10 September, 1763

TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño Silang also known as Gabriela Silang, fought valiantly against the Spaniards in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Gabriela took over the battle of her husband, Diego Silang, leader of the Filipino rebels in the Ilocos, after he was assassinated.

After her husband’s death, Gabriela fled to the mountains of Abra to establish her headquarters and reassemble her troops. For four months, she led the Filipino rebels and marched with her followers to take Vigan on September 10, 1763, but the Spanish stronghold there was expecting them and her army was ambushed. Thus many of them were killed.

She escaped with her uncle Nicolas and seven others but were later arrested and summarily hanged on September 29, 1763 at Vigan’s plaza, with her being the last to die.

(Ref: Philippine News Agency; Photo by Nonoyborbun)