Candido Tirona
Revolutionary General and Secretary of War
(1863 - 1896)
Candido Tría Tirona y Mata was a Filipino revolutionary leader who participated and died in the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican during the Philippine Revolution. He was a secretary of war in Magdalo chapter of the Katipunan and a close friend of Emilio Aguinaldo.
Early Years
Candido Tirona was born in Kawit, Cavite, on October 29, 1863 to Don Estanislao Tirona and Juana Mata. His father was a capitan municipal of Cavite Viejo. His brother Daniel Tirona also became a general in the revolution.
While studying in Manila, Candido's father died. He was forced to stop studying to manage the vast plantations and fisheries.
Call to Battle
The call to war came to Candido when the Katipunan was founded. He became known as a member of the Magdalo Group led by General Emilio Aguinaldo. He was close to General Aguinaldo because when he took office as Capitan Municipal of Kawit, Candido became a councilor.
When the Katipunan was exposed to the Spaniards, Governor General Ramon Blanco declared martial law in the provinces. This included Cavite. The arrival of many Spanish troops in Manila was taken advantage of by Candido to disarm the Guardia Civil who remained at the Tribunal.
Local Election in Cavite
When the elections were held in Kawit, Candido won as president. The former president, General Aguinaldo, had to serve as the commander of the battle.
For the courage shown in the battles in Imus and Talisay, he was appointed Secretary of War. On his shoulders fell the responsibility of providing food, ammunition and weapons to the fighting Katipuneros.
Battle of Binakayan and Death
Once, while Candido was going from town to town, he received a message that the Spaniards were going to attack Binakayan. He quickly joined forces with General Emilio Aguinaldo and General Pio del Pilar to build trenches to prevent the enemy's attack.
On the morning of November 10, 1896, the Spaniards did attack. Candido defended the left flank of Binakayan. General Aguinaldo held the center and the right flank was supported by Gen. Pio del Pilar.
The Spaniards fired on the Katipuneros. The Filipinos did not budge. Each time they were hit, they became more courageous. As the battle intensified, General Aguinaldo reminded Candido to be careful in the fight. He returned the warning to the tree when it also reminded him, "Be careful, General."
Even though the soldiers led by the three Filipino leaders were far apart, they improved their strategies in warfare. When the smoke of the battle cleared, it was only then that it was learned that while fifty Filipinos had died, hundreds of Spaniards had lost their lives in the horrific conflict. Although the Filipino revolutionaries were rejoicing in their victory, everyone was saddened that Candido was among the fallen Katipuneros.
During the Philippine Revolution against Spain on November 10, 1896, Candido Tirona, a Filipino commander and revolutionary, was killed by a Spanish soldier stabbing him in the neck with a bayonet during the Battle of Binakayan-Dalahican in Cavite. He and his older brother Daniel Tirona supported Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's Magdalo group and assisted in enlisting Filipinos in the Katipunan.
Ramon Blanco's soldiers were soundly defeated during the November 9–11, 1896, Battle of Binakayan. In addition to Tirona, the battle was fought by Emilio Aguinaldo, the commanding general, Pio del Pilar, Vito Belarmino, Crispulo Aguinaldo, Baldomero Aguinaldo, and Pantaleon Garcia.
The Filipino revolutionaries commanded by Emilio Aguinaldo achieved their first clear victory over the Spanish in Cavite during the Battle of Binakayan.
Even though the clan he belonged to was wealthy, Candido Tirona still sacrificed his life for the sake of the liberation of the people.
If you dedicate your last breath to the people, it can be said that you have upheld your heroism. That is what Candido Tirona did, which is why the people appreciate him.
Media
He was portrayed by Ronnie Lazaro in the 2012 Mark Meily's film El Presidente.
Sources:
"Candido Tria Tirona died in Binakayan battle November 10, 1896". The Kahimyang Project. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
"Talambuhay ni Candido Tirona - Bayani - Pinoy Edition". www.pinoyedition.com. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
"Who Is General Candido Tirona?". Bluedreamer27.com. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
