Biyaheng Bonifacio (Part 2): Cavite Trail

The province of Cavite played a significant role in our history because it is the place where the Philippine independence was proclaimed. In addition, it is one of the provinces which represent the eight golden rays of the sun in the present Filipino flag because Governor General Blanco proclaimed a state of war in these provinces. Cavite is one of the places which played an important role in the life of Andres Bonifacio. There are historical sites which represent the important events in the life of Bonifacio when he was in Cavite. Let us continue the Biyaheng Bonifacio trail in Cavite.

Imus Cathedral

Andres Bonifacio Monument in Imus Plaza

1. Imus Plaza

Tirona St., Poblacion, Imus, Cavite

Imus Plaza is located in front of Imus Cathedral which can be found in the poblacion or town proper. In this place marks an event where the councils of Magdiwang and Magdalo met at the friar estate house on December 29, 1896. In addition, the councils discuss the framing of the constitution, the establishment of a revolutionary government under new elected officials and the possibilities of merging the two councils.

Tribunal of Noveleta Marker

Tribunal House

2. Tribunal

Gen. Antonio St., Poblacion, Noveleta, Cavite

Fifteen to thirty minutes away from Imus, you can visit the small coastal town of Noveleta which is famous for its beach resorts. Located near at the town hall and the public market, you can visit the Tribunal where Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Pio Valenzuela and Pantaleon Torres established the Magdiwang, a council of the Katipunan. On April 3, 1897, Bonifacio attempted to recapture Noveleta but he was unable to dislodge the Spaniards. In addition, General Pascual Alvarez of Magdiwang council defeated Kapitan Antonio Rebolledo, a Guardia Civil under Mariano Alvarez, the town chief of Noveleta. This incident will be one of the reasons of a siege in Cavite during the Philippine revolution.

Tejeros Convention Site

3. Tejeros Convention

Gen. Trias Drive, Brgy. Tejeros, Rosario, Cavite

One of the most important events in the Philippine revolution is the Tejeros Assembly. It was convened on March 22, 1897 which established a central revolutionary government with Emilio Aguinaldo as President and Andres Bonifacio as Director of Interior. Certain events arising in the convention cost Bonifacio to bolt its action. The site is located near the boundary arc of General Trias and Rosario; besides, a barangay in Rosario was named after the name of the historical convention.

Pinagbarilan Shrine in Indang, Cavite

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang, Cavite

Bonifacio Marker in Indang Municipal Hall

4. Pinagbarilan

Brgy. Limbon, Indang, Cavite

On April 22, 1897, the Supremo's troops assigned to guard the fort and they were surprised by the sudden assault of Aguinaldo's men. Ciriaco Bonifacio was killed and his troops captured. Andres Bonifacio was shot with a revolver by Agapito Bonzon and was stabbed on the right side of the neck by Ignacio Pawa. Today, the site is located at Brgy. Limbon in the town of Indang. In addition, you can also find the historical marker beside the municipal hall where Bonifacio was imprisoned before he transferred to Naic.

Naic Elementary School is the present site of Casa Hacienda de Naic.

The dungeon where Procopio and Andres Bonifacio stayed in Casa Hacienda de Naic.

5. Casa Hacienda de Naic

Brgy. C. Nazareno, Poblacion, Naic, Cavite

The present site of Naic Elementary School and located beside the Naic Church , Casa Hacienda de Naic is the place where Bonifacio stayed after the Tejeros Convention. They held the "Naic Military Agreement" or "Acta de Naic." On April 29, 1897, Andres Bonifacio and Procopio Bonifacio were imprisoned here after their capture in Indang.

Bonifacio Trial House

Life-sized statues to depict the trial of Bonifacio brothers.

6. Bonifacio Trial House

Col. Riel St., Poblacion, Maragondon, Cavite

The house was built on 1889 owned by Teodorico Reyes. On April 30, 1897, the Bonifacio brothers were transferred to Maragondon from Naic. On May 4, 1897, Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were tried by a court-martial headed by Brigadier General Mariano Noriel. The following day, the Council of War gave its decision declaring the Bonifacio brothers guilty and recommended the death penalty. However, Aguinaldo issued an order where the brothers put to an isolated place. In the end, he cancelled his order and implement the death sentence after being told by his men.

Bonifacio Execution Site Tableau

Bonifacio Execution Site marker

7. Execution Site

Brgy. Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, Cavite

On May 10, 1897, Andres and his brother Procopio were brought to Mt. Nagpatong which is near in Mt. Buntis. They were executed by Col. Lazaro Macapagal and his troops upon orders of General Noriel took command of a firing squad.

Therefore, the Cavite trail of Biyaheng Bonifacio helped me to appreciate more about the history of the Philippines especially during the Revolution. Bonifacio showed his valor and courage in defending the country as well with the fact that there are some questions and issues in that historical event which needs an answer. These questions can be answered by exploring the past through reading and studying historical chronicles and travelling the sites to discover our heritage. You can read the Manila trail of Biyaheng Bonifacio.

Date of Travel: April 15, 2013

Source: Biyaheng Bonifacio Brochure by Department of Tourism and National Historical Commission of the Philippines