- Pio del Pilar
Pio del Pilar is a national hero of the
Philippines . He was born as Pio Castañeda. To safeguard his family and prevent them from harassment, he changed his name to del Pilar. He was born in Culi-culi,Makati on 11 July 1865.In May 1896, he joined the
Katipunan and formed a Katipunan chapter called Matagumpay (Triumphant) and he took the symbolic name Pang-una (Leader). He was, however, arrested by the Spanish authorities who tried to force him to reveal the roster of theKatipunan .He designed a war flag for his chapter, a blood-red flag with a white triangle with the letter "K" in each angle, and in the middle, a half sun with seven rays.
He led a group of rebels in the Battle of Binakayan on November 9, 1896. They were able to capture the town from the Spanish authorities.
His last battle was with the Americans, in the town of Morong. He fought bravely but he and his men were defeated and captured.
He died on 21 June 1931.
Quote
"Ang pagmamalasakit sa kapakanan ng kapwa ay katumbas na rin ng pagmamahal sa sarili at sa Lumikha." (Trans. Concern for others is like love for one's self and love of God.)
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