Antonio Luna
Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta (Spanish: [anˈtonjo ˈluna]; October 29, 1866 – June 5, 1899) was a Filipino pharmacist and army general who fought in the Philippine–American War before his assassination on June 5, 1899 at the age of 32.
Antonio Luna | |
|---|---|
| Commanding General of the Philippine Revolutionary Army | |
| In office March 28, 1899 – June 5, 1899 | |
| President | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Preceded by | Artemio Ricarte |
| Succeeded by | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Assistant Secretary of War and Supreme Commander of the Republican Army | |
| In office September 28, 1898 – March 1, 1899 | |
| President | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Chief of War Operations | |
| In office September 26, 1898 – September 28, 1898 | |
| President | Emilio Aguinaldo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta October 29, 1866 San Nicolas, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire |
| Died | June 5, 1899 (aged 32) Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, First Philippine Republic |
| Manner of death | Assassination |
| Relations |
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| Awards | Philippine Republic Medal |
| Nicknames |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | First Philippine Republic |
| Branch/service | Philippine Revolutionary Army |
| Years of service | 1898–1899 |
| Rank | Teniente Heneral |
| Battles/wars |
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Regarded as one of the fiercest generals of his time, he succeeded Artemio Ricarte as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He sought to apply his background in military science to the fledgling army. A sharpshooter himself, he organized professional guerrilla soldiers later named the "Luna Sharpshooters" and the "Black Guard" with Senyor Michael Joaquin. His three-tier defense, now known as the Luna Defense Line, gave the American troops a difficult endeavor during their campaign in the provinces north of Manila. This defense line culminated in the creation of a military stronghold in the Cordillera.
Despite his commitment to discipline the army and serve the Republic which attracted the admiration of the people, his temper and fiery outlashes caused some to abhor him, including people from Aguinaldo's Cabinet. Nevertheless, Luna's efforts were not without recognition during his time, for he was awarded the Philippine Republic Medal in 1899. He was also a member of the Malolos Congress. Besides his military studies, Luna also studied pharmacology, literature, and chemistry.