114th death anniversary of '19 Martires de Aklan'
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - In 1897, 19 Katipuneros, all martyrs for Aklan freedom, armed only with a few guns, bamboo spears and bolos, were executed by Spanish authorities on March 23.

They were the first Katipunan leaders outside Luzon who fought bravely against the Spanish rule. Over a century had passed, the town of Kalibo and the province of Aklan once again pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifices, heroism and patriotism of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan.

The freedom shrine erected in their honor at the corner of Veterans Avenue and Desposorio Maagma Sr streets is the main venue of the formal ceremonies. Among the 19 martyrs were Roman Aguirre, Tomas Briones, Valeriano Dalida, Domingo dela Cruz, Claro Delgado, Angelo Fernandez, Benito Iban, Candido Iban, Simeon Inocencio, Isidro Jimenez, Catalino Mangat, Lamberto Mangat, Valeriano Masinda, Maximo Mationg, Simplicio Reyes, Canuto Segovia, Gavino Sucgang, Francisco Villorente and Gavino Yunsal.

A memorial mass for the martyrs and patriots of Aklan at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral, civic military parade, floral offering and a commemorative program highlight the 114th martyrdom anniversary.

Kalibo mayor William Lachica, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and the whole of province of Aklan remember the courageous deeds and bravery of the 19 Martyrs and General Francisco Castillo.

Also gracing the commemorative program are Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado and Kasangga Partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr.

In the evening, Gahum ag Himaya dinner and cultural presentation takes centerstage at the Aklan Freedom Shrine. The night of cultural patriotism is spearheaded by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) and the local government of Kalibo.

19 Martyrs of Aklan commemoration on March 23 of every year is a special public holiday in Aklan by virtue of Republic Act No. 7806 signed by then President Fidel Ramos.