Today in the Past

Today, October 4, 1863, is the birth of Francisco Roman, revolutionary leader, hero of the battle of Caloocan, on February 28, 1899.

The first real engagement between the Spanish forces and the Katipuneros took place on August 30, 1896. The Katipuneros were under the direct command of Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto in San Juan del Monte.

The following day, almost at the same time, as if moved by the same impulse, Pandacan, Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, S. Pedro, Macati, Caloocan, Balik-Balik, San Juan del Monte in Manila, and San Francisco de Malabon, Kawit and Noveleta in Cavite, rose up in arms.

The revolution was begun with no arms other than spears, bolos, and a few shotguns; but as the engagements between the revolutionists and the Guardia Civil and the Spanish soldiers became more frequent, the number of guns and ammunitions increased until the whole army of the revolution was well supplied.

The best general of the Republic was Antonio Luna, younger brother of the famous painter of Juan Luna.

A born fighter, Luna was, however, a poor politician. With ungovernable temper and a fiery tongue, he created many enemies, who, fearing him, plotted his death.

On the afternoon of June 5, 1899, General Luna, together with his aid-de-camp Colonel Francisco Roman, was killed by Aguinaldo's guards in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. His death was a blow to the Filipino cause.

In his will he expressed a true patriot's last will. "Should I be killed, enshroud me in a Filipino flag with the same clothes in which I die and bury me in the ground.