History
Today in PH History
On September 10, 1763, 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, who was betrayed by a close friend and was assassinated on May 28, 1763 by order of royal and church authorities in Manila.
After her husband’s death, Gabriela fled on horseback 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.
Reference: Philippine News Agency
Article: Kahimyang Project
