Honoring the leaders of the Cebuano revolt in 1898

(Part 3)

Let it be clarified that Cebuano blood was spilled during the revolt against Spain. This series article focuses on the 15 leaders of the KKK Cebu. To continue:

4.) Atilano Lopez (member)

A street is named after him in Barangay Calamba, ending at V. Rama Avenue near the Calamba Public Cemetery. His complete name is Atilano Fernandez Lopez, he was a resident of San Nicolas and part of the principalia of the municipality. The other members of the Lopez Clan that took part in the revolt were Baldomero Lopez and Pio Fernandez Lopez.

5.) Prisco Abreu (member)

No street has been named after him. He was believed to be from Luzon but integrated and resided in San Nicolas. He was one of the early victims of betrayal (there were traitors among us, those who sided with the Spaniards in the belief they will continue holding on to their government positions or have protection of their possessions/wealth).

6.) Luis Flores (member)

The street in Pasil is named after him. His complete name is Luis Perez Flores. He started as a member and supporter of the revolt and rose to prominence after the execution of KKK Cebu’s legendary Chief of Army Leon Kilat, betrayed by the leaders of Carcar on April 8, 1898. He became the President of KKK Cebu and continued the fight at the hills of Sudlon, Cebu City. Flores was not a Cebuano by birth but a Samareño.

Though he is not the only Samareño who has a street named after him in Cebu City, Cardinal Rosales Street is also named after a Samareño who was assigned and lived in Cebu and became a Cebuano by heart. Flores held high positions before the revolt; he was an escribiente and procurador of the Spanish Government.

7.) Eugenio Genes (member)

In the book of Michael Cullinane his surname is spelled as “Gines”, but the earlier book of Manuel dela Calzada spelled it “Genes”. A recruit of General Leon Kilat (Pantaleon Villegas). He was from Pinamungajan but resided in San Nicolas. He was among the few KKK Cebu members who travelled to Manila and was introduced to the KKK there. He helped Leon Kilat prepare amulets and talismans that they believed protected them during battle. The book of dela Calzada extensively discussed how these talismans were used by the KKK Cebu.

8.) Florencio Gonzalez (member)

The street in Carbon District is named after him. His complete name is Florencio Rodriguez Gonzalez. He was originally from Surigao. He was part of the early cells of the KKK Cebu and travelled to Manila to coordinate with the KKK there. He was among the early martyrs of the revolt together with Teopisto Cavan and Prisco Abreu.

(to be continued)