Diorama 34: The Revolution Against Spain Begins, Manila, 1896

The Revolution Against Spain BeginsManila, 1896The Manila Katipunan was composed of workers, servants, petty clerks and traders, militiamen, and even seamen who spread the society’s message to other parts of the archipelago. Some Filipino workers returning from abroad joined as well.After the secret society was exposed on 19 August 1896, Manila and other major towns became the scene of a massive manhunt in which about five hundred prominent Filipinos were arrested, and tried for conspiracy and sedition before a special court. Spain’s overreaction to the Katipunan’s discovery lost her the allegiance of many among the indio and mestizo elite families who were unjustly persecuted.At Balintawak, the Katipunan which had been deciphered by the Spanish authorities, was changed. From there, the Katipuneros moved to Barrio Kangkong and eventually, to Barrio Pugadlawin. At Pugadlawin, Bonifacio asked his men whether they were prepared to fight to the end. They all responded in the affirmative. Bonifacio then urged everyone to tear up his or her tax certificate (the infamous cedula personal), a symbolic gesture signifying the end of servitude to Spain. They did so amidst cries of “Long live the Philippines! Long live the Katipunan!"