Marcela Marcelo

Marcela Marcelo (1869 – March 21, 1897) was a Filipina general who fought during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. She was dubbed as Selang Bagsik (Fierce Sela) for her bravery.

Personal life Marcela was born in 1869 in the town of Malibay, which is now part of the present-day Pasay. She belonged to an upper-class family that owns an areca nut farm. She married Quirico Lugo, a man from Aguho, Pateros, and bore him a son. As the Spanish offensive against Filipino revolutionaries escalated in the area, the people of Malibay, including Marcela, had no choice but to relocate to the Filipino controlled Cavite. Marcela had been an active member of the Katipunan and was promoted to the rank of general, leading her own platoon through skirmishes. It was rare and unexpected for a woman, but as opponents saw her fight, she was hailed as Selang Bagsik. Marcela gathered and trained young members of the Katipunan ranging from 14 to 18 years old. She also managed and organized the nursing of wounded Katipunan members in Bulacan. thumb

Death In 1897, Marcela died at the Battle of Pasong Santol in Perez-Dasmariñas. She led a troop to rush towards the center of the Spanish army, but the Spaniards were able to shoot Marcela in the head.

Former president Emilio Aguinaldo's private secretary, Carlos V. Ronquillo, described Marcela as:

Memorials

A bust of Marcela was built in the plaza of Malibay, Pasay, in memory of her. It is situated in front of the principal road, C. Jose Street.

A school is also named after Marcela: Marcela Marcelo Elementary School, which is also located in Malibay.