Macabebe Scouts PHOTO PUBLISHED IN HARPER’S WEEKLY, DECEMBER 23, 1899
While it is not highlighted in Philippine history, the first Filipino martyr for freedom was a Kapampangan, a Macabebe in particular. When Spanish forces under the leadership of Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed on the shores of Manila in June 1571, the Tagalog chiefs namely Rajah Matanda, Lakan Dula and Rajah Soliman welcomed them. When Legazpi sent out word to the chiefs of the surrounding country demanding that they too pay allegiance to the king of Spain, it was a Macabebe who raised a fist of defiance against the invaders.