The Battle of San Juan del Monte, also known as the Battle of Pinaglabanan, was the first major battle of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. It took place on August 30, 1896, in the town of San Juan del Monte, which is now part of Metro Manila.
The battle was fought between the Katipunan, a secret society of Filipino revolutionaries, and the Spanish colonial forces. The Katipunan was led by Andrés Bonifacio, while the Spanish forces were led by General José de Lachambre.
The Katipunan was outnumbered and outgunned, but they fought bravely. They were able to seize the El Polvorín, a gunpowder depot, but they were eventually forced to retreat.
The said battle was a defeat for the Katipunan, but it was a turning point in the Philippine Revolution. It showed the Spanish that the Filipinos were willing to fight for their independence, and it inspired other Filipinos to join the revolution.
Battle of Pinaglabanan is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of August. The Pinaglabanan Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the battle, is located in San Juan City.
The battle is celebrated to commemorate the bravery and patriotism of the Katipunan. It is also a reminder of the sacrifices that were made for Philippine independence. The battle is a symbol of the Filipino people’s determination to fight for their freedom, and it continues to inspire Filipinos today.
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