Hermano Pule
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Hermano Pule (1815-1841) was born Apolinario de la Cruz in barrio Pandác, Lucbán, Tayabas (now Quezon), but is better known as Hermano Pule. He led the first major revolt in the Philippines, based on a struggle for religious freedom.
As an infant, Apolinario wanted to become a priest. At the age of 24 in 1839, he attempted to enter a monastic order in Manila. He was refused because he was an 'indio' (native, indigent). Frustrated, he worked in the San Juan de Dios Hospital. During his spare time, he studied the Bible and religious material and actively listened to church sermons, thus developing his knowledge in theology.
In June 1840, he founded the Cofradia de San José (Confraternity of St. Joseph) which excluded caucasians. The brotherhood fostered the practice of Christian virtues. When Spanish religious authorities heard about the organization, they immediately condemned the brotherhood as heresy. The brotherhood's number grew despite its persecution.
Spanish authorities, including Governor-General Marcelino Oraa and Archbishop Jose Segui, regarded the Cofradia as a heresy and banned it. However, the more persecuted the Cofradia was the greater it grew in numbers.
Finally forced to fight for religious freedom, Pule rallied 4,000 followers at Barrio Isabang on the slope of Mount Banahaw and was able to vanquish an attack by Alcalde-mayor Juan Ortega and his 300 men on October 23, 1841.
However, reinforcements came on November 1 with Colonel Joaquin Huet who not only annihilated the Cofradia forces but massacred hundres of defenseless old men, women and children who joined Pule in Alitao.
Pule escaped to Barrio Ibanga but was captured the following evening, and on November 4, 1841 he was executed by a firing squad at the town of Tayabas.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- page 199, The Philippines, a Unique Nation by Sonia M. Zaide
