Andrés Bonifacio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrés Bonifacio
Portrait photograph, c. 1896
Unofficial President of the Sovereign Tagalog Nation President of the Philippines (unofficial)
In office August 24, 1896 – March 22 or May 10, 1897
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Office abolished Emilio Aguinaldo (as President of Tejeros Revolutionary Government)
Supremo of Katipunan
In office November, 1895 – May 10, 1897
Preceded by	Román Basa
Succeeded by	Organization defunct
Personal details
Born	Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (1863-11-30)November 30, 1863 Tondo, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire
Died	May 10, 1897(1897-05-10) (aged 33) Maragondon, Cavite, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire
Cause of death	Execution
Political party	La Liga Filipina Katipunan
Spouses	Monica ​ (her death)​ Gregoria de Jesús ​ (m. 1893)​
Children	1
Education	Self-educated
Signature
Nickname	Maypagasa
Military service
Allegiance	Katipunan Tagalog Republic Katipunan (Magdiwang)
Years of service	1896–1897
Battles/wars	Philippine Revolution Cry of Pugad Lawin Battle of Manila (1896) Battle of San Juan del Monte Battle of Pasong Tamo Battle of San Mateo and Montalban

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino revolutionary leader. He was also a Freemason, a member of a brotherhood that promotes moral and spiritual values. Many people call him "The Father of the Philippine Revolution". He is also seen as one of the national heroes of the Philippines.

Bonifacio helped start the Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, or "Katipunan" for short. This group wanted the Philippines to be free from Spanish rule. When the revolution began, Bonifacio turned the Katipunan into a government. He became its President, leading a nation called "Haring Bayang Katagalugan" (Sovereign Tagalog Nation). The word "Tagalog" here meant all people born in the Philippine islands, not just the Tagalog ethnic group. Because of this, some historians believe he should be called the first President of the Tagalogs, not the Philippines. This is why he is not on the official list of Philippine presidents.

Who was Andrés Bonifacio?

Early Life and Education

Andrés Bonifacio was born on November 30, 1863, in Tondo, Manila. He was the first of six children. His mother, Catalina de Castro, was part Spanish, and his father, Santiago Bonifacio, was part Chinese. His parents named him after Saint Andrew, whose special day is November 30.

Andrés learned to read from his aunt. He also went to a private school for a short time. To help his family, he made and sold canes and paper fans. He also created posters for businesses. This family business helped them earn a living.

Later, he worked for a British trading company, then a German one. He managed a warehouse, keeping track of goods. Andrés also enjoyed acting in plays and often played the hero Bernardo Carpio.

Even though he didn't finish formal school, Bonifacio loved to read. He taught himself by reading many books. He read about the French Revolution and the lives of U.S. presidents. He also read books about laws and famous novels like Les Misérables and Noli Me Tángere by José Rizal. He learned to speak and understand English from his jobs.

His Marriages

Bonifacio's first wife was Monica, who lived in his neighborhood in Tondo. She sadly passed away from an illness, and they did not have any children.

In 1892, when he was 29, Bonifacio met 18-year-old Gregoria de Jesús. She was the cousin of his friend, Teodoro Plata. Gregoria's parents were hesitant at first because Bonifacio was a Freemason, and the Catholic Church at that time did not approve of Freemasons. But they eventually agreed. Andrés and Gregoria got married in a Catholic church in March 1893 or 1894. They also had a special Katipunan wedding ceremony on the same day.

They had one son, who was born in early 1896. Sadly, their son died as a baby from smallpox.

Starting the Revolution

Early Political Work

In 1892, Bonifacio joined José Rizal's group called La Liga Filipina. This group wanted peaceful changes in the Spanish government in the Philippines. However, La Liga quickly stopped meeting after Rizal was arrested and sent away to Dapitan. Bonifacio and others tried to restart La Liga. Bonifacio became a main leader, helping to create local groups in Manila.

La Liga Filipina supported Filipino reformers in Spain by giving them money and encouragement.

Forming the Katipunan

On July 7, 1892, the day after Rizal was deported, Bonifacio and others secretly formed the Katipunan. Its full name meant "Highest and Most Respected Society of the Country's Children." This secret group wanted to gain independence from Spain through armed rebellion. The Katipunan used rituals and an organization similar to Freemasonry. Bonifacio used the secret name May pag-asa ("There is Hope") within the society.

For a while, Bonifacio worked with both the Katipunan and La Liga Filipina. But La Liga eventually split. Bonifacio and other members lost hope for peaceful changes and stopped supporting the reformists. The more traditional members, who were often wealthy, formed a new group to continue supporting reforms. The more radical members joined the Katipunan.

