I-Witness: 'Ang Huling Katipunero: Macario Sakay,' dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (full episode)

The video starts by highlighting the historical significance of Binondo and Tondo in Manila, despite the lack of remaining Spanish colonial buildings. It introduces Macario Sakay, born in 1870 on Calle Tabora, and notes that he was an 'illegitimate child' who became a great warrior but whose name is largely unknown today, even in his birthplace. Early portrayals of him as an outlaw are mentioned.

The documentary moves to Calinawan Cave in Tanay, Rizal, a frequent hiding spot for rebels. The guide points out various cave formations and a colony of fruit bats, which likely served as a food source for those seeking refuge, including Japanese soldiers during WWII who used the cave as an office and hospital. The cave also functioned as a long tunnel passage to distant places like Montalban during the Spanish period.

While Sakay was reported to be in Tanay, his exact location in the cave is not documented. The guide, Chris, whose maiden name was Sakay, shares how her family was teased and seen as 'outlaws' due to their surname. Some family members even changed their surnames due to this stigma, which originated from negative portrayals of Macario Sakay in early films.

Rolando Sakay, a descendant, discusses how a 1964 film 'Alyas Sakay' portrayed Macario as a long-haired outlaw, though also a Robin Hood figure helping the poor against the rich. The earliest film in 1939, during the American period, solidified his image as an outlaw, aligning with American propaganda. Sakay grew up in Tondo, working as a tailor, barber, and kalesa maker. He was a close friend of Andres Bonifacio, and both were involved in theater at Teatro Porvenir, which they used to organize revolutionaries discreetly.

Sakay, an early member of the Katipunan, continued the fight for independence even after Bonifacio's death and the end of Spanish rule, when the Americans became the new colonizers. He formed the 'Republika ng Katagalugan,' advocating for the original egalitarian spirit of the Katipunan, a vision he felt was corrupted by the Malolos Republic. His guerilla movement spread across Southern Tagalog and gained significant support.

Sakay famously vowed not to cut his hair until the Philippines achieved freedom. An incident where he almost got captured while getting a haircut reinforced this symbolic act. His long hair became a symbol of his unwavering commitment. Despite his successes, the Americans declared martial law and used deception, convincing an illustrado politician, Dominador Gomez, to persuade Sakay to surrender with a promise of peace talks. However, upon entering Manila, Sakay was captured.

Sakay was arrested and charged with banditry, rape, and arson, accusations he and his comrades denied. He and General Lucio De Vega were brought to the Old Bilibid Prison and then to the gallows. Their last words, with Sakay reportedly saying 'Adios Filipinas,' reflected their defiant stance. They were hanged as 'outlaws,' a slander perpetuated by films for almost a century, impacting subsequent generations of the Sakay family.

Since the 1990s, especially with Raymond Red's 1993 film 'Sakay,' his image began to shift. History is seen to be correcting itself, recognizing his convictions and principles. Camp Eldridge in Los Baños, Laguna, was renamed Camp General Macario Sakay, acknowledging his contributions as a general and 'Last Katipunero' who upheld Bonifacio's spirit. The Sakay family now proudly embraces his legacy.

Rolando Sakay believes that in contemporary times, with external threats, there is a need for individuals like Macario Sakay to fight for Philippine sovereignty. He suggests that not just one, but thousands of 'Macario Sakays' are needed. The video concludes by emphasizing that while some may surrender or aid the enemy during difficult times, there will always be those who choose to protect and fight, and history will ultimately reveal who the true heroes are.