Scanned Documents 17 PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT AND THE KATIPUNAN THE MARTYRDOM OF Gom-Bur-Za, instead of frightening the Fili- ino patriots, made them more determined to fight the evils of Spanish rule. The illustrados, led by Dr. Jose Rizal, M. H, del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jacna, organized the Propaganda Movement which was a peaceful crusade for reforms. These Patriots were called pro- pagandists because they waged their movement by means of pen and tongue to expose the defects of Spanish rule in the P! lippines and the urgency of reforms to remedy them. The Propaganda Movement failed, but tie ideas of freedom and justice which it sowed paved the ground for the Philippine Revolution that the Katipunan and Andres Bonifacio began in the hills of Balintawak in August 1896. Rise of the Propaganda Movement. After 1872, Philippine conditions went from bad to worse. The deportation of Filipino leaders toSpanish penal colonies, the persecution of the intellectuals, and the abuses of the Spanish masters continued unabated. The Filipino oxiles of 1872 and many patriotic students abroad met in Hong Kong, Singapore, Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, London, and other foreign cities. Inspired by a common cause, they banded together and consecrated themselves to the work of promoting the welfare and happiness of their fatherland. Aggressively but peacefully, by means of their writings and speeches, they crusaded for reforms to rectify the evils of the Spanish colonial system. ‘The peaceful campaign for reforms was known in Philippine history as the “Propaganda Move- ment". Tt began in 1872, when Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora were executed at the Luneta, and ended in 1896, when Rizal was exiled to Dapitan. Reforms Desired by the Propaganda Movement. The Propa- Banda Movement was not a revolutionary or seditious affair. The men who led it were loyal to Spain; they asked merely for reforms, not independence, The refarms which they asked were as follows; 1. Equality of Filipinos and Spaniards before the laws.Scanned Documents 2 aon oe ee oS 2. Assimilation of the Philippines as > regular province of Spain 3. Restoration of Phitippine representation in the Spanish 4. Filipinization of the Philippine parishes and expulsion of y, friars, : lipinos, such as freedom Of ‘specch, frog, i Ha ee and rego to mectand petition for Tedress of grievances. The andists. The propagandists were the scions of goog families, highly Miteligent, eincated patriotic, and courageous, why symbolized the flower of Filipino manhood. Of these propagandisss, ‘one of the greatest was Marcelo H, del Pilar of Bulacan, lawyer ang journalist, beloved by the masses for his eloquent Tagalog and fearless defense of the poor against friar abuses. Other Filipino propagandists worthy of mention were Jose Rizal, physiclannovalist an many-splendored geniuis; Graciano Lopeg Jacna, the greatest orator of the Propaganda Movement; Mariang Ponce, medical student and biographical writer; Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, masters of the brush; Dr. Pedro A. Paterno, lawyer and man-of-letters; Antonio Luna, pharmacist and essayist; Pedro Serrano Laktaw, teacher-tutor of Prince Alfonso de Bourbon (later King Alfonso XIII of Spain); Jose Ma. Panganiban, linguist and essayist; Fernando Canon, engineer and musician; Jose Alejandrino, engineer and political writer; Isabelo de los Reyes, folklorist, news paperman, and scholar; and Dominador Gomez, physician and orator. Foreign Friends of the Propaganda Movement. The Filipino propagandists were not alone in their campaign for reforms, they were supported by foreigners who were lovers of freedom and justice. Foremost among them was Ferdinand Blumentritt, Austrian professor, scholar, and Dr. Rizal's best friend. He praised Rizal's two novels (Noli and Fili) and wrote the “Prologue” to Rizal's annotated edition of Morga’s Sucesas de las Islas Filipinas (Paris, 1890). Among the liberal Spaniards who aided the Filipina propage™ dists was Don Juan Alayde, who was born in Meni ede med army officer. In September 1882 he founded a civie association ! Spaniards and Filipinos in Madrid called Circula Hispano-Filipino and published the newspaper Revista del Circulo Hispana-Filipina. Unto tunately, both the association and newspaper