REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT

Radicalism - Radicalism derived from merriam websters dictionary is the opinions and behavior of people who favor
extreme changes especially in government: radical political ideas and behavior.

Growth of radicalism in the Philippines - Through research on the growth of radicalism here in our country brings us back
to an historical movement called The Raja Solaiman Islamic Movement (RSIM). The radical movement was created with
the belief that our pre colonial country-Philippines was an islamic land and thereby advocated for the conversion of the
country into an islamic state. The movement took a big notice on our national security, but even with some of its offials
arrested the movement still came prominent and the need to weaken the radical organizational strength, and control the
political avenue that resulted in the growth of many more radical social movements in the country.

What is a Revolution?

Revolution is an act of resistance that results in the overthrow of the status quo, and especially of the government, by
force. Critics argue that delays in necessary reforms can lead to revolutions, meaning that if governments do not manage
to make the necessary changes in a timely manner, tensions might escalate into violent revolutions. For instance
evolutions are caused by a number of factors combined together that explode into violent protests and that end up
overthrowing the existing order.

Setting the Differences: Reform vs Revolution.

Social and political progress can be achieved in two ways: either through frequent reforms or through rare radical
changes. Political stillness and lack of changes lead to unhappiness and discontent among masses, which inevitably
demand for improvements. Reforms and revolutions are the two ways in which those improvements can be achieved,
but they are quite different from each other. Some of the key aspects that differentiate a reform from a revolution
include:

Definition of Reform and Revolution:

A reform aims at improving the status quo by modifying laws, policies and practices, whereas a revolution aims at
completely overthrowing the status quo, eliminating the existing order and reinstating a new and improved system;

Consequences from Reform and Revolution

In the case of a reform, change is brought about gradually, meaning that there is no drastic disruption of the existing
political system – thus allowing citizens to adapt to the changes in an easier way and allowing all social groups to move
forward in a cohesive manner. Conversely, a revolution is a drastic and sudden change that often has backlashes on the
social groups that have to deal with the legacy of violence; and

Reversibility of Reform and Revolution

Reforms are reversible whereas a revolution is not. For instance, various political parties and politicians often overrule
decisions and policies implemented by their predecessors, underlying the reversibility of peaceful and progressive
reforms. Conversely, once the existing political, economic and social order has been overthrown through a violent
revolution, there is no way back and all changes are permanent.
What is Katipunan?

The society was founded after the Filipino patriots learned that Dr. Jose Rizal was captured and sentenced to death in
Dapitan. Not a mere doctor, Rizal is an author of two prominent novels detailing the dark aspects of Spain’s colonial rule
in the Philippines.

His novels made Filipinos hunger for more. While Rizal only campaigned for equal treatment of Filipinos, not everyone
was on the same page as him.

Thus, Katipunan was founded. It filled the void that was not satiated by the call for peaceful reforms which was left
unheard, unfortunately.

Katipunan is also known as KKK or “Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan“. In English, it
means Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation.

Established on July 7, 1892, in Manila, it is a Philippines’ revolutionary society whose aim was to free the nation from the
Spanish regime through revolution.

The members of the society were called Katipuneros. An aspiring Katipunero has to go through a rigorous initiation
process before becoming an official member of the society. In the beginning, only males were allowed to enter the
society but, later on, females were welcomed as well.

What are the aims of the Katipunan?

The Katipunan had three primary aims – political, moral, and civic.

The political aim was total independence of the Philippines from Spain.

The moral aim was education for the Filipinos specifically when it comes to cleanliness, fine morals, good manners, and
how to guard themselves against religious fanaticism.

The civic aim was for the Filipinos to be encouraged to help themselves and to defend the poor and the oppressed.

KKK TEN Commandments

1. Love God with all your heart.

2. Bear in mind that love of God is also love of country and this too, is love of one’s fellowmen.

3. Engrave in your heart that the true measure of honor and happiness is to die for the freedom of the country.

4. All your good wishes will be crowned with success if you have serenity, constancy, reason and faith in your acts and
endeavor.

5. Guard the mandates and aims of the KKK as you guard your honor.

6. It is the duty of all to defend at the risk of their own lives and wealth, anyone who runs great risk in the performance
of his duty.
7. Our responsibility to ourselves and the performance of our duties will be the examples set for our fellowmen to
follow.

