The Origins of the Katipunan

While Rizal in Manila was effecting the organization of the Philippine League (La Liga Filipina) of which only the educated and upper class could become members, and which attempt came to a sudden end with his deportation; Marcelo del Pilar wrote from Madrid (July 1892) advising the formation of a similar association which should take in the peasants and common people, and which the caciques and head men should preside over in their towns to form a large nucleus, which in its day would give voice to the cry of rebellion; he gave the most minute details for its organization and sent a sketch of the by-laws. Those commissioned to put into practice the projects of Pilar, were Deodato Arellano (Marcelo's brother-in-law), Andres Bonifacio, Ladislao Diwa and Teodoro Plata. (Taylor, 1:196)

During the interrogation of Jose Dizon by the Spanish authorities he said that Moises Salvador brought them (the Pilar papers) Madrid, from Marcelo H. del Pilar, and delivered them to Deodato Arellano and Andres Bonifacio, but Deodato Arellano also instructions from Marcelo H. del Pilar ... Deodato Arellano showed him some letters he (Arellano) received direct from Del Pilar referring to the organization of the Katipunan, and in one of them he (Pilar) asked whether Moises Salvador had done what he was commissioned to do. Salvador replied that he had. Moreover, Deodato Arellano and Andres Bonifacio told me of Moises Salvador's mission. (Richardson, 24)

The first Supreme Council was organized on the 15th of July, 1892 with Deodato Arellano as President, Andres Bonifacio, Secretary; Valentin Diaz, Treasurer; and for councilors, Ladislao Diwa, Bricio Pantas, and Teodoro Plata. Subsequently delegates were designated to establish sections in Tondo, Binondo, Trozo, Santa Cruz, Nagtajan, Sampaloc, Quiapo, Dilao and Intramuros. (Taylor, 1:197; St. Clair, 43; (Delos Santos, 38).)

Andres Bonifacio, the supreme secretary, displayed an extra-ordinary energy and audacity, which together with a clear head, made him stand out from among his companions. At last he dominated them all, and it came to pass that in January, 1893, Deodato Arellano was relieved of the presidency, and Roman Basa, the chief clerk of the Naval Office was substituted, but his lack of initiative and character decided Bonifacio to remove him also, and at the end of the year, 1893, (by a coup d'état, as may be said), he made himself the President and Dictator of the Katipunan. (Taylor, 1:198)

Before the outbreak of the revolution the Supreme Council was composed of Bonifacio, President; Pio Valenzuela, Attorney; Emilio Jacinto, Secretary; Enrique Pacheco, Treasurer; , and Hermenegildo Reyes, Teodoro Plata, Balbino Florentino, Bricio Pantas, Pantaleon Torres, Jose Trinidad, Francisco Carreon, Aguedo del Rosario, Vicente Molina, Alejandro Santiago and Jose T. Santiago as councilors. (Taylor, 1:198)