did not last long: Other Spanish friends of the Pr nd vere Movement Miguel Morayta, statesman, historian, utile ind Rissa profess!Scanned Documents Paseagaens Movtetet ann rot Karmen = 773 A athe Central University of Madrid, Francisco Pi y Margall, states: and former President of the First Spanish Republic (1873-14751; ‘ pmilio Juroy. jpurnalist and member of the Cortes, and Manuel Ruiz gorilla, pathamentarian and leader of the Spanish Republican Party The Anti-Frise Manifesia of 1888, On March 1, 1888, Manila eos rocked by a tumultuous event. This was the anti-(riar demons pation of hundreds of Filipina patriots led by the Manila patriotic hy Lawyer, Doroteo Cortes, with the secret assistance of M.H. det Pilar wed Jose A. Ramos, a London-educated rich merchant and heading Masonic bracter The demonstrators, including many gobemadorcillos of the towns around Manila, marched through the city streets to the Ayuntamiento {City Hall) and formally submitted to acting Civil Governor Jose Centeno of Manila Province an anti-friar manifesto addressed to Queen Regent Maria Cristina. This manifesto, titled "Long Live the Queen! Long Live the Army! Down with Friars!* was so well-written in elegant Spanish that it must have been written by either M. Hl ded Pilar of Jose A. Ramos. The “Anti-Friar Manifesto of 1888” denounced the anti-Filipino Archbishop, Pedro Payo, and the bad friars for meddling in the movement, enriching themselves contrary to their monastic vow of powerty, opposing, the teaching of the Spanish language to the Filipines, and keeping the Philippines in obscurantism. It requested the expulsion of the friars from the Philippines. Asa result of the anti-friar demonstration and manifesto of 1888, the powerful friars avenged themselves by persecuting the leaders and signers of the manifesto, having them arrested and thrown into Prison. Fortunately, the Spanish Queen Regent issued an amnesty in ‘1889 pardoning the patriotic demonstrators. La Solidaridad, Organ of the Propaganda Movement. Realizing the Importance of mass media to propagate the Propaganda objec- tives, Graciano Lopez Jaena founded a fortnightly newspaper, La Solidaridad, in Barcelona on February 15, 1889. In its first issue on this date, Jacna boldly stated in his editorial that the aims of La Solidaridad, were as follows: (1) to portray vividly the deplorable conditions of the Philippines, (2) to work peacefully for political and j Social reforms, (3) to combat the evil forces of medievalism and _— Meaction, (4) to advocate liberal ideas and progress, and (5) to champion the legitimate aspirations of the Filipino people for ‘democracy and happiness.Scanned Documents 224 ctr oF rg aun of ATTN La Solidaridad was printed in Barcelona from February js October 31, 1889, after * on it was moved to Madrid, where it printed from November 15, 1889 until its last tour lovember i 1895. On December 15, 1889, M.H. del Pilar Pil ed Jena an editor, remaining as h until the demise ©! idaridad on November 15, 1895, afte an existence of seven years. The contributors of La Solidaridad were mostly Filipinos, such ,, MH. del Pilar (Plaridel), Dr. Jose Rizal (Laon Laan, Mariano Pong, (Naning, Kalipulato, or Tighalang), Antonio Luna (Tagalog), Jose ny Panganiban (Jomapa), Dr. Pedra A. Paterno, Antonio Ma. Regido, Isabel de los Reyes, Eduardo de Lete, Jose Alejandrino, etc. Some foreigners (friends of the Propaganda Movement) also contributey articles to La Solidaridad, particularly Professor Blumentritt, Austrig ethnologist, Dr. Morayta, Spanish historian, university professor, ang statesman, In the last issue of La Solidaridad (November 15, 1895). M. H. da Pilar wrote his farewell editorial saying: “We are persuaded that no sacrifices are too little to win the rights and the liberty of a nation that is oppressed by slavery.” Literature of the Propaganda Movement. Despite its political spirit, the Propaganda Movement produced certain meritorious literary works which contributed to the blossoming of Filipino literature. It gave birth to the first Filipino novel, Ninay, whach was written by Dr. Pedro A. Paterno, doctor of laws and man-of-letters, and published at Madrid in 1885. He also wrote a volume of melodious pocms Sampaguitas (Madrid, 1880) and a historical book, La Antigua Civilizacion Tagalog (Madrid, 1887). Gregorio Sanciangoo, economist and also a doctor of laws, authored