Information about Aklan Freedom Shrine

Aklan Freedom Shrine 

A monument of bravery, the Aklan Freedom Shrine was built to honor the 19 martyrs of the Katipunan and WWII soldiers. Last April 2019, it was officially declared as a ‘national landmark’ by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). 

History and Relevance

The Aklan Freedom Shrine acts as a commemoration of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. Featured on the shrine’s statue is the leader of Aklan’s Katipunan, Gen. Francisco Del Castillo. These are the 19 martyrs executed on March 23, 1897: Roman Aguirre, Tomas Briones, Valeriano Dalida, Domingo dela Cruz, Claro Delgado, Angelo Fernandez, Benito Iban, Candido Iban, Simeon Inocencio, Isidro Jimenez, Catalino Mangat, Lamberto Mangat, Valeriano Masinda, Maximo Mationg, Simplicio Reyes, Canuto Segovia, Gavino Sucgang, Francisco Villorente, and Gavino Yunsal. 

The government also declared March 23 as a special public holiday in remembrance of their death anniversary. 

Location

The entire shrine is situated in Desposorio Maagma Street and Veterans’ Avenue, Kalibo, while the 19 Martyrs can be found at the Acevedo Bldg., XIX Martyrs St. The government will also increase rehabilitation and protection efforts by placing an official heritage marker.

The shrine can be found along the intersection where you can also learn about its history and take photos. The Kalibo Municipal Hall and Magsaysay Park is also nearby along with food stalls.