This GROUP believes that the first cry took place at Pugad Lawin which sparked the event

of the
rebellion. The place Pugad Lawin is now a part of the 75-year-old Quezon City, along with equally
historic Pasong Tamo, Banlat, Balintawak, Pasong Putik, and Kangkong, now renamed as Barangay
Apolonio Samson. The place is believed to be the venue where Bonifacio and the other
revolutionaries tore their cedulas which signifies their rebellion against the Spanish Rule, that is the
rebellion that led to the rise of a new era in the history of the Philippines and the beginning of the
first Philippine Revolution.

This proposition came about with the help and guide of sources, according to Pio Valenzuela, the vice
president of the Kapunan and one of the closest friends of Andres Bonifacio, the first cry was held in
Pugad Lawin supported by the reason that the first meeting and discussion about the revolution
against the Spaniard happened at the house of Juan Ramos, the son of the Mother of Katipunan
(Melchora Aquino). It was attended by 1000 of Katipunero and in that gathering they have decided
that the revolution will be conducted on August 26, 1896. Teodoro Plata, Bonifacio’s brother in law,
was also present in that meeting and agreed with the said decision. Other important names were
mentioned that were said to be present in that discussion like Cipriano, Pacheco, Remedio, and San
Pedro.

The circumstantial evidence is divided into three: the resolution, the tearing, and the first fight. The
resolution is the decision of the revolutionists to revolt against the Spaniards. Second, the tearing is
the ripping apart of their cedulas in the yard of Jose Ramos. Lastly, the first fight is the first encounter
of the Katipuneros and the Spaniards. Futhermore, according to Isagani Medina, a historian, the
tearing of the cedulas, the symbol of slavery of Spaniards towards the Filipino, shown that this is
the beginning of their revolution against the Spanish colonialism and he also said that to cry is to
pagpupunit (Tearing).

Additionally, In Medina’s way of gathering evidence, he found the letter of Noel Ramos, son of
Melchora Aquino, and it stated that the First Cry took place in Pugad Lawin. It is true that the
revolution started at Balintawak, however, we are talking about where the tearing of the cedulas
and the first cry took place. The first Cry is based more on the tearing of the cedulas rather than the
place where the fighting happened. Therefore, Balintawak cannot be considered the place for the
First Cry.

This was also supported by Teodoro Agoncillo, a well-known historian, writer, and also known for his
book “The Revolt of the Masses”. With the evidence and analyzation presented by Medina, Agoncillo
and other historians, it somehow cleared that the first cry of revolution happened in Pugad Lawin
but it was not

The key points from Agoncillo's account in "Revolt of the Masses" regarding the events at Pugad
Lawin are:

1. Location and Meeting: More than 1,000 members of the Katipunan gathered at Juan A. Ramos'
yard after leaving Samson's place on the afternoon of August 22.

2. Discussion on Revolt: On the morning of August 23, there was significant discussion about the
timing of the revolt against the Spanish government, originally planned for the 29th.

3. Decision to Revolt: Despite one protest, the majority decided to proceed with the revolt, led by
Andres Bonifacio.

4. Symbolic Act: Bonifacio asked the members to tear their cedulas (identification documents) to
symbolize their rejection of the oppressive government.
5. Unified Declaration: The rebels collectively expressed their determination to fight for freedom,
culminating in a fervent declaration of support for the Philippines and the Katipunan.

Defending the Statements on the Cry of Pugadlawin

Statement 1: The history of the Philippines is marked by a long period of colonization by the Spanish,
which sparked Philippine resistance and the fight for independence.

Defense: This statement is well-supported by historical evidence. The Spanish colonization of the
Philippines lasted for over 300 years, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This prolonged period of
foreign rule led to widespread discontent among the Filipino people, fueling resistance movements
and ultimately culminating in the Philippine Revolution.

Statement 2: The Cry of Pugadlawin, considered the beginning of the Philippine revolution, is a
controversial historical event with debates on whether it took place at Pugadlawin or Balintawak.

Defense: While there is debate about the exact location, the historical significance of the Cry of
Pugadlawin remains undisputed. It marked the open declaration of rebellion against Spanish
colonial rule and served as a rallying point for Filipino revolutionaries. The controversy over the
location does not diminish the event's importance as a turning point in Philippine history.

Statement 3: Ambiguity surrounds the term "cry" as some believe it refers to the first confrontation
with the Spanish while others think it signifies the Katipunan's declaration of rebellion.