the book entitled El Progreso de Filipinas (Madrid, 1881), and a treatise on colonial economics and politics in the Philippines. MH del Pilar, lawyer and journalist, excelled as a political pamphictett His pamphlets were classics of satire, notably Dasalan at Tulsohin (1880), La Soberania Monacal en Filipinas (1888), and La Frailocra Filipina (1889). Lopez Jaena, the greatest orator of the Propagand+ was also a gifted writer. In his satirical novelette, Fray Botod (Fat Friar), he ridiculed the Spanish friars who became very fat for ¢2ti*8 too much and living in luxury at the expense of poor Filipinos, " they abuse. In one of his articles published in La Solidaridad entitled “En Tinieblas” (In Utter Darkness), he lambasted the biased Sp" writers for their absurdities,Scanned Documents Prorsganca Movewnnt amp ree Kaneunae nS Other Filipino writers of the Propaganda were Antonio Luna, «to wrote the book, Impresiones, a collection of essays describing the of the Spaniards in Madrid; Jose Ma. Panganiban, author of ihe critical essay “la Universidad de Filipinas: Plan de Estudios” published in La Solidaridad) which exposed the defects of the Church-dominated education in the Philippines; Isabelo de los Reyes, folklorist and historians, who authored E! Folk-Lore Filipino (1887) and Historia de Ilocos (1890, 2 volumes}; and Mariano Ponce, biographer, who wrote the series “Celebres Filipinas” im La Solidaridad. Dr. Rizal, of course was the test writer of the Propaganda it. Aside from his famous noe (Noli Me Tangere and EI filibusterismo), he wrote many essays and poems of literary merit. He was also a formidable polemicist, as evidenced by his satirical replies ww his detractors, notably Li Vision del Frey Rodrigue: (1889), in which he exposed the stupidities and imbecilities of Frey Jose Rodriguez, first friar to attack the Noli; and Por Telefono (1991), in which be lampooned Fray Salvador Font, who wrote the report of the censorship commission banning the Noli Masonry and the Propaganda Movement. Masonry played a significant role in the Propaganda Movement? Many Filipino patriots tumed Masons, including Marcelo H. del Pilar, G. Lopez Jaena, Rizal, Porce, and others, because they necded the help of the Masons in Spain and in other foreign countries in their fight for reforms. The first Filipino Masonic lodge called Revolucion was founded by Jaena in Barcelona and was recognized on April, 1889 by the Grande Oriental Espafiol headed by Don Miguel Morayta. Unfortunately, the first Filipino Masonic lodge did not last long. it died out after Lopez Jaena resigned as Worshipful Master on November 29, 1899. The following month, M.H.del Pilar, with the help of Julio Uorante, organized Lodge Solidaridad in Madrid. lt was recognized in May 1890 by the Grande Oriente Espafol. Its first Worshipful Master was Llorente. In due time Lodge Solidaridad prospered so that ‘other Filipines joined it, including Dr. Rizal, Pedro Serrano, Baldomera Roxas, Galicano Apacible, etc. Towards the end of 1891, M. H. del Pilar, with the consent of the Grande Oriente Espariol, sent Serrano Laktaw to the Philippines to establish the First Filipino Masonic lodge in Manila, In compliance with his mission, Serrano Laktaw founded in Manila on January §, 1892, Lodge WNilad, the first Filipino Masonic lodge in the Philippines, é. ‘aScanned Documents 26 HISTORY OF me REPUBLIC OF THE PHUPPONES nd in the Philip, All the Filipino Masonic lodges in Spain a Piney became centers wie Propaganda. They raised the needed fung. |, finance the campaign for reforms in Spain. Asociacion Hispano-Filipina. The Filipino Propagandists their Spanish friendsorganized the Asociacion Hispano iipinad Tispang. Philippine Association) in Madrid in January 12, 1889, for the purpes. of sccuring reforms for the Philippines. The president was Miguel Morayta, Spanish professor at the University of Madrid, vice-president was General Felipe de la Corte, who had Tesided in the Philippines. Dominador Gomez was the secretary. All Filipinosin Europe were considered active members, and prominent scholars ang statesmen of other nationalities were made honorary members, To facilitate its work, the association was divided into thry sections: (1) Political Section headed by M. H. del Pilar; (2) Literary Section, headed by M. Ponce; and (3) Recreation Section, headed by Tomas Arejola. The members met once a