Ambeth R.

Ocampo

LITTLE
KNOWN
KATIPUNEROS
Ambeth R. Oscampo
 Unlike other textbook
histories of the revolution, in
this book we see how
Filipinos at the time lived
and died. Aside from what
they ate, we also find out the
names of other heroes who
do not get mentioned in
other history books.
August 26, 1896

Andres Bonifacio
appointed Gregorio
Tapalla of San Francisco de
Malabon to lead the troops
in a march to Sampalukan.
Gregorio was an
alchoholic, and he was
drunk when he happily
accepted the assignment.
“Matandang Leon unsheated
his tabak and raised it with
his right hand. He also raised
his left foot
simultaneously...then he
brought his right hand down,
did the same with his raised
foot. This vigourous kick on
the ground landed in a
puddle and splashed mud on
Dr. Pio Valenzuela, nearly
blinding him.”

Dr. Pio Valenzuela

 “It was nearly seven that morning when they reached
Pasong Tamo. About 200 arms' length away they saw
enemy troops. Some of the Guardia Civil with them
shouted they wanted to see the Supremo as they were
Katipuneros, too. The Supremo Bonifacio and Dr.
Valenzuela quickly obliged and came forward...A melee
ensued...Many escaped but those who could not
perished. One of those killed was Lieutenant Manuel...”
Bonifacio who was with some members of Katipunan, left a
valise containing the flag and funds of the Katipunan. The
valise was retrieved by Matandang Leon. To avoid carrying
an unwieldy burden, they divided the contents of the
valise; each one carried a portion of the funds in his pocket.
Suddenly a cañon de montaña fired from behind.
Matandang Leon died, his companions scampered away.
The flag was saved by Katipuneros from Bago Bantay. They
concealed it from others for fear that they will be
questioned about the Katipunan funds.
 Help came from Mandaluyong. Simeon (a baker) gave
pieces of bread; two chinese stores have 2 packages of
cigarettes, 2 packages of matches, 5 cans of sardines
and 5pesos cash. Jose Reyes (a Katipunero) donated 30
pieces of clothing (underwear, shirts, and jackets). They
met other men like Gregorio Bautista who donated P5.
Escombro (Katipunero name: Torres) gave P20 and a
telescope sent by Celestino Santos (Chairman of the
Marikina Chapter of Katipunan).
 INITIATION
RITES IN THE
KATIPUNAN
Ambeth R. Oscampo
Liwasang Bonifacio
Labor leaders met and signed
some document or manifesto
in their own blood.

Different from traditional

rituals reflecting fear and
awareness of AIDS.
(syringes instead of dagger)
Juan Luna's
illustration
of the blood
compact
between
Sikatuna
and Miguel
Lopez de
Legazpi.
Isabelo de los Reyes

La Religion del
Katipunan— dramatic
description of
Katipunan initiation.
 Kung may lakás at tapang,
ìkaw'y makatutuloy!
Kung ang pag-uusisa ang
nagdalá sa iyó dito'y umurong
ka.
Kung di ka marunong pumigil
ng̃ iyong masasamang hilig,
umurong ka; kailan man ang
pintuan ng̃ May-
kapangyarihan at
Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng̃
mg̃á Anak ng̃ Baya'y hindi
bubuksan nang dahil sa iyó.
An admonition, in
Tagalog, was posted at the
entrance to the room.
 If you have strength and
valor, you can proceed!
If what has brought you
here is only curiosity–go
away!
If you cannot control your
vices, retire. Never shall
the doors of the Supreme
and Venerable Society of
the Sons of the People be
opened to you.

An admonition, in
Tagalog, was posted at the
entrance to the room.
 One of the few things lighted in the darkness is a
table with a human skull, a loaded revolver, a bolo
and a piece of paper.
3 questions were written on the piece of paper:

1. Anó ang kalagayan nitóng Katagalugan nang unang

panahon? (In what condition did the Spaniards find
the Tagalog land when they came?)
Expected answer: "When the Spaniards came to the
Philippine shores on March 16, 1521, the Filipinos
were already in a civilized state. They had freedom of
government; they had artillery; they had silk dresses;
they had carried on commerce with Asia; they had
their own religion and their own alphabet. In short,
they had liberty and independence."
3 questions were written on the piece of paper:

2. Anó ang kalagayan sa ngayón? (In what condition

do they find themselves now?)
Expected answer: "The friars have not really
civilized the Filipinos, since enlightenment was
contrary to their interests. The Filipinos (called
Tagalogs by the Katipunan) were merely
superficially taught formulas of Catechism for
which they paid numerous costly fiestas for the
benefit of the friars."
3 questions were written on the piece of paper:

3. Anó ang magiging kalagayan sa darating

na panahon? (What hopes do they have for the
future?)
Expected answer: "With faith, valor, and
perseverance, these evils will be remedied."
 According to Santiago
Alvarez, Aguinaldo was
initiated by the Supremo
himself on the evening of
Saturday, March 14, 1896,
held on Bonifacio's house.
Emilio Aguinaldo

Malamig—code word for "all-clear" shouted by one of the

female lookouts outside. His initiation was prolonged
because he answered in a Masonic fashion. His initiation
lasted until 10 p.m. and his blindfold was only removed
after they had walked a distance from the house.