By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — Did you know that one of the Philippine Navy’s ships was named after Katipunan founder, Gat Andres Bonifacio, who would have been 155 years old today?
Navy Spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said one of the three Gregorio Del Pilar frigates, formerly Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the US from 2011 to 2016, was named after the hero in honor of his contribution to the country’s quest for freedom during the Spanish colonial rule.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the sister ship of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) arrived in the Philippines on Dec. 9, 2016.
“Your Navy recognizes the distinct contribution of the Father of the Katipunan and acknowledges his deeds and ultimate sacrifice for the price of freedom. His boldness, patriotism and vision for a better nation are virtues that are alive and well within the AFP and your Navy,” Zata said.
On Nov. 30, 1863, Bonifacio, the father of the Philippine Revolution, was born in Tondo, Manila.
He was one of the founders of Katipunan and later became its Supremo (Supreme Leader). The Katipunan was a movement that sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule in the late 1800s.
