Aliño brothers' Talisay attack inspired Battle of Tres de Abril

CEBU, Philippines — Most stories of Cebu's uprising against the Spaniards revolve around Lapu-Lapu, Pantaleon Villegas (Leon Kilat), Arcadio Maxilom (Tan Cadio), among other Cebuano Katipuneros.

Little did we know that there were four other Cebuanos – the Aliño brothers – who also fought for the country's liberation from foreign oppressors.

Dr. Richel Bacaltos, former city administrator and now the head of the Talisay City College, said these valiant heroes, who may not be known to many, were native of the city who also risked their lives to free the nation from oppression.

Originally, there was TresAliños  – Felix, Hilario, and Potenciano – who are all generals. But an addition was their youngest – Sulpicio – who was a colonel.

Thus, the title became Cuatro Aliños.

Bacaltos, also a lover of history especially of local events, did an in-depth research about the Aliño brothers when he was the city administrator during the administration of former Talisay City mayor Socrates Fernandez.

He was assigned for a project in erecting a statue in honor of the heroism and bravery showed by the four brothers.

Bacaltos, however, said there are very limited accounts about the Aliño brothers in history books, particularly during the Spanish settlement.

He shared that on the eve of the Battle of Tres de Abril, on April 2, 1898, the brothers led an uprising against the Spanish colonizers who plagued the city with oppression.

He said the revolution was launched in Barangay San Isidro where the brothers were recognized victorious in the attack. He, however, said the victory was only "short-lived" and the Aliño brothers retreated as the weaponry of the Spaniards were more powerful than theirs.

But Bacaltos learned that the uprising of the Aliño brothers was actually an "inspiration" of the Battle of Tres de Abril.

He described it as a "prelude" to the battle which Leon Kilat led. (FREEMAN)