Ka Andy is the "Filipino Marat"

(reposted from the Manila Bulletin)


JeanPaul Marat was one of the leaders of the French Revolution (1789-1799).

Eto pic ni JP

Spanish historian Wenceslao Retana called Andres Bonifacio the "Filipino Marat’’ because, like Jean Paul Marat, Bonifacio was an uncompromising foe of despotism, defender of the sovereignty of the people, and supporter of the poor and the downtrodden.






Eto naman si Andy

Born in Tondo, Manila, on November 30, 1863, Bonifacio witnessed the struggles of the masses and vowed to do something about their misery. His association with many patriots nourished his desire to fight for his people’s freedom. Like Dr. Jose P. Rizal, he first tried to pursue his goal through peaceful means but Dr. Rizal’s arrest and exile to Dapitan led him to abandon peaceful means.

He co-founded the Katipunan on the night of July 7, 1892. The Katipunan became the instrument that ended colonial dominance in the country.

In May, 1896, Bonifacio and several Katipuneros trekked to Montalban to establish a headquarters for the revolution.

At Pamitinan Cave, he wrote on its walls: "Mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng Pilipinas!’’ And at nearby Makarok Cave, he wrote: "Naparito ang mga Anak ng Bayan. Humahanap ng Kalayaan!’’

After the discovery of the Katipunan by the colonial authorities on August 19, 1896, Bonifacio and his fellow Katipuneros launched the revolution.

In the yard of Apolonio Samson in Kangkong, Balintawak, Bonifacio shouted at his comrades: "Kalayaan o Kamatayan? Mga Kapatid, ang Kalayaan ay inaagaw sa dulo ng patalim!’’

In battle, Bonifacio’s words animated his comrades to fight on: "Mga Kapatid! Mapalad ang bayang linitawan ng mga bayani, sapagka’t ang bayang iya’y walang kamatayan!’’

A sincere man, faithful to his land of birth, Andres Bonifacio met a tragic death but history vindicated him.

Historians have called him the "Father of the Philippine Revolution.’’

The historian and revolutionary hero Isabelo de los Reyes called Bonifacio the "Arm of Divine Providence’’ for he transformed the lowly Katipunan into a powerful "weapon of the weak.’’

Andres Bonifacio was one of those who kept the flame of freedom alive through the dark years of foreign dominance.

The Filipino race is fortunate for having had a son like Andres Bonifacio.

May our observance of this true patriot make our people emulate his faithfulness to the land of his birth.

My take:

As I was reading that piece from the Bulletin website, I couldn't help but chuckle as I recall an on-air debate sometime in the mid-90s between then Caloocan City Mayor Rey Malonzo and former mayor Boy Asistio on whether the city should be spelt with a "C" or with a "K".

Asistio argued that the "K" was patriotically correct as there was no "C" in the Filipino alphabet ( Abakada) ..... yada ... yada ...

An obviously incensed Malonzo fired back that if we go by Asistio's argument, then Andres Bonifacio's name would've been spelt Bonifakio and the resulting soundbite was enough to silence his arch rival.

A rare master stroke indeed from the karate kid!