"Joan of Arc" of Ilocos

Gabriela Silang was born on March 19,1731 in Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur. Her father was a Christian lowlander, while her mother was an Itneg (a non-Christian in Abra). She was separated from her mother at an early age, growing up under the care of a foster-father, Fray Tomas Millan. From Fr. Millan, Gabriela received a Christian education. She learned to read,write and keep house. At 20, heeding the wishes of her priest-guardian,she married a rich old man who died after three years. Five years later, Gabriela met Diego Salazar Silang y Andaya, a dashing government courier with whom she fell in love.They were married in 1757. They did not have any child.They lived a peaceful and happy life, but were aware of the atrocities of the Spaniards and looked for ways to help their countrymen.When the British captured Manila on October 6,1762, Diego requested the Spanish authorities to grant him the right to lead his people in the fight against the British, and also asked for the abolition of tributes ,but he failed. He found out that the church dignitaries and the Spanish military officers had conspired to kill him. He returned home and waged a war against the  Spaniards.The Spaniards decided to assassinate Diego through Manuel Vicos, Diego's trusted friend.On May 28,1763, Vicos treacherously shot Silang in the back. As he lay dying, he asked Gabriela to"take the remaining loyal men, flee to the mountains and direct the revolt from there". With 200 men at her side, Gabriela conducted guerrilla raids against the Spaniards using the muskets captured from the enemy, as well as bolos, knives bows, arrows and other bladed weapons.The Spaniards warned the villagers not to help Gabriela and promised a reward to whoever could give information that would lead to her capture. Gabriela and her remaining 80 men were captured and were dragged from Candon to Bantay and then executed 'en masse'. Gabriela was first made to witness the execution by hanging one by one of all her men. She was hanged on September 20,1763. Her story inspired other revolutionary women like Melchora Aquino, (Tandang Sora) Mother of the Katipunan Teresa Magbanua," Joan of Arc "of the Visayas, Gregoria de Jesus the Mother of the Revolution, Gregoria  Montoya, the Only Woman General of the Katipunan, Patrocinio Gamboa the Courier of  Revolution and Liza Balando, who was killed by the reactionary state troopers in the infamous May Day Massacre.