Antonio Luna

This article is about the Filipino Revolutionary General. For the Spanish footballer, see Antonio Luna (footballer). For the Philippine Navy ship, see BRP Gen. Antonio Luna (PG-141).
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Luna and the second or maternal family name is Novicio.

Antonio Luna
Commanding General of the Philippine Revolutionary Army
In office
March 28, 1899 – June 5, 1899
PresidentEmilio Aguinaldo
Preceded byArtemio Ricarte
Succeeded byEmilio Aguinaldo
Assistant Secretary of War and Supreme Commander of the Republican Army
In office
September 28, 1898 – March 1, 1899
PresidentEmilio Aguinaldo
Chief of War Operations
In office
September 26, 1898 – September 28, 1898
PresidentEmilio Aguinaldo
Personal details
Born
Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta

(1866-10-29)October 29, 1866
San Nicolas, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire
DiedJune 5, 1899(1899-06-05) (aged 32)
Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, First Philippine Republic
Manner of deathAssassination
Relations
AwardsPhilippine Republic Medal
Nicknames
  • "Toñing"
  • "El General Monico"
  • "General Mayabang"
  • "General Articulo Uno"
Military service
AllegianceFirst Philippine Republic
Branch/servicePhilippine Revolutionary Army
Years of service1898–1899
RankGeneral Captain General
Battles/wars

Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta (Spanish: [anˈtonjo ˈluna]; October 29, 1866 – June 5, 1899) was a Filipino army general and a pharmacist who fought in the Philippine–American War before his assassination on June 5, 1899, at the age of 32.[1][2]

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.[3][page needed]

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.[4] Nevertheless, Luna's efforts were recognized during his time, and he was awarded the Philippine Republic Medal in 1899. He was also a member of the Malolos Congress.[5] Besides his military studies, Luna also studied pharmacology, literature, and chemistry.[6]

  1. ^ "GENERAL LUNA IS MURDERED BY AGUINALDO". San Francisco Call. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Pantaleon Garcia was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference FM was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Agoncillo 8th was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jose1972p450 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dumindin 2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).