A group of historians in the Province of Antique has embarked on a historical investigation on a 127-year-old Philippine flag preserved by a family in the Municipality of San Jose.

According to History Professor Edbert Masendo Cabrillos, who is among individuals who saw the flag upclose, a grandchild of Antique revolutionary leader Colonel Ruperto Abellon kept the flag.

The flag is deemed important, according to Cabrillos, because it was waved by General Leandro Fullon in Libertad, Antique on September 21, 1898 after the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898.

According to Philippine history, the flag was first raised outside of Luzon in the Municipality of Santa Barbara, Province of Iloilo on November 17, 1898.

As of this writing, the group of historians is gathering additional documentary sources and is set to submit the result of their historical probe at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

“For me, 80 percent na intact ang flag despite na medyo rotten siya. May mga punit siya at luma na. Pinag-ingatan talaga, itinago ng youngest daughter ni Juan Abellon na anak ni Ruperto Abellon,” Cabrillos said.