The Katipunan grew from Manila to many provinces like Batangas, Laguna, and Cavite. Most members, called Katipuneros, were from the lower and middle classes. At first, only men could join, but later women were allowed. Bonifacio's wife, Gregoria de Jesús, became an important female member.

Bonifacio was a key officer in the Katipunan from the start. He became its Presidente Supremo (Supreme President) in 1895. He was the third leader of the Katipunan. He also served as the group's financial manager and legal advisor. The Katipunan had its own rules, structure, and elected leaders.

Bonifacio became good friends with Emilio Jacinto, who was his advisor and a member of the Supreme Council. Bonifacio chose Jacinto's Kartilya (a guide for members) as the official teachings of the society. Bonifacio, Jacinto, and Pío Valenzuela worked together on the Katipunan's newspaper, Kalayaan (Freedom). Only one issue was printed. Bonifacio wrote several articles for the paper, including the poem Pag-ibig sa Tinubúang Lupà ("Love for One's Homeland").

The newspaper helped the Katipunan grow very quickly. From less than 300 members in January 1896, it grew to 30,000 to 40,000 members by August 1896.

Planning the Uprising

The Spanish authorities became suspicious of the Katipunan's fast growth. By early 1896, they knew about the secret society and started arresting suspects. On May 3, Bonifacio held a meeting in Pasig to discuss when to start the revolution. Some leaders, including Bonifacio, believed a revolution was necessary. Others, like Santiago Alvarez and Emilio Aguinaldo from Cavite, worried they didn't have enough weapons.

They decided to ask José Rizal for his opinion. Rizal was in Dapitan at the time. Bonifacio sent Pío Valenzuela to Rizal. Rizal, however, was against starting the revolution too soon. He thought they needed more preparation. He suggested that if a revolution did start, they should ask Antonio Luna, a brilliant military leader, to lead it.

The Philippine Revolution Begins

The Cry of Pugad Lawin

The Spanish government found out about the Katipunan on August 19, 1896. Many Filipinos were arrested and jailed. José Rizal, who was on his way to Cuba to work as a doctor, was arrested and later executed.

Bonifacio avoided capture and gathered thousands of Katipunan members in Caloocan. There, they decided to start their uprising. This event is known as the "Cry of Balintawak" or "Cry of Pugad Lawin". During this event, they tore up their cedulas (personal identity documents) as a sign of rebellion. The Katipunan leaders declared a nationwide revolution against Spain. They planned a coordinated attack on Manila for August 29. Bonifacio appointed generals to lead the rebel forces.

Before the fighting began, Bonifacio reorganized the Katipunan into a revolutionary government. He became the Supremo (Supreme Leader) of the rebel army, and the Supreme Council acted as his cabinet.

Battles Around Manila

On August 30, 1896, Bonifacio personally led an attack on San Juan del Monte. Their goal was to capture the town's powder magazine and water station. The Spanish soldiers fought hard until more troops arrived. With reinforcements, the Spanish pushed Bonifacio's forces back, causing many casualties. Bonifacio and his troops regrouped near Marikina, San Mateo, and Montalban.

Fighting also broke out in other areas around Manila. Many historians believe that Bonifacio's attack on San Juan del Monte started the general rebellion in the area. However, some newer studies suggest that the planned attacks on Manila were all connected, and Bonifacio's battle was just one part of a larger "Battle for Manila." Despite his losses, Bonifacio was still a threat, and the revolt had spread to nearby provinces by the end of August.

Bonifacio's Government

The Katipunan was set up like a government, with its own laws and elected leaders. Each province had councils to manage public and military affairs. Local councils handled matters in districts or villages.

After the "Cry of Pugad Lawin," the Katipunan's Supreme Council held elections. Bonifacio was elected President. Other key positions were also filled.

Bonifacio's idea for the Philippine nation was called Haring Bayang Katagalugan ("Sovereign Nation of Katagalugan"). He was called the "President of the Tagalog Republic" in Spanish newspapers. His official papers showed titles like "President of the Supreme Council" and "President of the Sovereign Nation, Founder of the Katipunan, Initiator of the Revolution."

In November 1896, Bonifacio asked Julio Nakpil to write a national anthem. Nakpil created a song called Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan ("Honorable Hymn of the Tagalog Nation").

Challenges in Cavite

Bonifacio in Cavite Province

By late 1896, the revolution was strongest in Cavite province. There were two rival Katipunan groups there: the Magdalo and the Magdiwang. The leaders of both groups came from wealthy families, unlike Bonifacio.

Emilio Aguinaldo, a leader of the Magdalo faction, became famous for his victories in Cavite. He even declared a provisional government, even though the Katipunan government already existed. The two Cavite factions often argued and didn't help each other in battles.

