Gabriela Silan

Maria Josefa Gabriela was the true name of Gabriela Silang. She was born on March 19, 1731 in Caniogan, Santa, Ilocos Sur.

Gabriela was a beautiful young woman. She was so pretty that many men, young and old alike, wanted her to be their wife.

She was 20 when her father arranged her marriage to a wealthy suitor. She became a widow at an early age. Her husband died a few years after they wed. She became wealthy because she inherited all the possessions of her spouse.

She met Diego Silang, a brave young man who led a group of courageous fellowmen fighting the abusive Spaniards. They fell in love and got married. They lived in Vigan, Ilocos Sur where Diego's hideaway was located.

Diego was fearless man. He fought valiantly. In one of the skirmishes with the Spaniards, he was killed. She took over as the leader of Diego's group. Like her husband, she fought gallantly against the Spaniards. She put into practice what she had learned from Diego when he was still alive especially using weapons.

Unfortunately, the Spaniards overpowered Gabriela and her men in one encounter.

The Spaniards persecuted her by means of strangulation on September 20,1763.