Samahang Magdalo

The Magdalo Group

When the daring expose’ of young and brilliant military officers and soldiers at Oakwood Premier Hotel in July 27, 2003 fizzled out, the heart of their struggle did not die with it. In fact, with that daring expose’, the dawn of the New Revolutionaries came into being. The intention of exposing the corruption in government, is an intention directed to expose the anomalies so that the poor will be justly served. When then, Ltsg. Antonio F. Trillanes IV, '(PMA Class ’95) also known as Class “Marilag” made public their grievances against the government, they used the red armed band with a sun emitting sixteen rays. At the center of the sun is an alibata alphabet “K” signifying that the insignia used was among the first flags of the Katipunan.

The Oakwood Mutiny

It was in July 27, 2003 when some 300 junior officers and soldiers from elite forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines conglomerated at the Oakwood Premier Hotel. Continuing negotiations ensued for 20 hours drawing such dramatic attention in the country. The group, after being satisfied that the objective was finally sent to Filipino people, stood down and surrendered to their superiors. There was no bloodshed and no single shot was ever fired.

1.) Gripping issues at that time

The incarceration of the Magdalo Group did not halt the ideas they have sown. During the Oakwood Incident they have warned the public about the filth in the government. In the months to come the warnings came into light with the sprouting of the following issues: Meanwhile, as soldiers confront the war in Mindanao, some enterprising individuals are doing pilferages of the Armed Forces ammunitions. Worse, these are being sent to enemy rebels. A case of government’s arm used to kill a government soldier.All these incidents concretized the moral fiber of the Magdalo Group. The support of the public slowly calibrates to a high gear as days pass by. The issues brought to light, what the group had been saying all along.The unfolding drama was given more taste when in June 2005 the “Hello Garci” Scandal surfaced. It reaffirmed the theory that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the instance of the COMELEC cheated her closest rival Fernando Poe, Jr. to win the 2004 Presidential Election. In the most disdainful act ever done by a President, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appeared in a national television issuing a statement by airing her apology. She admitted the charged that she called on the COMELEC official, an act that is prohibited by law.Despite this, the President was not prosecuted for the crime and her impeachment was railroaded in Congress in her favor.

2.) Defender of the People

On February 24, 2006 then General Generoso Senga of CSAFP put on house arrest a Brigadier General, in connection with the protest action that was happening. On the other hand Colonel Ariel Querubin, a bemedalled member of the Philippine Marines and a war veteran in Mindanao aired his grievances against the administration. This was done as a continuation of February 24 rallies. He did his airing on February 26. He led a battalion of Marine officers and soldiers in a stand-off inside the Philippine Marine Headquarters In Fort Bonifacio, Makati City.

The Manila Peninsula Incident

On November 29, 2007, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and the Magdalo Group marched off their Makati court hearing and went to Manila Peninsula Hotel. It was a sign of protest which was participated by former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona.

About the Organization

It is the primordial concern of the organization to create a chapter which has a strong adherence to the quality of its members rather its quantity.This is the reason why it adopts a one chapter policy in a given geographical area prior to a full recognition.

The Samahang Magdalo does not allow corruption to thrive in its organization. It will not also allow other entities to use it for ends other than the one prescribe by its oath of conduct.

Oath of the New Katipuneros

I am willing to lay down my life in the pursuit of the Vision.

I will be loyal always to the National Interest.

I am willing to be a catalyst of change of an oppressive and unjust society into one that advocates equality and social justice.

I will respect human rights.

I will not commit any acts of corruption.

I will live a modest life commensurate to my legal means.

I am willing to be punished should I betray any decree of this oath.

I am doing this supreme act of sacrifice for God, Country and People with no promise of reward, compensation or recognition.

The Samahang Magdalo has dedicated itself to abide by its oath as a New Katipunero. Among those that it vows to do is in not committing any acts of corruption.The pledge of not committing any acts of corruption follows with it an implied obligation of fighting corruption itself. In order not to be corrupted, it is incumbent that we cleansed our surroundings with the corrupt so as to avoid its negative influence. In essence this is the quest for social justice and Samahang Magdalo is the crusader.

Magdalo Colors

The Magdalo Flag is the Red Bonifacio flag with a radiant sun that has 16 rays and alibata “K” inscription. The white Radiant Sun signifies a new dawn for the Motherland. The 16 rays represent the 16 regions of the Philippines.Embedded inside the radiant sun is the alibata “K” to represent the New Katipunan. It is color red to signify the oath of the New Katipuneros signed in blood.

In July 27, 2003, at the Oakwood Premier Hotel, the group of soldiers who massed in protest of the excesses of the government then has no name of its own. They were only men drawn into action due to the massive corruption in government at that time. They simply felt that it was their bounden duty to expose the anomalies of the government and call upon the people to respond to the signs of time. At the time of historic protest, the media broke the name “Magdalo” due to the red armed band marked with a Baybayin letter “K” that closely resembles Aguinnaldo’s war banner – the Magdalo faction flag. Thereafter, they were labeled by the media as “Magdalo”.

Before the Oakwood Incident in 2003, the recruitment within the ranks of select soldiers were marked by acts and proceedings similar to that of Andres Bonifacio’s Katipunan. A pledge of loyalty was made by signing a document with one’s blood; the precepts in the Kartilya were adopted; and the ideals of Bonifacio’s time were relived.

Andres Bonifacio founded the Katipunan. Historians were drawn to debates on the prominence of Bonifacio in history and everyone agrees that he founded the Katipunan. Even those who are staunch defenders of Emilio Aguinaldo accept that Bonifacio was Katipunan’s founder. History has it on record that Emilio Aguinaldo was the personal recruit of Andres Bonifacio. The latter inducted him into membership personally. The name Magdalo was approved by Bonifacio to be used under Aguinaldo’s leadership and therefore it is only proper to say that Aguinaldo accepts the ascendancy of Bonifacio being his Commander- in-Chief. Magdalo is a Katipunan organization beholden to Andres Bonifacio prior to the organization of the First Philippine Republic installed by the Malolos Constitution.