THE first Supremo of the Katipunan, Deodato Arellano, was born in Bulacan, Bulacan, on July 26, 1844. He was a close friend of Marcelo H. del Pilar and his marriage to the latter’s sister Hilaria cemented their relations. He was one of the first recruits of Del Pilar in the latter’s campaign for reforms in the Philippines. And when Del Pilar decided to pursue a more radical means to realize his libertarian aims, Deodato was his able supporter.
Deodato Arellano was one of the first members of El Cinco, a secret society founded by Del Pilar whose aim was to free the country from Spanish rule. When Del Pilar escaped to Spain in late 1888, he was Del Pilar’s contact man in the Philippines.
The Katipunan was Marcelo H. del Pilar’s brainchild. Del Pilar attempted to establish this radical society in 1890 but succeeded only in 1892 through the help of Deodato Arellano. To camouflage their radical activities, Deodato Arellano, Andres Bonifacio, Ladislao Diwa, and others joined the La Liga Filipina. The dissolution of the La Liga Filipina later led them to expand the Katipunan.
When the Katipunan was discovered on August 19 and the revolution broke out a few days later, Deodato Arellano joined the Bulacan Brigade commanded by General Gregorio del Pilar. He served in this brigade as its commissary officer, raising funds and supplies. This brigade featured in many bloody battles. It continued to fight in the FilipinoAmerican War that followed the Philippine Revolution. One of its famous victims was Colonel John Stotsenburg who was killed in the battle at Quingua in April, 1899.
The privations suffered by Arellano during the war finally took their toll on his health. He died of tuberculosis on October 7, 1899. His comradesin-arms buried him in the La Trinidad, Benguet cemetery that same day.
Don Deodato Arellano is one of the many heroes of the Philippine Revolution who lie in unmarked graves. As we observe his death anniversary today, we remember his deeds and his great sacrifice for the freedom of our country and call on the youth to emulate his noble example.
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