Who’s Who in Bataan – MARCELO ARELLANO

MARCELO ARELLANO was one of the three Hermosa natives who led the Philippine revolution against the Spaniards in the municipality in 1898.

Born and raised as a farmer in Poblacion (now Brgy. Burgos-Soliman), Arellano organized a local rebel group in 1896 with the help of Lieutenants Marcos Tantiangco and Pedro Mina. The Hermosa revolutionaries, unfortunately, did not get the whole-hearted support of the townsfolk who were mostly under the influence of rich landowners who were pro-Spanish.Katipuneros from Balanga, Samal and Orani helped the local rebels in liberating Hermosa from the hands of the Spaniards on June 8, 1898.

At the height of the Filipino-American War in 1900, Captain Arellano and Lieutenant Pedro Mina proceeded to Bulacan and participated in the Battle of Calumpit. It was here where Emilio Aguinaldo recognized the bravery of the two sons of Hermosa. Outgunned by the Americans, the Katipuneros retreated to Pampanga. Arellano and Mina went straight to Hermosa and put up a defense line in Culis, Hermosa.

On February 5, 1900, Arellano andhis men ambushed the supply train of the 32nd Infantry Regiment of U.S. Volunteers, in Hermosa. The 11-man American detail came from Dinalupihan and was commanded by Sgt. Clarence D. Wallace. The soldiers were tasked to escort one Captain William H. Cook, regimental assistant surgeon, to Orani. It was on their return trip when the ambush occurred. Six American sldiers were killed. It was one of the deadliest ambuscades of U.S. troops durind the war.

In 1903, former Hermosa Mayor Agustin Arcenas negotiated for the surrender of Arellano to the Americans. He was believed to be the last Katipunero leader in Bataan to lay down his arms to the new conquerer.