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15 Martyrs of Bicol
15 Martyrs of Bicol
Who were the 15 martyrs of Bicol who fought and died for our country?
Despite the natural barriers and the geographical isolation of Bicol, its people
developed a sense of nationalism during the Philippine revolution against the
Spaniards’ tyrannical rule.
Fifteen martyrs of Bicol died fighting for our freedom before Emilio Aguinaldo
finally proclaimed Philippine independence from the 300-year Spanish regime on
June 12, 1898. These martyrs were found guilty of rebellion, and 11 were
executed by firing squad at Luneta, Manila, on January 4, 1897, a week after the
death of our national hero, Jose Rizal.
The Spanish government ordered the execution of these 11 men from Bicol:
1. Leon Hernandez,
2. Ramon Abella,
3. Mariano Araña, and
4. Mariano Ordenanza,
who died either in exile or in prison.
The 15 Martyrs of Bicol or Quince Martires del Bicolandia died for our country
during the same period as Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and
Jacinto Zamora, or popularly called the Gomburza.