What document was torn in the cry in August 1896?

The document torn during the significant event in August 1896 was the cédula personal, also known as the residence certificate.

The Cry of Revolution: Tearing the Cédula

The tearing of the cédula personal was a pivotal moment in Philippine history, signifying a definitive break from Spanish colonial rule. This act of defiance occurred during the Cry of Pugad Lawin (or alternatively, the Cry of Balintawak), an event that ignited the Philippine Revolution against Spain.

What was the Cédula Personal?

Under the Spanish colonial government, the cédula personal served multiple purposes:

• Identification: It was a required identification document for all residents.
• Taxation: It functioned as a tax certificate, with its payment being mandatory.
• Control: It was a tool for the Spanish authorities to monitor and control the Filipino populace.

The Symbolic Act of Defiance

On August 23, 1896, at a meeting held at the house of Juan Ramos in Pugad Lawin, Andres Bonifacio, a key leader of the Katipunan, passionately urged his supporters to tear their cédulas. This dramatic gesture was a powerful declaration of revolt and a unified commitment to fight for independence. By destroying this symbol of Spanish authority and taxation, the revolutionaries publicly renounced their allegiance to Spain and embraced the armed struggle for freedom.

The tearing of the cédulas was not just a symbolic act; it solidified the resolve of the Filipino revolutionaries and marked the official start of a nationwide armed uprising. It demonstrated their unwavering determination to fight for self-governance and sovereignty.

Here's a summary of the event:

This act served as a unifying call to arms, mobilizing Filipinos across the archipelago to join the fight for independence.