P. Rafael Canlapan: Patriot Priest of Malolos
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P. Rafael Canlapan
File:Padre Rafael Canlapan AI generated.png
AI generated image of Padre Rafael Canlapan for Wiki Malolos article
P. Rafael Canlapan (Pbro. P. Rafael Canlapan) was a true patriot (makabayan)[1][2][3] who played a role in the Philippine reform and revolutionary movements in Malolos.[1][4]
Role and Service in Malolos
- He served as a coadjutor (koadhutor) in the parish of Malolos from 1874 until 1892.[1][3]
- He served as the Cura Parroco Interino (Interim Parish Priest) in Malolos from the time Cura Fr. Juan Manuel Tombo was removed until June 13, 1885.[2]
- He was highly regarded by the townspeople for his patriotism.[2]
Involvement in the Propaganda Movement
- P. Rafael Canlapan was considered close to the Maginoo (gentlemen) of Malolos and later the Katipunero.[4]
- He consistently educated the public about the rights of the Filipino people[3] and helped in the propagation of Marcelo H. del Pilar’s teachings[1] and reform platforms.[4]
- He contributed financially to Filipino patriots in Spain who were working to spread knowledge about the oppressed state of the country.[3]
- He discreetly distributed patriotic publications, including issues of La Solidaridad and, much earlier, El Eco Filipino (which appeared in Madrid in 1872).[5]
The "Cockfight Ploy"
- To hold political meetings without arousing the suspicion of Spanish authorities, P. Rafael Canlapan and Marcelo H. del Pilar developed a clever scheme.[6]
- They established a meeting place on a lot owned by Canlapan in Barrio San Vicente (near the church) where they pretended to raise and train fighting cocks (nagkakahig).[3][6]
- This property, located in the Tubigan area, became a meeting place for the Maginoo to receive del Pilar’s patriotic teachings.[3] The ploy went undetected for many years.[6]
Exile and Transfer
- Because of his patriotism, P. Rafael Canlapan was transferred to Imus, Cavite, in 1892.[1][3]
- This transfer was possibly because the Cura Parroco learned of his nationalist activities.[3]
- After the cockfight ploy was uncovered, he and del Pilar were recommended for exile by Bulacan Civil Governor Manuel Diaz Gomez.[6] He was regarded as an enemy of the Spanish.[1]