Defense: The term "cry" is indeed open to interpretation, and different historians have offered
varying explanations. However, regardless of the specific meaning, the Cry of Pugadlawin represents
a pivotal moment in the Philippine Revolution, signaling the beginning of armed resistance against
Spanish colonial authority.

Statement 4: It is crucial to focus on the broader impact of the Cry, irrespective of its exact location,
as it paved the way for Philippine freedom.

Defense: The most important aspect of the Cry of Pugadlawin is its role in initiating the Philippine
Revolution, which ultimately led to the country's independence. The specific location of the event,
while a subject of historical debate, does not detract from its significance as a catalyst for change and
a symbol of Filipino nationalism.

Defending Pugadlawin as the True Start of the Revolution

Argument 1: Pugadlawin as the True Start of the Revolution: Many historians and sources, including
Santiago Alvarez (son of Mariano Alvarez, a Katipunan leader), suggest that the most defining
moment of the revolution happened in Pugadlawin. In Pugadlawin, Andrés Bonifacio and his fellow
revolutionaries tore their cedulas (community tax certificates) in open defiance against Spanish rule.
This was a clear and symbolic rejection of colonial authority, marking the true start of the revolution.

Santiago Alvarez's Testimony: As the son of a prominent Katipunan leader, Santiago Alvarez's
firsthand account provides substantial evidence supporting the Pugad Lawin version. His narrative
clearly places the pivotal events of the revolution in Pugad Lawin.

Historical Records: The events in Pugad Lawin are more extensively documented and corroborated
by other historical sources, strengthening the claim that it was the true starting point of the
revolution.
Argument 2: Clearer Evidence of Pugadlawin: The events in Pugadlawin are often more clearly
documented, with testimonies from Katipunan members who were present during the August 23,
1896 gathering. The act of tearing the cedulas became a rallying cry for the revolution, making
Pugadlawin a more definitive starting point in terms of revolutionary action.

Tearing of Cedulas: The symbolic act of tearing the cedulas in Pugad Lawin was a clear and
unequivocal declaration of rebellion against Spanish rule. It demonstrated the Katipunan's
unwavering commitment to their cause and served as a rallying cry for Filipino revolutionaries.

Turning Point: Pugad Lawin marked a turning point in the history of the Philippine Revolution,
where the decision to take up arms and fight for independence was solidified.

Argument 3: Balintawak is Vague in Historical Details: You can argue that the accounts surrounding
Balintawak are more ambiguous and inconsistent. Various historians cite different dates and
locations (Kalookan, Balintawak, etc.), leading to confusion about what actually happened in
Balintawak. In contrast, the events in Pugadlawin are clearer and more unified in historical narratives.

Historical Ambiguity of Balintawak: The accounts surrounding Balintawak are often contradictory
and inconsistent, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact events that transpired there. In contrast,
the events in Pugad Lawin are more clearly documented and agreed upon by historians.

Historical Accuracy: Pugad Lawin offers a more accurate and historically sound narrative of the
events leading up to the Philippine Revolution.

Argument 4: Pugadlawin as the Site of Commitment: Pugadlawin represents a turning point where
the Katipunan made a firm, irreversible commitment to revolution. While earlier meetings in
Balintawak involved planning and strategizing, the events in Pugadlawin were where the
revolutionaries definitively chose to begin the rebellion against Spain by renouncing their allegiance
through the destruction of their cedulas

Government Commemorations: The Philippine government has officially recognized Pugad Lawin
as the site of the Cry of Pugadlawin, commemorating the event annually. This recognition
underscores the historical significance of Pugad Lawin as the starting point of the revolution.

Historical Markers: The presence of historical markers in Pugad Lawin further solidifies its status as
a significant historical site.

Argument 5: Recognition by Historical Commemorations: The government recognizes Pugadlawin as

the location of the Cry of Pugadlawin, which is commemorated annually. The National Historical
Commission of the Philippines has erected markers in Pugadlawin, reflecting its importance as the
official site of the "Cry" that started the revolution.

Immediate Action: The events in Pugad Lawin directly preceded the outbreak of armed conflict
between the Spanish and the Katipuneros, demonstrating their immediate and decisive impact on
the revolution.

Catalyst for Change: Pugad Lawin served as a catalyst for the revolutionary movement, inspiring
Filipinos to take up arms and fight for their freedom.

The evidence strongly supports the claim that Pugad Lawin was the true starting point of the
Philippine Revolution. The clarity, consistency, and historical significance of the events that
transpired there make it a more compelling and accurate narrative than the accounts surrounding
Balintawak.
While the exact location of the Cry of Pugadlawin remains a topic of discussion, its broader historical
significance is undeniable. The event marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution, a pivotal
moment in the country's struggle for independence. By focusing on the broader impact of the Cry,
we can appreciate its importance as a catalyst for change and a symbol of Filipino nationalism.

