IMUS, Cavite, Philippines — For the second year in a row, the historic Battle of Imus will be commemorated by municipal officials with simpler activities in this town.

Unknown to the new generation, the Battle of Imus in September 3, 1896 was the first victory of Filipino revolutionaries led by General Emilio F. Aguinaldo and Colonel Jose S. Tagle against the Spanish colonial forces.

The “sable del mando” (command sword) was left by Spanish General Ernesto de Aguirre in the battleground as he and his comrades retreated when the revolutionary force attack them. The virtual omen happened when Aguinaldo and Tagle held the Spanish friars and the guardia civil (soldiers) at Casa Hacienda in Imus earlier. The two-day attacks killed many revolutionaries and Spaniards.

The victory following the fierce and bloody battle eventually rallied the people in Cavite and other provinces to armed attacks which eventually led to the downfall of the Spanish government.

Imus Tourism Officer Veronica Luz D. Crisostomo said that the 115th “battle” victory anniversary will be commemorated in the town's historic site on September 3 (Saturday) with much simpler activities as compared to previous years. Crisostomo did not cite the reason for the austere activities but sources said that it is in compliance to the cost-saving measures being initiated by Mayor Homer T. Saquilayan now and then in the town.

One of the two activities set by the municipal administration for the anniversary celebration is the “Tagisan ng Talino” (Intelligence Test) Competition – essay and slogan writing about “Battle Imus,” quiz bee and speech choir – among the town’s public elementary and high school students at Imus Covered Gym at 9 a.m., Sept. 2.

The other is the Commemorative Mass which will be held at the Our Lady of Pilar Parish-Imus Cathedral at 6:45 a.m. on September 3 and the traditional wreath-laying at the Shrine of Filipino Revolutionaries or Labanan sa Imus (Fighting in Imus) Monument at Cavite-Philippine National Police (PNP) Cuartel in Barangay Poblacion I-A.