13 October, 1868

TODAY IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY:

Teresa Magbanua, the first woman fighter in Panay and known as the “Joan of Arc of the Visayas”, was born in Pototan, Iloilo. Displaying courage, patriotism and military tactics, she took her first battle in Barrio Yating, Pilar, Capiz on December 3, 1898 where she led a band of rifle sharpshooters and bolo men, and defeated the Spanish troops in the area.

Fondly called by her unit as “Nay Isa”, Magbanua became a unit commander and engaged in the Battle of Sapong Hill where she and her troops became victorious. After numerous battles, she had realized that her dream of an independent Philippines would have to wait. She disbanded her troops and surrendered to the Americans. Teresa Magbanua died in August 1947 at the age of 78.

(Ref: Philippine News Agency)