The Battle of Tres de Abril (Part 3)

This is CEBUpedia’s abridged translation of the tenth story of the book “Ang Kagubot sa Sugbo 1898” or the “Cebu’s Revolt of 1898” written by Manuel Enriquez dela Calzada. The story is a co-authored by Don Gregorio Padilla, Don Elpidio Rama, Don Alejandro Villona, Don Nicanor Avila, Don Hipolito Labra, and Don Raimundo Enriquez de Bracamonte (father of the author):

“The three were so sad, like they were choked, pensive, pondering on the dark events to come. Suddenly, Don Leon (referring to Pantaleon Villegas) said. If this it, all of us will be gone. Who then will fulfill our agreement? Mind this, Pinsoy, then Pistoy, then Prisco, maybe I will follow, then you and maybe before Holy Friday as what we have agreed, all of us are finished.”

“Luis (referring to Luis Flores, the President of KKK-Cebu) had a hard time. Eugenio was shocked. If we read the minds of the three leaders of the Katipunan, the immediacy, the lack of preparation and the agreed date would not be fulfilled. Who will attack when no one knows? Who will convene the short time? Who will then fulfill when the agreed date has not yet come? Who will then promise when unprepared? Questions who would know in their minds.

“However Leon who is optimistic of his mission, forced to invite. Come, let us revolt today, we will not wait for the promised date, we will not let this day go, because a second we tarry, a thousand stretch will be the victory of the enemy.”

“Right there, they were ordered by Leon: You Luis, you ready our members in the city and inform Nyor Ando of our food. You, Genio converge our men from Tinago and then enter the jail. We will meet at 1:00 clock in the sugar refinery of Paulino so we could discuss our moves. I will be the one to take care of San Nicolas, and before 3:00, we will revolt.”

“After saying those words, Leon then rode to his horse and ran.

“ON THE PART OF THE ENEMY

“One Local Volunteer who was bringing a firearm and a bugle, slinging bullets, sweating in uniform, walking only, tracking shortcuts, entering the house of Spaniards, in hurry somewhat chasing, the paced fast, not dilly dallying in the houses he entered, only whispered his message, with the following words: “Muy urgente” meaning it is urgent and then walked away fast as if running.”

“It was because all the Volunteers were ordered to report to the Fort (Fort San Pedro), to bring all the munitions, firearms and in uniform, the reason was not given, but only to be in a hurry. That was what the communication was all about. The concerned member then like lightning wore the uniform, haphazardly, the buttons only fixed on the road.” (To be continued)