Gabriela Silang’s Biography – María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang
GABRIELA SILANG – Get to know more about the “Joan of Arc of Ilocandia” María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang.
María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang also known as Gabriela Silang was born in Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur on March 19, 1731. She was wed to wealthy and well-respected Ilocos businessman Don Tomas Millan. Millan passed away from old age not long after they were married.
Diego Silang, a man of exceptional brilliance, bravery, and will who fought for the freedom of the Filipino people, was introduced to Gabriela. They got married in 1757, and she and Diego joined the uprising against the Spaniards in 1762. His uprising was initially successful but was put down by fellow locals Pedro Becbec and Miguel Vicos, who supported the Spaniards. Diego’s murder was planned on May 28, 1763, by Miguel Vicos and the hated and dreaded Spanish officials.
Gabriela pledged to revenge Diego’s death and carry on the fight after he was murdered. She was in terrible pain, but she needed to act quickly. After the death of their leader, the rebels lost all hope. None of the men offered to take on the role of the new rebel leader. In order to lead the uprising, Gabriela did something incredibly brave and replaced her husband.
She armed herself heavily and warned people that the fight was far from over. More people soon began to support her. Gabriela started helping residents of other cities. The locals started referring to her as “Henerala,” which is Spanish for “woman general,” and they were happy to see Gabriela carrying on Diego’s fighting spirit.
Silang Revolt
In her birthplace of Santa, Gabriela Silang successfully led her men through their first battle. The Spanish were adamant about defeating Gabriela following their humiliating setback by Gabriela. A Filipina woman had never previously made them feel threatened. The next stop for Gabriela and her soldiers was Pidigan, Abra, where they would set up a new headquarters. Although Pidigan was not far from Santa, the Spanish were unable to locate the rebels due to the terrain’s rough soil. In Pidigan, Gabriela was reunited with her mom after being parted since her childhood.
Nicolas Cariño, Diego’s uncle, who had gathered 2,000 of her husband’s supporters, joined her. He temporarily assumed command of the rebel army. On September 10, 1763, Gabriela and her troops arrived in Vigan. They then led a number of assaults against the Spanish forces, some of which were successful but others resulted in heavy fatalities on both sides. As a result of her soldiers being outnumbered after the raids, Gabriela was eventually taken prisoner by Spanish forces led by her husband’s killer, Miguel Vicos, in the foothills of Abra. Ninety-five of her lieutenants were apprehended. Each lieutenant was lined up along the coastal towns one by one and paraded in front of the onlookers. They were therefore publicly hung as a result.
She was set up for a particular kind of killing by the Spanish government due to resistance among the rebels. One morning, Gabriela was brought to the town square and hanged in front of a curious Spanish crowd. Gabriela, who was only 32 years old at the time, died bravely and with composure. The location of Gabriela Silang’s final resting place is still a mystery. She is considered the pioneering female Bayani because of her unwavering dedication, ability, and strength, which the Filipino people will never forget. Her brave example of leadership has come to represent the value of women in Filipino society and their quest for independence throughout colonialism.
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