THE "CRY" OF PUGAD LAWIN

- The news of the discovery of the Katipunan spread throughout Manila and the suburbs.
Bonifacio, informed of the discovery, secretly instructed his runners to summon all the leaders of the
society to a general assembly to be held on August 24. They were to meet at Balintawak to discuss
the steps to be taken to meet the crisis. That same night of August 19, Bonifacio, accompanied by his
brother Procopio, Emilio Jacinto, Teodoro Plata, and Aguedo del Rosario, slipped through the cordon
of Spanish sentries and reached Balintawak before midnight. Pio Valenzuela followed them the next
day. On the 21st, Bonifacio changed the Katipunan code because the Spanish authorities had already
deciphered it.

In the afternoon of the same day, the rebels, numbering about 500, left Balintawak for Kangkong,
where Apolonio Samson, a Katipunero, gave them food and shelter. In the afternoon of August 22,
they proceeded to Pugadlawin. The following day, in the yard of Juan A. Ramos, the son of Melchora
Aquino who was later called the "Mother of the Katipunan", Bonifacio asked his men whether they
were prepared to fight to the bitter end. Despite the objection of his brother-in-law, Teodoro Plata,
all assembled agreed to fight to the last. "That being the case, Bonifacio said, "bring out your cedulas
and tear them to pieces to symbolize our determination to take up arms!" The men obediently tore
up their cedulas, shouting "Long live the Philippines!" This event marked the so-called "Cry of
Balintawak," which actually happened in Pugadlawin.

- We assert that the Cry of 1896 took place in Pugad Lawin, not Balintawak, based on credible,
firsthand testimonies from key Katipunan figures. In 1936, Pio Valenzuela, Briccio Pantas, and
Enrique Pacheco, who were all participants in the revolution, stated that the Cry occurred in Pugad
Lawin. Valenzuela reaffirmed this in 1940, identifying Melchora Aquino’s house in Sitio Banlat,
Caloocan as the exact location where over 1,000 Katipuneros tore their cedulas on August 23, 1896
—a defining act of rebellion against Spanish rule.

- Historian Teodoro Agoncillo, in his 1956 work The Revolt of the Masses, also placed the Cry in
Pugad Lawin, basing his account on these firsthand testimonies. The National Historical Institute later
recognized Pugad Lawin as the site of the Cry, shifting the official stance.

- PUGAD LAWIN, NOT BALINTAWAK, IS WHERE THE FIRST ORGANIZED ACT OF DEFIANCE
OCCURRED, AND IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED AS THE TRUE BIRTHPLACE OF THE PHILIPPINE
REVOLUTION.

- Arguments Favoring the Pugad Lawin Version Teodoro Agoncillo The Agoncillo’s book entitled
“Revolt of the Masses” (1956) it is written: It was in Pugad Lawin where they proceeded upon leaving
Samson’s place in the afternoon of the 22nd, that the more than 1,000 members of the Katipunan
met in the yard of Juan A. Ramos, son of Melchora Aquino. In the morning of August 23rd.
considerable discussion arose whether the revolt against the Spanish government should be started
on the 29th. Only one man protested. But he was overruled in his stand. Bonifacio then announced
the decision and shouted: “Brothers, it was agreed to continue with the plan of revolt. My brothers
do you swear to repudiate the government that oppresses us? And the rebels shouting as one man
replied “Yes, sir” that being the case, Bonifacio added, “bring out your cedulas and tear them to
pieces to symbolize our determination to take arms”. Amidst the ceremony, the rebels, tear-stained
eyes, shouted: Long live Philippines! Long live the Katipunan!

VALENZUELA ACCOUNT

- In 1935, Pio Valenzuela along with Briccio Pantas and Enrique Pacheco said "The first Cry of the
revolution did not happen in Balintawak where the monument is, but in a place called Pugad Lawin."

- It was at Pugad Lawin, the house, store-house, and yard of Juan Ramos, son of Melchora Aquino,
where over 1,000 members of the Katipunan met and carried out considerable debate and
discussion on August 23, 1896.

- The discussion was on whether or not the revolution against the Spanish government should be
started on August 29, 1896. After the tumultuous meeting, many of those present tore their cedula
certificates and shouted "Long live the Philippines! Long live the Philippines!"

- Historian Teodoro Agoncillo wrote in 1956 that it took place in Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896,
based on Pío Valenzuela's statement.

