refused entry into the clergy. He later founded a religious confraternity known as the Confradia de San Jose in which the members worshipped according to their own conscience. His organization gained popularity spreading to Tayabas (now Quezon), Laguna and Batangas. He aroused the jealousy of the Spanish clergy which denounced him as a heretic and a filibuster. The Confradia was ordered to disband by the Spanish authorities and an order for the arrest of its leader was issued triggering a rebellion. Hermano Pule was captured and executed. His decapitated head was placed on a bamboo stake on the road to Majayjay to instill fear among the people.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Datu Ache

DATU ACHE

(Sulu, c. 1638)

A Tausug chieftain, who commanded Sultan Bongsu's force of warriors in repelling an armada of 80 ships with 600 Spaniards and 3,000 Filipino allies led by Governor Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera on January 4, 1638.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).

Diego Silang

DIEGO SILANG

(Ilocos, d. 1730-1762)

Working as a mail courier between Manila and Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he was witness to the excesses of the Spaniards. During the British invasion of Manila, he urged his provincemates to arm themselves against the British and at the same time demanded the abolition of forced labor and tribute. His actions were misinterpreted as rebellion and he was imprisoned. Upon his release he led a revolt which spread to Pangasinan and Cagayan. He also allied himself with the British to gain diplomatic support. Fearing his growing power, the Spaniards had him treacherously assassinated by his friend Miguel Vicos on May 28, 1763.

* Photos taken by GBJ at the Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila, on the morning of December 30, 2022 (Rizal Day).