Plaza Quince Martires

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Nestled in the heart of downtown Naga, a monument stands as a poignant tribute to the 15 Martyrs of Bicol. Just five days after the execution of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on December 30, 1896, eleven Bicolano prisoners met their fate on the same field in Bagumabayan (now Luneta) on January 4, 1897. Four others succumbed to torture in prison or while in exile on the island of Fernando Poo (or Fernando Pó), off the coast of Africa. The monument, erected on November 29, 1926, during the American occupation, serves as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice.

Significance

The 15 Martyrs of Bicol, also known as the “Quince Martires del Bicolandia,” were Filipino patriots who were executed by the Spanish authorities during the Philippine Revolution. They were accused of cooperating with the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization fighting for Philippine independence from Spain.

Here are the 15 Martyrs of Bicol:

Executed by firing squad at Luneta, Manila on January 4, 1897:

Fr. Inocencio Herrera: A secular priest and choirmaster of the Nueva Caceres Cathedral.
Fr. Gabriel Prieto: A secular priest and advisor to Fr. Herrera.
Fr. Severino Diaz: A parish priest of Nueva Caceres.
Manuel Abella: A wealthy landowner and philanthropist.
Domingo Abella: Son of Manuel Abella.
Camilo Jacob: A commercial photographer.
Tomas Prieto: A pharmacist and brother of Fr. Gabriel Prieto.
Florencio Lerma: A theater owner and playwright.
Macario Valentin: Chief of the night patrol in Naga.
Mariano Melgarejo: A native of Naga.
Cornelio Mercado: An employee in the public works department.

Died in exile or prison:

Leon Hernandez: A resident of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, who died in prison due to torture.
Ramon Abella: Son of Manuel Abella, who was exiled to Bioko Island and later died in Spain.
Mariano Arana: A government surveyor who died in exile on Bioko Island.
Mariano Ordenanza: A clerk in the Bureau of Public Works, who died in prison in Manila.

These 15 individuals represent the courage and sacrifice of Bicolanos who fought for their country’s freedom during the Philippine Revolution. Their story is a reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance against oppression and the fight for independence.

The 15 Bicol martyrs’ monument, which was built in 1926, was designed by Crispolo Zamora and sculpted by Jose Barcena.