Francisco dagohoy full name

The lines of this ditty about the fabled hero popularized by Boholano novelty singer Yoyoy Villame provides a stirring rendition of the greatest Boholano military strat­egist. And yet, aside from the generalization that are expected of a tribute, little else is known about Francisco Dagohoy the person. To a large extent. Villame's poverty of spe­cifics reflect a greater injustice to one who led the most successful rebellion against Spanish rule that lasted 85 years.

Dagohoy was Bohol's biggest contribution to the country's collection of military heroes but he had not been successful in drawing re­spect from his own people three generations later. His memorial marker was unveiled on April 11, 1955 by admirers led by then Vice President Carlos P. Garcia, one of Bohol's brightest sons. Today, it lies virtually nondescript in a bushy spot in Caylagan. Magtangtang. Danao town.

A team of political science students from the University of Bohol led by class president Rey Rodriguez discovered to their dismay the Dagohoy Shrine desecrated by bounty hunters who damaged its surface for buried treasures. Rodriguez said the marker was nearly covered by overgrown bush. Lawyer Valeriano Vitor Jr., a native of Danao. said that aside from the impressive unveiling rites and subsequent visits by provin­cial officials, little attention has been given to Dagohoy's marker and hero­ism. Garcia even named the presiden­tial plane after the military genius.

Acknowledging the neglect

Today, all that remains arc memen­tos often buried in the humdrum of existence. There is Camp Dagohoy. the seat of the Philippine National Po­lice provincial command. "We acknowledge the centuries of neglect to his memory, which is the reason why we are starting to make amends." said Gov. Rene Relampagos. He said that as part of this year's "Sandugo" (blood compact) celebra­tion, a musical titled "Dagohoy" will be presented.

Not much is known of the man who enshrined himsclf in history. The only-available reference book devoted to him at the Bohol Provincial Library is "The Life and Struggle of Francisco Dagohoy: A Historical and Cultural Heritage to the Filipino People." written by Sotero Nurtez Misa. Misa's thesis, presented to the Graduate School faculty of the Univer­sity of Bohol in October I970,. can very well be his greatest single contribution to Bohol and the country.

Family roots

Misa said there is no document avail­able to shed light on Dagohoy's birth, his parentage and death. He believed this was due to the disinterest of Span­ish authorities to record the hero's life and achievements and immortalize the exploits of one who so humiliated them. I Placido Sinsano, a centenarian , grandson of Dagohoy's brother and suc­cessor of Maximino, told Misa that Dagohoy was bom in 1724 in Cambito-on, a barrio of lnabanga town some 20 kilometers from the poblacion. Descendants claimed his father's name was Polon. probably Apolonio. while his mother's name was Sisa or Narcisa.

Francisco was the second child in a family of three brothers and one sister Sagarino (the eldest and immedi­ate cause of Francisco's rebellion), Maximino and Narcisa. The family's real surname is still uncertain to this day. Dagohoy was believed to be his nom de guerre when he was already leading the rebel­lion. A subsequent name adopted by some of his descendants. Sendrijas, has been considered as probable surname.

Vitor. whose uncle, the late Danao Mayor Leopoldo Vitor, was considered among the most knowledgeable experts on Dagohoy, said Sendrijas may have been adopted by his family after the rebellion to protect them from the wrath of Spaniards sworn to annihilate the hero's memory. According to Misa, the Dagohoys were a model family in the community. They were devout Catholics, which can be borne out by the hiring of Sagarino. the eldest, by a Jesuit priest. Gaspar Morales, as sacristan and constable.

The males engaged in farming and fishing, while the females wove blankets and mats made of buri palm. In his youth. Dagohoy showed ath­letic prowess, excelling in running, jump­ing, wrestling, fencing and dagger throwing when they were still in the moun­tain, and in boating and swimming when they moved near the coast.

According to Misa, Dagohoy married Berinja Bugsok. a beautiful lass, during the early part of the rebellion. Unfortunately, the couple were childless. Berinja proved to be a perfect partner ably providing warmth and compassion that helped maintain her husband's good relationship with his followers. She accepted Dagohoy's sons by another woman, namely Hantud , Cawag , Boasa , Camangay and Estaca - and reared them as her own.

Dagohoy was known as a great lover of animals. Gabriel Nipis, a descendant of Dagohoy's soldier Bartolome, was quoted by Misa as having described the hero's mountain capital and military headquarters as a "zoo."