The Katipunan was founded on July 7, 1892 in Manila by Andres Bonifacio and other Filipino patriots. It was a secret society aimed at gaining independence from Spanish colonial rule through revolution. New recruits underwent an initiation process involving answering questions about Philippine history and signing an oath in their own blood. The Katipunan was structured with councils at various levels and had aims to teach morality, help members, and achieve political independence. It included women who helped guard secret documents and provided cover for meetings.
6. Andres Bonifacio
Ladislao Diwa
UST law student
Secretary of La Liga Filipina's popular council of
Tondo
Teodoro Plata
Deodato Arellano
Ateneo de Municipal de Manila student
Valentin Diaz
Gobernadorcillo of Tayug, Pangasinan
Jose Dizon
Engraver in the mint in Manila
7. THE RECRUITMENT METHOD
New recruits to the secret society underwent a
rigorous initiation process, similar to Masonic
practices. A neophyte, dressed in black and
accompanied by his sponsor, was brought to a
small room decorated with patriotic posters (1), in
front of a cabinet draped in black. He was then
seated at a dimly-lit table, on which rested a bolo
(2), a revolver (3), and a set of questions which he
must answer to the satisfaction of the members
assembled: What was the condition of the
Philippines in the early times? What is the condition
today? What will be the condition in the future?
9. The candidate was expected to respond that the
Filipinos were once independent, and that the
Spaniard colonizers had not improved the
conditions of the Philippines, but that soon the
Philippines would be free once more. The master of
ceremonies would once more try to discourage him
by telling him to back down if he does not have
enough courage; should he persist, he is led
blindfolded into another room for a physical test.
The final rites involved the neophyte signing the
oath of membership in his own blood, usually drawn
from a cut made by a scalpel to the left forearm.
10. RIPE FOR REVOLUTION: EVENTS THAT TRIGGERED
THE FOUNDING OF THE KATIPUNAN
Economic and political oppression of Filipinos, both
indios and creoles, by Spanish colonial authorities.
The failure of Rizal and La Liga Filipina's
reformism.
Arrest of Rizal and exile to Dapitan.
Recognition of Bonifacio of the necessity of
revolution, as inspired by Marcelo H. Del Pilar, over
reform.
11. II. AIMS AND STRUCTURE OF THE KATIPUNAN
Three primary objectives
Moral: teach the Filipinos good manners,
cleanliness, hygiene, and fine morals.
Civic: defend the oppressed and help the members
who are in need.
Political: achieve independence from Spain through
a revolution.
12. THE LAKAMBINI AND THE WOMEN OF THE
KATIPUNAN
The marriage of Gregoria de Jesus to Andres
Bonifacio in church then under the rites of the
Katipunan has earned her the title of Lakambini.
She was the first woman to be initiated into the
Katipunan.
13. The women rendered valuable services to the
Katipunan. They guarded the secret papers and
documents of the society. Whenever the Katipunan
held sessions in a certain house, they usually made
merry, singing and dancing with some of the men in
the living room so that the civil guard were led that
there was nothing but a harmless social party
within.
15. Supreme Council
Provincial Council
Popular Council
Judicial Council
Katipunan Assembly
Supreme Council
Presidents of Provincial and Popular Council
Secret Chamber
Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Pio Valenzuela