QUINCE MARTIRES has been one of the signatures of Naga City. With its statue built not only in the centermost part of the city but also in the heart of Nagueños, these dying armors’ heroism are remembered every January 4. These significant men were also marked with the community’ joint efforts and Ordinance No. 2008-047 which lays down rules for the plaza where the effigy is situated.
It was after the Cry of Balintawak when Bicolanos started their struggle to attain liberty, and one of these people is the 15 Martyrs of the Bicol Region.
Quince Martires is the label carved on the historical names of 15 men who manifested courage and bravery during the Spanish regime. They were actually famous people on that time because of what they have attained in their lives but they traded their crowns with honorable cloaks as 11 of them were shot in Luneta (in the same spot where our National Hero breathed his last on his nativeland) on January 4, 1897 and 4 of them died of abuse and hunger during their exile.
These were the mightiest men who took part of attaining our country’s liberty:
The Eleven Martyrs:
FR. INOCENCIO HERRERA: a native of Pateros, Rizal, he grew up in poor family and was brought up in the Bicol region. He was enrolled in the Seminary of Nueva Caceres, which was then the only priesthood institution in Luzon. At a young age, he already possessed a brilliant mind and natural gift for music. He then became the choir master of the Cathedral de Nueva Caceres. Father Herrera was 30 years old when he was executed.
FR. GABRIEL PRIETO: born and raised in Magarao, Camarines Sur, this priest manifested incredible wits and humor from childhood. He also studied at Nueva Caceres Seminary where he studied priesthood and was a consistent scholar. He became the parish priest of Malinao, Albay. He was assigned as the secretary and adviser of Bishop Herrera. He, together with his brother, Tomas Prieto was accused of receiving ship loaded arms which were not even found anywhere.
TOMAS PRIETO: born and raised in Magarao, Camarines Sur with his brother Fr. Gabriel Prieto, he also mirrored manly liberal ideas which made his mark. He had also topped exams and had been a student leader during his schooling. He worked as a pharmacist before his death.
FR. SEVERINO DIAZ: born in Bulan, Sorsogon, Father Diaz came from a poor family. But, amidst financial constraints, he still managed to be a model student, attaining high grades in the seminary while working in it at the same time. People remember him with his heroic act and reconstruction of the Naga Cathedral. He was 45 years old when he died in the execution.
MANUEL ABELLA: a native of Catanawan, Tayabas, Mr. Abella is also known as Manuel Rodescado Y Santa Rosa, a rich land owner of her time. He eventually settled at Naga City, bringing all his riches with him. He was known as a generous man who gives sizeable amount to destitute. Died at 60.
CAMILO JACOB: a well-known photographer from Polangui, Albay, he was calm and open-hearted. Although he experienced inhumane treatment during his imprisonment, he still managed to be composed.
DOMINGO ABELLA: the son of Manuel Abella, this man was frank and outspoken. He always tend to unleash all the Spaniards heartless government during gatherings. He died at 25.
FLORENCIO LERMA: a native of Quiapo, Manila , he moved in Naga City at the age of 15 because he lived with his relatives who helped him in his studies. He was 36 years old when he put up his own theater. He was an essayist and a playwright.
MACARIO VALENTIN: a native of Naga City, he worked as a night patrol in Naga. His position gave him an easy access with spying and getting valuable information of the Spanish mercenaries.
CORNELIO MERCADO: a native of Atimonan, Tayabas. He eventually moved in Naga City and work as an ordinary employee in Obras Publicas.
MARIANO MELGAREJO: born in Sta. Cruz, Manila, he lived his teenage years in Atimonan, Tayabas. He worked with Cornelio Mercado in Obras Publicas and fought Spaniards together.
4 Bicol Martyrs (who died in exile):
LEON HERNANDEZ: a native of Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Mr. Hernandez came from well-off and influential family. He had a permanent residence in Naga City when he was exiled due to allegations of involvement in underground rebellion against Spaniards.
RAMON ABELLA: the son of Manuel Abella and worked as a government surveyor. He died with his co-worker, Mariano Arana, in Africa.
MARIANO ARANA: a native of Magarao, he also suffered much during his exile. He died in the far place of Fernando Po, Africa.
MARIANO ORDENANZA: born in Naga City and worked as a clerk in the Bureau of Public Works. He was sentenced of 20 years in prison and died in Manila after his imprisonment.
