Might not be what you think it is. (When I first saw the signs for this organization in Manila many years ago I was a little confused at what I was looking at). Well today in history, this "secret organization" was created. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On July 7, 1892, a secret organization, the Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) or simply the Katipunan, was formally established by Andres Bonifacio, Deodato Arellano, Valentin Diaz, Teodoro Plata, Ladislao Diwa, Jose Dizon, and a few others. While it was conceived in January of the same year, the Katipunan was established upon learning that Dr. Jose Rizal was to be deported to Dapitan, and that his written works were to be banned in the country. The secret council met in No. 72 Azcarraga Street in Manila to establish the organization. The primary aim of the Katipunan was Philippine independence from Spain through an armed revolution. The Katipunan was built on a sophisticated underground network of members. It drew thousands of new recruits. Upon its premature discovery on August 19, 1896, the Katipunan launched its revolution on August 23. This sparked the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the first national revolution against Western colonial rule in Asia. PHOTO: Collection of seals and stamps used by various branches of the Katipunan, from the book "The Friars in the Philippines" (1899) by Ambrose Coleman. Learn more about the Founding of the Katipunan: The Founding of the Katipunan | Presidential Museum and Library
How come so many of the seals wear the masonic square and compasses? Was freemasons so wide spread among the resistance of the Philippines?
Apparently so, there are quite a few banners around the City that tell you which of the Countries Hero's were Masons and yet I was always led to believe that Freemasons were not normally self admitting to be a member. So much so, it is why they have some sort of handshake that lets people know they are members. I got into a little light argument once when younger, I called it the secret society, NO said this Apparent Lodge Grand Master, we are a"Society with Secrets." JP
You quite often see the square and compasses on bumperstickers etc. So, some members seem quite willing to admit they are members.
Back in the day it was a low key organization. Not anymore. Here is a 100 Peso (2012) that circulated.
