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Josefa
Gabriela
Josefa Gabriela Silang was the widow of Diego Silang, leader of the Ilokano revolution
against the Spanish government. When her husband was assassinated, she took over the
leadership of the revolt in Ilocos.
In 1762, the British successfully invaded Manila. The defeat of the Spanish authorities
served to convince many Filipinos that the Spanish forces were not invincible. Diego Silang,
an Ilokano from Pangasinan, led a revolt against the Spanish government. Diego was able
to expel the Spanish provincial governor from Vigan and won some skirmishes. The
Spanish authorities hired Miguel Vico, a friend of Diego Silang, to assassinate him. On May
28, 1763, Diego Silang was shot in his own house in Vigan.
After Diego Silang's death, his wife, Josefa Gabriela, took over the revolt and fought
courageously. A strong force was then sent against her. This time, she was forced to retreat
to Abra. Riding a fast horse, Gabriela led her troops towards Vigan, but she was driven
back. She fled again to Abra, where she was captured. On September 20, 1763, she and
about 100 followers were executed.
Let us also recall a fourth figure. This heroine came from the
Visayas: Teresa Magbanua. In her childhood, Teresa was
what we would call a "tom boy." She enjoyed climbing the
trees, swimming in the Jaluar river, and riding horses and
water buffalo. When her brothers got into fights with other
children, she fought along with them. She preferred the
company of boys more than girls. This concerned her parents
who sent her off to a local finishing school and then to two
colleges in Manila. At one of these schools in Manila she was
the classmate of Dona Aurora Aragon, later the first lady of
President Manuel Quezon of the Commonwealth.
"Maybe, but..."
"Now General, you know that I can ride and shoot better
than you. Give me men to command and I will show you
how a woman can fight for her country."
Gabriela Silang
During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, a number of armed protests for freedom, or
alzamientos, took place. These were triggered by tribute collection, forced labor and other abuses
by Spanish officials. The Great Rebellion was led by Diego Silang who was murdered as a result
on May 28, 1763. His wife, Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang, carried on the fight until she also lost
her life for the cause on September 30, 1763.
DIEGO SILANG
(1730 - 1763)