The Battle of Tres de Abril Series - Holy Thursday

(April 7, 1898) Part 3

The book “Ang Kagubot sa Sugbo 1898” authored by Manuel dela Calzada provides a narrative of the battle and the days that followed. The entries of the battle were written by patriots and witnesses, this entry on what happened on April 7 was written by Gregorio Padilla, Elpidio Rama, Segundo Patuasi, Rufo Llamas, Manuel Roa, Luis Binoya, and Raimundo Enriquez. This is the adaptation of CEBUpedia, this is the third part:

“Leon Kilat made a discourse of the battle situation, saying that no matter how we weigh, we are wanting. Kilat was holding back his tears while explaining. It was agreed that they wait at Kadkad (Carcar) and will make the preparations there, while others will remain to watch the Spaniards.

“When the soldiers at the fort received the instruction from General Montero, each one followed it. Others went to Calle Infanta, a few went to Parian. The rest to San Nicolas. In the street no man was spared, if not arrested, it was killed. If someone is seen, old, child or woman, will be questioned whether there was a man hiding. This is what happened at the trail of the Spaniards up to El Pardo, starting at ten in the morning, vigil at night up to the morning. Twenty five males experienced the actions of the Spaniards who explained that they are decent and have no part of the uprising and extended their intention of helping the Spanish Government. The Spaniards were irked, the 25 were killed including Don Florentino Gonzales (F. Gonzales street is named after him) and Don Teopisto Cavan at Bique, beside the Calle Serrano (it is where the Cebu Technological University formerly Trade School). This incident was witnessed by Fidel Lopez, who was ten years old at that time of the incident.

“On that night, the Spaniards were patrolling the street who shouts “Quien Vive”, and if will not answer back, will be shot, if it answers “España”, if a male, either will be arrested or sent home.

“On that morning, the revolutionaries hiked towards Kadkad (Carcar), at noontime, according to the later Juez Severino Enriquez, came a man who was riding a horse, came out from the house of Agente de Orden and delivered a letter. This was read, then proceeded to the Tribunal where there were people, who were quietly told of the letter. It was said, that if they could not get it, they will suffer the wrath and finally acceded. (The order is what will befall Leon Kilat).”