A rare and historic Philippine flag—believed to be 127 years old—has been discovered in Antique, tucked away for generations by the family of a revolutionary hero. Now, local efforts are underway to have it declared a national treasure.
The flag’s discovery is not only a source of pride for Antiqueños but also a powerful reminder of the province’s role in the country’s fight for independence.
A Flag From the Revolution
The flag dates back to 1898 and was believed to have been carried during a key expedition led by Gen. Leandro Fullon. Sent by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Fullon and his forces arrived in Pandan, Antique on September 21, 1898, to liberate the area from Spanish rule.
Second-in-command 2Lt. Ruperto Abellon is said to have hoisted the flag in Libertad, Antique as a symbol of the revolutionary movement. That same flag is now in the care of Abellon’s descendants—who have kept it for more than a century.
Preserved by Generations
Local historian Errol Santillan, who is coordinating with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), shared that the flag measures 53 inches wide and 93 inches long. It carries the traditional red, blue, and white colors, with three stars representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—just like the current Philippine flag.
The material appears to be of a special kind, and based on the account of Abellon’s 79-year-old granddaughter, the flag may have come from Hong Kong and brought to the country by Aguinaldo himself in May 1898.
With the family's permission, Santillan is now helping to bring the flag into the spotlight.
Toward Official Recognition
Santillan is seeking a resolution from the Antique provincial board to declare the flag as a local historical treasure while pursuing national recognition through the NHCP.
“This isn’t just Antique’s legacy—it’s part of our national story,” Santillan said.
If officially recognized, the flag would stand among the few surviving relics of the Philippine Revolution—a powerful artifact of freedom, identity, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.