Aside from Pio Valenzuela’s testimony, several other prominent historians and official records
support Pugad Lawin as the site of the Cry for Independence. For example, the official history books
used in Philippine schools, and even government celebrations, recognize Pugad Lawin as the focal
point of the revolutionary act. This recognition wasn’t arbitrarily made; it is based on extensive
research and a desire for historical clarity.

In 1963, during the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal, the Philippine government officially
designated August 23 as the day of the Cry, placing emphasis on the Pugad Lawin area as the site of
the decisive event. The government’s endorsement, based on thorough archival research, illustrates
the reliability of the historical evidence supporting Pugad Lawin. This recognition isn’t merely
symbolic; it shows that the decision-makers relied on documented facts when making this
determination.

The location of Pugad Lawin held strategic importance for the Katipunan’s revolutionary activities.
Pugad Lawin was a rural area at the time, surrounded by forests, which allowed the Katipuneros to
plan their rebellion away from the prying eyes of Spanish authorities. This seclusion provided the
revolutionaries with a place to mobilize and discuss strategies freely.

More importantly, the gathering in Pugad Lawin was not just about the symbolic tearing of the
cedulas, but also about making key military decisions. Bonifacio and his comrades gathered there to
finalize their revolutionary strategy. The act of tearing the cedulas was accompanied by discussions
on logistics and the timing of the revolt, proving that Pugad Lawinwas not just a symbolic site but a
place of substantial planning for the revolution.

We must remember that historical accuracy often hinges on credible eyewitness accounts, and for
Pugad Lawin, we have more than one. Aside from Pio Valenzuela, we also have testimonies from
Guillermo Masangkay, another Katipunero who was involved in the revolution. He corroborated
Valenzuela’s account of the events at Pugad Lawin. These testimonies serve as crucial primary
sources, confirming that it was at Pugad Lawin where the revolutionaries solidified their commitment
to independence.
Moreover, while there is debate over whether the Cry took place in Balintawak or Pugad Lawin,
historians generally agree that Pugad Lawin is more thoroughly documented. The documentation is
not just based on one or two reports but on multiple cross-checked accounts that lead to a stronger
case for Pugad Lawin.

While the tearing of the cedulas could be seen as a simple symbolic act, in Pugad Lawin, it marked a
definitive and collective break from Spanish authority. The cedula was more than just a piece of
paper—it represented the oppressive taxes and control the Spanish had over the Filipino people. By
destroying their cedulas, Bonifacio and his men were publicly rejecting the entire colonial system.
This wasn’t just a symbolic moment—it was an outright declaration of defiance that laid the
groundwork for the full-scale revolution.

The fact that this decisive act took place in Pugad Lawin is a testament to its significance. This was
not just a spontaneous protest, but a well-calculated, organized, and collective decision to finally
break away from centuries of oppression. The emotional and psychological impact of this act cannot
be overstated, as it galvanized the Filipino people to join the revolution in the days that followed.

ARGUMENTS/OPPOSING STATEMENTS
Masangkay's Arguments:

WHO IS MASANGKAY?

: Guillermo Masangkay was a Filipino revolutionary and Katipunan leader. He is known for his role
in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. His statement about Pugad Lawin is
relevant because it is considered one of the defining moments in the Philippine Revolution.
Masangkay's statement about Pugad Lawin is significant because it provides a firsthand account of
the event and its importance.

Masangkay, a Filipino historian, presented several arguments against the Balintawak version of the
Cry of Rebellion:

1. Conflicting Accounts: He pointed out inconsistencies and contradictions in the various accounts of
the Balintawak event, suggesting that the details were unreliable or fabricated.

2. Lack of Primary Sources: Masangkay argued that there was insufficient primary source evidence to
definitively support the Balintawak narrative, relying instead on secondary accounts and
interpretations.

3. Historical Plausibility: He questioned the historical plausibility of the Balintawak version,

suggesting that it did not align with known historical facts or patterns.

4. Pugad Lawin as the True Site: Masangkay strongly advocated for the Pugad Lawin version of the
Cry of Rebellion, citing evidence and eyewitness accounts that supported this alternative narrative.

1. CENTRAL LOCATION

-One of the strongest arguments for Balintawak is that it was a central location where the
Katipuneros first gathered to discuss plans for the revolution. Proponents of this view claim that it
was in Balintawak on August 23 where Bonifacio and his men first showed signs of defiance against
the Spanish authorities.