month to discuss Philippine, Spanish questions. They drew up petitions and passed resolutions Liga Filipina. | While living in Hong Kong, Rizal conceived the idea of establishing a civic association composed of Filipinos. He called it the Liga Filipina (Philippine League). He wrote its constitution with the help of Jose Ma. Basa, an exile of 1872, After finishing the constitution, he retumed to Manila. Shortly after arriving in Manila on June 26, 1892, Rizal conferred with Governor General Despujol. He succeeded in obtaining.a pardon for his family, but failed to secure sanction for his project to establisha Filipino colony in Borneo. ‘On the night of July 3, 1892, Rizal founded the Liga Filipina (Phil- ippine League) in a house at Maya Street, Tondo. According to ils constitution, the aims of the League were the following? 1, Union of the Archipelago into a compact, vigorous, and homogeneous body, Mutual protection in all cases of pressing necessity. Defense against all violence and injustice. Encouragement of education, agriculture, and commerce. Study and application of reforms, weep The motto of the Liga Filipina was Unus Instar Omnium (One Likt All), The officers were as follows: Ambrosio Salvador, presiden!! Agustin de la Rosa, fiscal; Bonifacio Arevalo, treasurer; and Deodat?Scanned Documents Peopasanoa Movemtat ang te Kareusan nT Arellano, secretary, Among the members were Andres Bonifacio, Mabini, Mamerto Natividad, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Moises Salvador, Jose A. Dizon, Domingo Franco, Timoteo Paez, Arcadio del Rosario, Numeriano Andriano, Timoteo Lanuza, and Doroteo Ongjunao. ‘The Liga Filipina was a civil association of Filipinos. Its constitution provided for the establishment of a supreme council for the whole country, 4 provincial council in every province, and a popular council in every town. Every Filipino who had at heart the best interest and welfare of the fatherland was qualified to bea member. However, three daysafter the founding of Liga, Rizal wasarrested by Order of Governor Coneral Despujol, On July 14, 1892, Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, Mindanao, until 1896, Endof the Propaganda Movement, Rizal'sdeportation to Dapitan proved to be the swan song of the Propaganda Movement. The Liga Filipina collapsed, The radical Andres Bonifacio and other radical members separated from it, for they were disenchanted by the peaceful campaign. The conservative Liga members, including Domingo Franco, Numeriano Andriano, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Timoteo Paez, and Apolinario Mabini, organized themselves into a new group called ener because cach member pledged or ta contribute money for the financial aid of the Propeganda Krovement in Spain For some months, the Compromiarios sent funds to M.H. del Pilar in Madrid for the continued printing of La Solidaridad. But time came when many members of the Compromisarias stopped paying their con- tributions so that the flow of funds to Spain coased. And for lack of funds, La Solideridad dicd out after its last issue on Nowember 15, 1895, With the demise of La Solidaridad, the Propaganda Movementcame toa futileend. The Founding of the Katipunan. Andres Bonifacio, a member of the Liga Filipina, did not join the Cempromisarios who were con- servative intellectuals (like Mabini and Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista) and affluent merchants(like Domingo Franco) because he was both poor and a man of action and radical views. He firmly believed that the happiness and welfare of the Filipino people could not be achieved by Peaceful requests for reforms, but by violent revolution. k 2.Scanned Documents 228 HESTORY GF THE REPUBUC OF THE PHLIPFIMES On the night of July 7, 1892, he and some patriotic frieng, | were radicals Mae nical in the house octupied by 0 Arellano (brother-in-law of M.H. del Pilar) at No. Azcatraga Sire Tondo, Manila‘ At this secret meeting, they founded the sea revolutionary society called Kafaastaasant Kagalangga angang Ketinn ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Respected Sociel ol the Sons of People), otherwise known as K.K.K. or simply Katipunan. The aims of the K.K.K. were (1) to unite the Filipinos ang to fight for Philippine independence. | ‘The emergence of the Katipunan was significant in the hist | the Philippines First, it marked the end