19 March, 1723
TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
Josefa Gabriela Silang, the first Filipino woman to lead a revolt during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur.
Gabriela was the closest adviser of her husband Diego Silang, an Ilocano insurgent who collaborated with the British for the brief expulsion of the Spanish officials from Vigan, Ilocos Sur during the British occupation. After Diego was assassinated, she became the leader of the insurgents leading them into several victories against the Spaniards.
She was captured with her troops in Abra on September 29, 1763 and was hanged in Vigan’s Plaza. The Filipino organization advocating women’s issues, Gabriela, was named in her honor.
(Ref: Philippine News Agency; Photo by Nonoyborbun)
