Aklan to commemorate heroism of 19 martyrs

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

Local officials in Aklan will commemorate the death anniversary of their freedom fighters this coming March 23.

The 120^th year of martyrdom of XIX Martyrs will be remembered with a holy mass, commemorative program, wreath-laying ceremony and re-enactment of sacrifices and heroic deeds of Aklan heroes. The events will be held  at Aklan Freedom Shrine.

The XIX Martyrs of Aklan executed by musketry on March 23, 1897 were Roman Aguirre, Tomas Briones, Domingo dela Cruz, Valeriano Dalida, Claro Delgado, Angelo Fernandez, Benito Iban, Candido Iban, Simon Inocencio, Isidoro Jimenez, Catalino Mangat, Lamberto Mangat, Valeriano  Masinda, Maximo Mationg,  Simplicio Reyes, Canuto Segovia, Gabino Sucgang, Francisco VIllorente and Gabino Yonsal.

These gallant men died fighting for their country for the sake of freedom the Aklanons now enjoy. 

 

Kalibo mayor William Lachica, descendants and kins of the fallen heroes will lead the simple and yet solemn celebration.

March 23 of every year is declared as special public holiday in the province of Aklan by virtue of Republic Act No. 7806 to commemorate the death anniversary of the 19 martyrs of Aklan, the pioneers of the propaganda campaign of the Katipunan and who were instrumental in the suppression of the atrocities committed towards the patriots of Aklan.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.