Bonifacio, as the overall leader, was invited to Cavite to help settle their differences. In December 1896, he traveled there with his wife, brothers, and some troops, including Emilio Jacinto.

When Bonifacio arrived, tensions grew between him and the Magdalo leaders. Some thought he acted "like a king." Bonifacio favored the Magdiwang group, possibly because his wife's uncle, Mariano Álvarez, led them. Also, the Magdiwang leaders respected Bonifacio's authority more.

Rumors also spread about Bonifacio, saying he stole Katipunan money or was an atheist. These rumors tried to make people not trust him. Bonifacio suspected that Daniel Tirona, a Magdalo leader, was spreading these rumors. When Bonifacio confronted Tirona, he became so angry that he almost shot him.

The Tejeros Convention

On March 22, 1897, revolutionary leaders met at Tejeros to discuss the rivalry between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions. They also wanted to elect new leaders for a revolutionary government. Bonifacio insisted that the new government should be a republic, based on liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

Before the election, Bonifacio asked everyone to respect the results, and they agreed. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected President, even though he wasn't there. Mariano Trías was elected Vice President. Bonifacio was elected Director of the Interior.

However, Daniel Tirona protested Bonifacio's election. He argued that the position needed a lawyer. Bonifacio was insulted and angered, reminding everyone that they had agreed to respect the results. Tirona ignored him, and Bonifacio almost shot him again but was stopped. Bonifacio then declared that all decisions made at the meeting were "null and void" because the agreement to respect the results was broken. He then left the meeting.

After Tejeros and Bonifacio's Death

Disputes and Arrest

The day after the Tejeros Convention, Aguinaldo secretly took his oath as president. Meanwhile, Bonifacio and his supporters wrote the Acta de Tejeros. In this document, they explained why they did not accept the election results. Bonifacio claimed the election was unfair and accused Aguinaldo of working with the Spanish. Some witnesses also said that many ballots were already filled out before voting.

Bonifacio and 44 others signed the Acta de Tejeros. Later, in April, they signed another document, the Naic Military Agreement. This agreement declared that they would form an army to protect the people from "treason committed by certain officers."

Aguinaldo tried to get Bonifacio to work with his new government, but Bonifacio refused. Bonifacio then planned to leave Cavite and go back to Morong. In late April, Aguinaldo ordered Bonifacio's arrest.

Trial and Death

The Bonifacio shrine at the foot of Mount Nagpatong and Mount Buntis in Maragondon, Cavite where it is believed he was executed, on May 10, 1897.

Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were taken to Maragondon, Cavite. They were put on trial on May 5, 1897. They were accused of going against Aguinaldo's government and planning to harm Aguinaldo. The jury was made up of Aguinaldo's supporters, and even Bonifacio's own lawyer said he was guilty.

Despite not having enough strong evidence, the Bonifacio brothers were found guilty. They were sentenced to death. Aguinaldo first changed the sentence to sending them away, but other leaders convinced him to go through with the execution to keep the revolutionary forces united.

Andrés and Procopio Bonifacio were killed on May 10, 1897, in the mountains of Maragondon. Many rebels from other areas were saddened and discouraged by Bonifacio's death. Some of his close friends, like Emilio Jacinto, continued to fight and never recognized Aguinaldo's leadership.

Works by Bonifacio

• "Mi abanico" (circa. 1870s)
• "Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas"
• "Ang Dapat Mabatid ng Mga Tagalog" (1896)
• "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" (1896)

Andrés Bonifacio in Movies and TV

• Portrayed by Julio Diaz in the film Bayani (1992) and the TV series Bayani (1995).
• Portrayed by Gardo Versoza in the film José Rizal (1998).
• Portrayed by Alfred Vargas in the films The Trial of Andres Bonifacio (2010) and Supremo (2012).
• Portrayed by Mark Anthony Fernandez in the GMA Lupang Hinirang music video (2010).
• Portrayed by Cesar Montano in the film El Presidente (2012).
• Portrayed by Jolo Revilla in the TV series Indio (2013).
• Portrayed by Sid Lucero in the TV series Katipunan (2013) and Ilustrado (2014).
• Portrayed by Robin Padilla in the film Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014).
• Portrayed by Nico Antonio in the film Heneral Luna (2015).
• Portrayed by Jhong Hilario in the film Unli Life (2018).

See also

In Spanish: Andrés Bonifacio para niños

Images for kids

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  Andrés Bonifacio's signature.

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  Flag of the Katipunan.

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  Flag of the Sovereign Tagalog Nation.

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  Another flag of the Katipunan.