8. In so far as it is within your power share your means with the poor and unfortunate.

9. Diligence in the work that gives sustenance to you is the true basis of love for your own self, for your wife and
children, for your brothers and countrymen

10. Punish any scoundrel and traitor and praise all your good works. Believe, likewise, that aims for the KKK are God-
Given, for the will of the people is also the will of God.

KKK Means and Method

"Triangle system and grades"

It was the original plan of Bonifacio to increase the membership of the Katipunan by means of sistemang patatsulok or
triangle system. He formed his first triangle with his two comrades, Teodoro Plata and Ladislao Diwa. Each of them re-
instituted Katipunan thoughts into another two new converts. The founder of the triangle knew the other two members,
but the latter did not know each other.

When the Katipuneros had expanded to more than a hundred members, Bonifacio divided the members into three
grades: the Katipon which is the lowest rank, the Kawal (soldier), and the Bayani (Hero or Patriot). In the meeting of the
society, Katipon wore a black hood with a triangle of white ribbon having the letters "Z. Ll. B.", corresponding to the
roman "A. N. B.", meaning Anak ng Bayan. Kawal wore a green hood with a triangle having white lines and the letters "Z.
LL. B." at the three angles of the triangle, and also wore a green ribbon with a medal with the letter Baybayin Ka.svg (ka)
in Baybayin script above a depiction of a crossed sword and flag. The password was Gom-Bur-Za, taken from the names
of the three martyrs Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora. Bayani (Hero) wore a red mask and a sash with
green borders, symbolizing courage and hope. The front of the mask had white borders that formed a triangle with three
Ks arranged as if occupying the angles of a triangle within a triangle, and with the letters "Z. Ll. B." below. Another
password was Rizal. Countersigns enabled members to recognize one another on the street. A member meeting another
member placed the palm of his right hand on his breast and, as he passed the other member, he closed the hands to
bring the right index finger and thumb together.

Members of Katipunan

Andres Bonifacio (1863–1897) – Supremo, the founder and the third leader of the Katipunan.

Emilio Aguinaldo (1869–1964) – First president of the First Philippine Republic, Katipunan's successor. He was also a war
general and a leader of the Magdalo faction that led to a lot of notable victories for Katipunan against Spain. During his
presidency, he ordered the execution of Andrés and Procopio Bonifacio in 1897 after the trial.

Emilio Jacinto (1875–1899) – called as the Brains of the Katipunan. He wrote several papers during the Revolution like
the Kartilya (Primer).

Gregoria de Jesús (1875–1943) – called as the Lakambini ng Katipunan (Muse of the Katipunan) and nicknamed Aling
Oryang, she was the wife of Bonifacio before marrying Julio Nakpil after the former's death. She was also regarded as
one of the first women members of the Katipunan.
Gregorio del Pilar (1875–1899) – entered the Katipunan circle when he joined the First Philippine Republic's army against
the Americans. He died during the Battle of Tirad Pass.

Pio del Pilar (1860–1931) – the leader of the Matagumpay chapter one of the closest officers of Andrés Bonifacio as the
Newly Revolutionary government was established he was one of the officers who advised Aguinaldo to change the
commutation (banishment) to execution of Andrés and Procopio Bonifacio.

Licerio Gerónimo (1855–1924) – Aguinaldo's war general during Philippine–American War.

Vicente Lukbán (1860–1916) – Americans regarded him to be the mastermind of the bloody Balangiga massacre in 1901
during Philippine–American War.

Miguel Malvar y Carpio (1865–1911) – commander of the Katipunan and became a general of the First Philippine
Republic.

Macario Sakay- head of Katipunan in Trozo, Manila. Future founder of Republika ng Katagalugan that would oppose
American occupation in the Philippines.

Paciano Rizal – The older brother of national hero José Rizal, he was also a personal friend of Padre José Burgos in his
youth. He joined the Katipunan years before Jose's return from Dapitan.

Manuel Tinio (1877–1924) – youngest general of the Katipunan and the First Philippine Republic, he later became the
governor of Nueva Ecija from 1907–1909.

Julian Felipe (1832–1835) – composer of Lupang Hinirang, teacher and member of La Liga Filipina, he later served as
legal advisor to the Katipunan. His tenacious ability in argumentative reasoning earned him the nickname "demente
viejo" among the colonial Principalía.In spite of being devout Catholic, Carpio, like other Filipino revolutionaries, was a
member of the Freemasons before the formation of the Katipunan. In Manila, Julian ran a private law school which many
of his personal socio-political ideals succeeded to his students.