of the peaceful campaigr reforms and the beginning of a militant revolutionary movement, Ang second, the Filipino people, in despair, no longer aspired for mor, reforms, but for complete independence. | Katipunan Government. More than a mere secret Society, the | Katipunan was a government by itsolf. It had two constitutions, ihe | first one promulgated in 1892 and the second (replacing the first ong) in 1894. The central government of the Katipunan was vested jin | ‘Supreme Council (Kalaastaasang Sanggunian) with a president, a fiscal, | @ secretary, a treasurer, and a comptroller. In each province, there was a Provincial Council (Sangguniang Bayan), and in cach town, Popular Council (Sanguniang Balangay). ‘The first president of the Katipunan was Deodato Arellano. He ‘was the brother-in-law of Marcelo H. del Pilar and a friend of Bonitac, ‘The judicial power of the Katipunan resided in a secret chamber, called Judicial Council (Sangguniang Hukuman), which passed judg- ment over those members who violated the secrets of the society and decided differences arising among the brothren, On the eve of the revolution in August 1896, the Supreme Courcil of the Katipunan was composed of the follwing: Andres Bonifacio, Supremo;Emilio Jacinto, Secretary of State; Teodora Plata, Secretary of War; Bricio Pantas, Secretary of Justice; Aguedo.del Rosario, Secretary of the Interior (Gobernacion); and Enrique Pacheco, Secretary of Finance. Katipunan Membership. Originally the Katipunan recruited members by means of the “triangle system". Bonifacic:formed the first triangle with his two comrades Plata and Diwa. Each of thom “kali* punized” two converts forming other triangles. The founder of ® triangle knew the other two members but the latter did not know eachScanned Documents f other. Thetrianglesysiem Proved to be clumsy and complicated, sothat | jqwasabolished after "1892, and new convene wereinialed into the secret society by the use of secret rites burrowed from Masonry. After testing, the neophyte’s courage and patriotism, he was made to swear to guard the sccrets of the society, and he signed his name in the Katipunan register in his own blood taken from hisarm (this ceremony: was.alled blood compact). He also adopted a Katipunan name. There were three grades of membership within the Katipunan ranks. A member of the first grade called a latipun (associate). At the Katipunan mectings, he wore a black mask with a triangle formed by white rilbons and letters. He carried side arms, revolver or bolo. His password was Anik ng Bayan (Son of the People). A member of the second grade, called kawal (soldier), worea Breen maskand asash of the same color. Suspended from his neck was a green ribbon with a medal on which was inscribed the Malayan letter K. His password was Gom- Bur-Ze, the first syllables of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora. A member of the third gradecalled bayand (patriot), wore at the meeting a red mask and sash, both bordered with green. His Password was Rizal, the name of the greatest Filipino hero and honorary president of the Katipunan, The Women in the Katipunan. Atfirst the Katipunan was purely an association for men. Because the women were becoming suspicious of the nocturnal absences of their husbands and the reduction of their sarnings, the door of the Katipunan was opened to them, thereby bringing them into the confidence of their monfolk. To be admitted in the women’s section, one had to be a wife; daughter, or sistor of a Katipunero (male member)! It is estimated that about 25 women became members of the secret society, Proraganaa Movewent ano Tue Katieunay = 229 Among the women members of the Katipunan were Gregoria de Jesus, Bonifacio’s wife, who was called the Lakambini of the K.K.K5 Maria Dizon, wife of Katipunero Jose Turiano Santiago and cousin of Emilio Jacinto; Benita Rodriguez, who made the Katipunan flag and was the wife of Katipunero Re: 0 Javier; Simeona de Remigio, wife of Katipunero Tomas Remigio; Josefa and Trinidad Rizal, sisters of Dr. Rizal; Delfina Herbosa and Angelica Lopez, Dr. Rizal's nieces; and Marta Saldaiia. The women rendered valuable services to the Katipunan. guarded the secret papers and documents of the society at the risk of ‘their lives, When the Katipunan helda session in a certain house, they usually made merry, singing and dancing with some of the men in