Gabriela Silang (1731 - 1763)

Mon Mar 19, 1731

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Image: A painting of Gabriela Silang by artist Carlito Rovira, showing her on horseback and wielding a saber [liberationnews.org]

Gabriela Silang, born on this day in 1731, was a Filipina revolutionary who led a revolt against Spanish colonizers after her husband’s assassination, vowing to avenge his death. The Spanish captured Gabriela, executing her at age 32.

Gabriela married Diego Silang, an Ilocano resistance leader, in 1757. Diego was imprisoned after he suggested to the Spanish authorities that they abolish the tribute, colonialist tax, and replace Spanish functionaries with native people. Together, Diego and Gabriela resisted colonial rule, engaging in skirmishes with Spanish troops.

Gabriela took over the reins of her husband’s revolutionary movement after his assassination on May 28th, 1763. She led Ilocano rebels for four months before being captured and executed on September 20th that year by the colonial government of the Spanish East Indies. Spanish forces executed her later that year, at age 32.

“Her undaunted determination, along with her skill and strength is what the people of the Philippines will never forget, and why she is regarded as the pioneering female Bayani. Today her courageous leadership became a symbol for the importance of women in Filipino society, and their struggle for liberation during colonization.”

- Margarita Mansalay