Philippine Revolution 1896

The Philippine Revolution is one of the most important events in the country’s history, awakening a proud sense of
nationalism for generations of Filipinos to come. In a period of heavy struggle and conflict, Filipinos of different
backgrounds united with a common goal: to resist colonialism.

The revolution against Spain was sparked in 1896 after Spanish authorities discovered the “Katipunan,” a Filipino
revolutionary society plotting against their colonisers. After the discovery of the Katipunan, Spanish authorities made
several arrests to identify their members. Bonifacio and his fellows were planning a nationwide revolt. This led to an
event called the ‘Cry of Pugad Lawin’, where revolutionaries took part in a mass tearing of cedulas (community tax
certificates), symbolizing their fight against Spain.

First Battle of the Revolution

Bonifacio simultaneously planned an attack on Manila. However they were caught off guard, as though the
revolutionaries were greater in number, the Spanish authorities were more armed.
According to historical accounts, Bonifacio continued with his plan despite the failure in his first attempt. The revolt
flared up in the surrounding provinces, including Central Luzon, San Juan del Monte and Southern Tagalog (which is why
this is also known as the Tagalog War).

Aguinaldo and Filipino Victories in Battle

After several unsuccessful revolts, rebels in Cavite finally had a taste of victory. Under Emilio Aguinaldo (mayor of Cavite
El Viejo) and Mariano Alvarez (Bonifacio’s uncle), the Philippine Revolution was in full swing.

The revolution dragged down the name of Rizal. He was accused of being associated with the secret militant society.
Charged with sedition, conspiracy and rebellion, Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad.

Magdalo and Magdiwang

Alongside the Spanish authorities, Katipuneros were soon fighting amongst themselves. Rivalries emerged between
commanders and territories, creating big rifts in the association. The Katipunan divided into two councils, namely the
Magdiwang and Magdalo – that is, those who favoured Aguinaldo and those who favoured Bonifacio.

Tejeros Assembly

To settle the leadership dispute, the Tejeros Convention was established. This assembly of officials was intended to unite
the two factions and elect officers for the revolutionary government. After a makeshift election, Bonifacio lost to
Aguinaldo and leadership was turned over to him.

Bonifacio was given the role of Director of the Interior, but his qualifications were questioned. Under this further scrutiny
he left the assembly – Aguinaldo took oath as President the following day.

Death of Bonifacio

Bonifacio soon set out to Naic, Cavite, where he established a rival government against Aguinaldo. Newly recognised as
the leader of the revolution, he issued a coup d’etat against Aguinaldo’s government. Upon learning this, Aguinaldo
ordered the official arrest of Bonifacio.

Bonifacio was captured and found guilty of sedition and treason by the War Council. They were soon executed near
Maragondon.

Pact of Biak na Bato

Aguinaldo and his fellows soon established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato and drafted the first constitution.
They came up with a pact that called for an end to the revolution, which was positively favored by the Spanish Governor-
General. The pact’s agenda included: the surrender of weapons to revolutionaries, amnesty, exile for leaders, and
payment to the revolutionaries worth $400,000 USD.

While the Spanish kept their word, other revolutionary generals took arms – the Philippines was still not independent.

Philippine Revolution 1896: Success and Failure

One of the biggest success the revolution made was it awakened the desire of the Filipino's to fight for they're own
freedom and sovereignty. It made a great contribution on the realization that the Filipino can fight for they're own and
build they're own government that is solely for the Filipino's. The revolution encouraged those people that they are not
under any empires or states. Thus, giving them the willingness to die for their own Mother nation, the Philippines.

And one of the biggest regret and failure at that certain point of time, is the disorderliness of the revolution. We can see
at the stories how they fought against each other, the Magdalo and Magdiwang. The result of that event led to the
confusion and disorderliness of the revolution. If only Emilio Aguinaldo set aside his selfishness, the hunger of power
over Andres Bonifacio I'm very certain they could have achieved greater heights against the Spaniards.

HISTORICAL VALUE

The Filipinos lost many battles and lives because the revolution was not really planned well. They were only forced to
fight because of the discovery of Katipunan.

Nothing can stop the people who are determined to fight for their freedom.

Many Filipinos were punished for their part in the revolution. But these martyrs and heroes only made the other
Filipinos more willing to fight and even die for their cause.

The rivalry between Bonifacio and Aguinaldo caused the Filipinos to lose many battles and even to fight among
themselves. This lack of unity prevented the victory against the Spaniards.