the living room so that the Civil Guards were misled to believe thatScanned Documents 200_ ro ne vr Me MORNE ing On. Moreover there was merel: a harmless social party £0! \ ey were helpful in recruiting more members of the Katipunan, nan, The three writers of the Katipg fu Pio Valenzuela. They WrOte stir triotism and to arouse their Patron? Literature of the Katip' were Bonifacio, Jacinto, and Dr. literature to excite the people’s pal spirit. Their writings also — A conloe te society, and paved the way for e . > Self writer in Tagalog, wrote Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Bayan (Love of Fathey, land), a mediocre poem of patriotic sentiment. His prose writ wore Katunghulan Cagawin rg mga Z. LL B. (Duties of the Sons o People), a decalogue of the Katipunan, and Ang Mabatid ng mga Tapp (What the Tagalogs Should Know), a politico-historical essay, 10 Jacinto, a law student at the University of Sania Tomas, and re yocngzat 8 years old) and most intellectual katipg, nero, was also their greatest writer. He became the adviser of Bonify. dio and penned most of the Katipunan documents, hence he became known as the “Brains of the Katipunan”. He wrote the Kartilla or the teachings of the Katipunan. Another of his prose work was Li at Dilim (Light and Darkness), a series of articles of human rights, liberty, equality, labor and love of country. Before his death in 1897, he wrotea poemin Spanish, Ala Patria, which echoed the same sentiments of Rizal's last farewell. Dr. Valenzucla helped Bonifacio and Jacintoin editing the Kalzyaa (Liberty), the Katipunan newspaper. He also wrote Katwiran? (Is Right?), an essay addressed to the motherland. He also collaborated with Bonifacio im the article Sa Mga Kababayan (To My Countrymen). “Kalayaan”, Organ of the Katipunan. In 1894 the Katipunan bought an old handpress with the money generously donated by two patriotic Filipinos from Visayas — Francisco del Castillo and Candido Iban — who had worked for some years in Australia and won a lottery prize in that country. The types used in printing were purchased from Isabelo de los Reyes, and many were stolen from the press of the Diario de Manila (Manila Daily) by Filipino employees who were members of the Katipunan, __ The existence of the press was kept in utmost secrecy.’ Under Jacinto’s supervision, two patriotic printers, Faustino Duque and Ulp nao a printed the Kalayagn, the organ of the Katipunan. This revolutionary newspaper was founded by Jacinto to disseminate the ideals of the society. The first issue came out in January 189. T?Scanned Documents € Prorscamca Movewtat ano tet Karwrumas m SS ——_—————— ve the Spanish authorities, it carried a false masthead stating that jewasbeing printed in Yokohama with Marcelo H. del Pilar as editor. 1 1,000 copies were issued, some of which fell into the hands of the Spanish authorities First Cry of Philippine Independence. During the Holy Week in 1898, Bonifacio and a party of katipuneros reconnoitered the mountains of Montalban in search of a good hideout where they could hold their secret meetings. Among these Katipuneros were Emilio Jacinto, Aurelio Tolentino, Francisco Castillo, Candido Iban, Guillermo Masangkay, Francisco Mafialak and Pedro Zabala. On April 10, 1895, Bonifacio and his companions entered the Cave of Bernardo Carpio (also known locally as Pamitinan Cave), where they 4 helda secret session. After the session, Aurelio Tolentino (Pampangue- fo writer in Tagalog and Pampanguefio literature} picked up a picce ‘of charcoal and wrote on the cave wall in Spanish: “Ving lt Independencia Filipina!” ‘This was the first Cry of Philippine Indepen- dence in Philippine history.” Dr. Rizal and the Katipunan. In June, 1896, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, acting as Bonifacio’s emissary, sailed for Dapitan to solicit Rizal's sup portior the coming revolution. To cover his real mission from Spanish authorities, he brought with him, a blind man who was in need of Dr. Rizal's professional services. Immediately upon his arrival at Dapitan, he lost no time in conferring with the exiled hero. According to Valenzuela, in his Memoirs, Rizal did not agree to the Katipunan plan of starting a rebellion because the people were not ready fort. Rizal was.also opposed to the plan of the Katipunan torescue him because he had given his word to the authorities that he would