The event that happened in Balintawak is known as the "Cry of Balintawak," which marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in 1896. During this event, Filipino revolutionaries led by Andres Bonifacio tore up their cedulas (tax certificates) as a symbol of defiance against Spanish authority and the start of armed resistance for independence
. There is some historical debate about the exact date and location of the Cry, with some sources citing Balintawak on August 26, 1896, while others mention nearby places such as Pugad Lawin or Bahay Toro in late August 1896. However, Balintawak is traditionally recognized as the site where the revolutionary movement openly declared their revolt
. The Cry of Balintawak was significant because it represented the Filipinos' collective rejection of Spanish oppression, including abuses, slavery, and exploitation. It was led by Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan, a secret society that aimed to achieve Philippine independence through revolution
. Following the Cry, the Battle of Balintawak ensued, which was the first major armed clash between Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish forces. Although not a decisive victory, it ignited widespread revolutionary fervor across the Philippines, eventually leading to the declaration of independence in 1898 and the establishment of the First Philippine Republic
. In summary, Balintawak is historically important as the symbolic and literal starting point of the Filipino people's fight for freedom from Spanish colonial rule, marked by the tearing of cedulas and the first battle in the revolution