However, while Balintawak may have been one of the early meeting places for the Katipuneros, it
lacks the definitive historical evidence to support it as the actual site of the Cry for Independence.
The meetings in Balintawak were largely preparatory. It was in Pugad Lawin, the following day, where
the decisive act—the tearing of the cedulas—took place, marking the true beginning of open
rebellion.

The transition from Balintawak to Pugad Lawin was part of the Katipunan’s strategic movement to
avoid Spanish detection, and it was in Pugad Lawin that their plans culminated in the symbolic action
that ignited the revolution. Hence, while Balintawak was important, it cannot claim the same
significance as Pugad Lawin, where the actual moment of defiance occurred.

2 . MORE RECOGNIZE

Another argument in favor of Balintawak is that historically, many early accounts referred to
Balintawak as the site of the Cry. In fact, the term "Cry of Balintawak" was used for decades in
Philippine history books.

While this may be true, this was largely due to earlier misinterpretations and a lack of
comprehensive research. Over time, historians have come to realize that the events traditionally
associated with Balintawak were, in fact, part of a larger series of revolutionary activities. Modern
scholarship, backed by primary sources, has clarified that it was in Pugad Lawinwhere the pivotal act
of tearing the cedulas took place.

The shift from the "Cry of Balintawak" to the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" is not a revision of history, but a
correction. It reflects deeper research and a more deeper understanding of the events surrounding
the start of the Philippine Revolution.

3. BALINTAWAK AS A MORE PROMINENT LOCATION

Supporters of Balintawak may argue that it was a more prominent and accessible location for the
revolutionaries, making it the ideal place for such an important event. Balintawak, being closer to
Manila, might have made it easier for the Katipuneros to gather and coordinate.

While Balintawak was indeed a significant hub for revolutionary activity, we must remember that the
revolutionary movement needed to prioritize security and secrecy. By the time the revolutionaries
had moved to Pugad Lawin, they were seeking a more secluded and secure location to avoid Spanish
surveillance.

It was in Pugad Lawin, not Balintawak, that the Katipuneros could fully commit to their rebellion
without fear of immediate Spanish retaliation. This decision to move the crucial event to Pugad
Lawin ensured that the revolution would be launched under more favorable and strategic conditions,
making Pugad Lawin the true site of the Cry for Independence.

4. CONFUSION OVER THE DATES AND LOCATIONS

Some argue that the historical records are inconsistent, with various sources mentioning both
Balintawak and Pugad Lawin. They claim that this inconsistency weakens the case for Pugad Lawin
and creates confusion about where the Cry really happened.

However, it’s important to note that the confusion arises from the fact that the Katipunan held
several meetings in different locations during that time. The revolutionaries were constantly on the
move, making it understandable that early reports might have mixed up the exact locations.

Despite this, the strongest evidence, including Pio Valenzuela’s and Guillermo Masangkay’s
testimonies, point to Pugad Lawin as the decisive location where the cedulas were torn, cementing it
as the true site of the Cry. Over time, as more documents and testimonies surfaced, historians
clarified the timeline, and this helped establish Pugad Lawin as the correct location.

5. THE ROLE OF BALINTAWAK IN REVOLUTIONARY PLANNING

Proponents of Balintawak often argue that it was an essential meeting place where the initial plans
for the revolution were made, and therefore, it should be recognized as the site of the Cry for
Independence.

While Balintawak was indeed an important location for planning and discussions, it cannot claim the
same symbolic and historical weight as Pugad Lawin. In fact, the Cry for Independence is not just
about planning or talking about revolution—it’s about the moment when the revolutionaries publicly
and symbolically committed to the fight by tearing their cedulas. This pivotal act did not occur in
Balintawak, but in Pugad Lawin. The act of tearing the cedulas in Pugad Lawin was the signal that
they were no longer in the planning phase they were now fully committed to revolution. This is what
makes Pugad Lawin the true site of the Cry for Independence, as it marks the actual moment of
public defiance, while Balintawak was merely a step in the journey.

Another argument in favor of Balintawak is that historically, many early accounts referred to
Balintawak as the site of the Cry. In fact, the term "Cry of Balintawak" was used for decades in
Philippine history books. While this may be true, this was largely due to earlier misinterpretations
and a lack of comprehensive research. Over time, historians have come to realize that the events
traditionally associated with Balintawak were, in fact, part of a larger series of revolutionary
activities. Modern scholarship, backed by primary sources, has clarified that it was in Pugad Lawin
where the pivotal act of tearing the cedulas took place. The shift from the "Cry of Balintawak" to the
"Cry of Pugad Lawin" is not a revision of history, but a correction. It reflects deeper research and a
deeper understanding of the events surrounding the start of the Philippine Revolution.