not try to escape, and he meant to keep his word. Valenzuela, failing in his mission to secure Rizal's support of the revolutionary plot, returned to Manila, When Bonifacio heard his emissary’s report, he flared up and exclaimed: “Thunder! Where did Rizal read that for a revolution you must first have ships and arms? Where did he read that?” ‘The Katipunan and Japan. In planning the revolution, the Kati- Punan cast its eyes on Japan, which loomed then as the probable champion of Asian liberties against Western oppression, In May 1896, a delegate of Katipunan members, headed by Jacinto and Bonifacio, conferred with a visiting Japanese naval officer and the Japanese ‘Consul at a Japanese bazaar in Manila. ‘The interpreter was Moritori feScanned Documents 232 HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE pino woman of Bocaue, Bulacan. He was, Tagawa, who married a friend of Valenzuela. After the usual exchange of courtesies, Jacinto submitieg Katipunan memorial for the Emperor of Japan in which Fllipings prayed for Japanese aid in their projected revolution “so that the jig, of liberty that illumines Japan may also shed its rays over the Phi, pines.” that the Katipunan solicited Japan's aid an been friendly to the Filipino people. Many secution were welcomed there ang Japanese law. Bonifacio tried 4, pan, but failed for lack of funds, Tt was a good reason alliance. That country had | Filipinos who fled from Spanish per: were given full protection of the purchase arms and ammunition in Ja The Katipunan Prepares for War. By the middle of 1896 the Katipunan was preparing to strike for freedom. Its members had in. creased since its foundation, and by 1896 they were estimated to have reached about 20,000. The exact number of members could not be ascertained. The Katipunan flag had been made to be the symbol of a new nation. It consisted of a red piece of cloth with three letters K.Kk, arranged in a row in the center. Those letters represented the initials of the Katipunan. Sometimes they were placed in such a way as to form a triangle. A war plan was also prepared by Bonifacio and Jacinto to be the strategy of the Katipunan military operations. According to this war plan, the headquarters of the patriots would be established at a site near the sea, or in a region near the mountains, preferably a town in Laguna. Bolos and daggers were made and stored up. Money and other supplies were collected, Secret meetings were held frequently to put the finishing touches to the war plan. Discovery of the Katipunan. As the Katipunan was busy pre- paring for the revolution, various denunciation regarding its existence reached the Spanish authorities. On July 5, 1896, Manuel Sityar, the Spanish licutenant of the Civil Guards stationed at Pasig, reported the mysterious activities of certain Filipinos who were gathering arms and recruiting men for some unknown purpose. On August 13, 1896, Fr. Agustin Femandez, Augustinian curate of San Pedro, Makati, wrote to Don Manuel Luengeo, Civil Governor of Manila, denouncing the anti-Spanish meetings in his parish.Scanned Documents Proreaawea Movinant amp ton Kareuran 233 ‘The Katipunan was finally discovered by the Spanish authorities on August 19, 1896." At 6:15 p.m. of that day, Teodoro Patifio, a of the Katipunan and an employee of the Diario de Manila, uypon the advice of the mother portress of Mandaluyong Orphanage and of his sister, Honoria Patifio, went to the convent of Tondo and revealed the secrets of the Katipunan to Father Mariano Gil, Augus- gnian parish curate. Among other things, he told the friars that a jhographic stone was hidden in the press room of the Diariode Manila and was used by the society in printing the receipts, and that several daggers had been made by the employees, Alarmed at such startling iatormation, Father Gil, accompanied by Spanish witnesses, searched the printing shop of the Diario de Manila and found the incriminating, evidence. He rushed to the authorities and denounced the revolu~ tionary plot of the Katipunan. That night Manila did not sleep. The forces of Spanish law upon the homes of the suspects and locked them up in jail. Those who were warned in time, notably Bonifacio, Jacinto, and others, fled into hiding. Through the dark hours of the night, many’ Filipino families in the city prayed and awaited, in suspense, the red dawn of the following day. "