Battle of Pinaglabanan remembered in San Juan City

The San Juan City local government unit led the commemoration on Saturday of the 129th anniversary of the Battle of Pinaglabanan.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies at the Pinaglabanan Shrine.

It was on August 30, 1896 in Pinaglabanan when members of the Kataastaasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) led by Andres Bonifacio and his aide Emilio Jacinto started the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonial government. 

A total of 153 Katipuneros died in the battle. 

"Alam niyo po ang parati kong sinasabi, walang kalayaan kung walang Pinaglabanan sapagkat dito sa Pinaglabanan naganap ang Battle of Pinaglabanan," Zamora told reporters.

(I always say that there would be no independence if there is no Pinaglabanan because this is where the Battle of Pinaglabanan happened.)

"Ito ang pag-atake ni Andres Bonifacio sa El Deposito noong August 30, 1896 sapagkat unang-una, naniwala siya na kung makuha niya ang control ng supply ng tubig ng mga Kastila sa Kamaynilaan, tatalunin niya ang mga ito," he added. El Deposito was the water reservoir at the time.

(This was the attack of Andres Bonifacio on El Deposito on August 30, 1896. He believed that if he can take control of the water supply of the Spaniards in Manila, then he would be able to defeat them.)

"Hindi po ito nangyari, bagkus, marami pong Katipunero ang namatay, Zamora said.

(This did not happen. Instead, many Katipuneros died.)

"Ngunit ito po'y nagsilbing hudyat para sa mas malaking pakikipaglaban na tuluyang nagbigay ng kalayaan para sa bansang Pilipinas," he added.

(But this served as a call to fight a bigger battle for the independence of the Philippines.)

Zamora said observing the anniversary of the Battle of Pinaglabanan year after year is important so Filipinos, especially the youth, will be inspired to live as heroes as well -- "patuloy na maisabuhay ng mga Pilipino ang pagiging bayani."

The mayor also said the Pinaglaban Shrine also is home to monuments of heroes Bonifacio, Jacinto, and national hero Jose Rizal.

The Museo ng Katipunan and Museo El Deposito are also in Pinaglabanan. —KG, GMA Integrated News