MEDINA, JAYLORD C.

BSCE-1C

The Cry of Rebellion, or "El Grito,"

The Cry of Balintawak or Pugad Lawin?

The Cry of Balintawak, or Pugad Lawin, signifies the rich patterns of the

Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, both for its historical significance

and the mystery surrounding it. This crucial instance is traditionally regarded as the spark

that ignited the flames of revolution. Still, this event's exact date and location remain a

source of contention to this day. Various eyewitness and historical accounts have only

added to the mystery.

The cry of rebellion, or "El Grito," in the 19th century marked the commencement

of the Philippine revolution aimed at toppling the Spanish colonial government in the

Philippines. This event took place in August 1896, somewhere in the northeast of Manila,

with Andres Bonifacio leading the declaration of rebellion against Spanish colonial

power. However, controversies surrounding this particular event have arisen, particularly

concerning the specific dates and places where this cry occurred. The conflicting

narratives about when and where the first cry for freedom took place are at the heart of

the historical puzzle. The cry is widely assumed to have occurred in Balintawak, but one

opposing viewpoint claims that it occurred in Pugad Lawin. To fully comprehend this

historical puzzle, it is critical to consider the various versions offered by key witnesses

and historians.

Pio Valenzuela’s Controversial "Cry of Pugad Lawin" (August 23, 1896)

Dr. Pio Valenzuela, an eyewitness to the events, was a key figure in the historical

debate surrounding the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad Lawin. In his first account, when his

memories were fresh, he claimed that the cry occurred in Balintawak on August 26, 1896.

However, as his memory faded, he penned his memoirs of the revolution, adding a new

twist by placing the "Cry" on August 23, 1896, at Pugad Lawin. Pio Valenzuela's version,

which asserts the "Cry of Pugad Lawin," is notable for its contentious nature. This

account is noteworthy because he was an eyewitness to the events, providing an

intriguing firsthand perspective. However, the shifting narrative of the Philippine

Revolution, as well as the lack of consultation with written documents, have fueled

debates about its accuracy. Valenzuela detailed the sequence of events in the "Pugad

Lawin" account, highlighting the gathering of over 1,000 members of the Katipunan, a

secret revolutionary society, in the house, storehouse, and yard of Juan Ramos, Melchora

Aquino's son. On August 23, 1896, a spirited debate centered on the start of the

revolution against the Spanish government, and passionate declarations of "Long live the

Philippines!" resounded.

Guillermo Masangkay’s “The Cry of Balintawak”(August 26,1896)

The first source, provided by Guillermo, claims that on August 26, a significant

meeting was held in Balintawak at the house of Apollonia Samson, who was the head of

the Kalookan barrio. Among those in attendance were Bonifacio, Enrique Pacheco, and

Francis Carrion, who were all leaders of the Katipunan and composed the board of

directors. Delegates from Bulacan, Cabanatuan, and Cavite were also present. The

meeting, which began at approximately nine o'clock in the morning, was opened with

Andres Bonifacio presiding and Emilio acting as secretary. The purpose of the gathering

was to discuss when the uprising should take place. Some members were against starting

the revolution too early, while Bonifacio was in favor of immediate action. Sensing that

he would lose the debate, Bonifacio left the session and addressed the people waiting

outside. He urged them to revolt, emphasizing the consequences if they did not. In

response, the people shouted in agreement, and Bonifacio asked them to destroy their

"cedulas" as a sign of their severance from the Spanish authorities. This account is also

supported by Gregorio and Sonia in their book on the documentary sources of Philippine

history, and they identify this event as the "Cry of Balintawak."

Guillermo Masangkay's account corresponds to the more conventional

understanding of the cry, firmly locating it in Balintawak. His version emphasizes

Balintawak as the site of the revolutionary spark, which corresponds to the popular
narrative. Masangkay's viewpoint, while agreeing with the traditional account, is

significant in the context of the larger debate. It serves as a reminder of the long-lasting

historical ambiguity and ongoing conflict surrounding the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad

Lawin. Masangkay's account shares the widely accepted location of Balintawak,

highlighting the difficulty of reconciling multiple versions of historical events.

The contradictory accounts surrounding the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad Lawin

present historians and those seeking the truth about this significant moment in Philippine

history with both challenges and opportunities. While it may be tempting to dismiss these

differences as errors or inaccuracies, they should be viewed as a reflection of the

complexities of historical events. These contradictory accounts encourage historians to

dig deeper into primary sources, eyewitness accounts, and historical records, challenging

them to critically examine the sources that have shaped their understanding of this

historic event. The existence of these contradictory narratives emphasizes the importance

of rigorous historical research, as well as the need to consider a diverse range of

perspectives to construct a more comprehensive and accurate historical narrative.

Eventually, the various versions of the Cry of Balintawak/Pugad Lawin highlight

the complexities of historical events as well as the difficulties inherent in historical

research. While the precise location and date of the Cry remain unknown, these

conflicting accounts contribute to the understanding of the multifaceted Philippine

Revolution and the role of women like Gregoria de Jesus in shaping the nation's history.

The ongoing dialogue and analysis will continue to unravel the historical tapestry of the

Philippines and honor the heroes who fought for independence.

The Cry of Balintawak, also known as Pugad Lawin, remains a contentious topic

in Philippine history. The conflicting accounts, including Valenzuela's contentious "Cry

of Pugad Lawin" and Guillermo Masangkay's "The Cry of Balintawak," have

complicated the quest to pinpoint the exact date and location of this pivotal event.

Historians, in their efforts to reconcile these conflicting accounts, are faced with the

recognition that the struggle for Philippine independence was a complex and multifaceted
process. The Cry of Balintawak, or Pugad Lawin, stands as a symbol of the intricate and

sometimes elusive nature of historical truth. The debate may never be definitively settled,

but the enduring importance of this event in shaping the destiny of the Philippines

remains undeniable.