San Juan clarifies monument transfer at Pinaglabanan Shrine 

In response to recent baseless and misleading claims, the City Government of San Juan has issued a statement clarifying the transfer of monuments at Pinaglabanan Shrine. The purpose of this statement is to provide accurate information and dispel any misconceptions surrounding the relocation.

Pinaglabanan Shrine is a nationally recognized historical site, designated as a national shrine by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). It holds significant historical and cultural value to the country and commemorates the Battle of Pinaglabanan, which marked the beginning of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The shrine serves as a memorial to the courageous Filipino soldiers led by Gat. Andres Bonifacio and Gen. Emilio Jacinto, who fought for freedom. The names of these fallen heroes are engraved on the sacred walls of the shrine.

The transfer of monuments at Pinaglabanan Shrine was initiated by the San Juan City Council through two city ordinances. The first ordinance, CO. 52, Series of 2021, relocates the Dr. Jose Rizal monument from Plaza ng Masa to the Pinaglabanan Shrine. The second ordinance, CO. 55, Series of 2021, transfers the monuments of Gat. Andres Bonifacio and Gen. Emilio Jacinto from their original locations along the streets of Pinaglabanan Shrine to the shrine itself. Both ordinances received unanimous approval from the City Council, including the Minority Councilors, on September 20, 2021, and October 4, 2021, respectively.

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The decision to transfer the monuments was made with the utmost respect and reverence for the heroes who fought in the Battle of Pinaglabanan. By relocating the monuments to the Pinaglabanan Shrine, visitors can now witness and appreciate a trio of Eduardo Castrillo's masterpieces, which, when combined with the Castrillo "Spirit of Pinaglabanan" sculpture within the shrine, creates a remarkable ensemble of four Castrillo sculptures that welcome visitors.

Safety concerns were also taken into consideration during the transfer of the monuments. Several vehicular accidents had been reported at the intersections where the Bonifacio and Jacinto monuments were originally located. The relocation aimed to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

It is crucial to note that the transfer of monuments was approved by the NHCP. The proposed locations underwent careful study by a combined group from the Local Government Unit and the NHCP, which then submitted the proposal for approval. The NHCP granted approval for the proposed locations on September 21, 2021, signed by the Officer-in-charge of the Office of Executive Director at that time, Carminda R. Arevalo, following prior coordination with the NHCP.

Furthermore, the LGU and the NHCP executed an agreement regarding the transfer of the monuments to the Pinaglabanan Shrine. According to this agreement, the NHCP's restoration experts will oversee the maintenance and care of the monuments, ensuring their preservation.

It is important to emphasize that all three monuments are strategically placed to allow visitors of Pinaglabanan Shrine to properly appreciate the artistic representations of our national heroes. Since the lifting of pandemic restrictions, there has been an increase in visitors to Pinaglabanan Shrine, with an average of 3,000 visitors per day. Additionally, with the opening of the El Deposito Underground Reservoir, more tours have been accommodated at the shrine, including over 100 buses filled with students visiting on peak days.

The City Government of San Juan remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring and recognizing our heroes. The Pinaglabanan Shrine will continue to be one of the Philippines' top historical destinations, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.