Nov. 4 a special non-working day in Quezon Province – Malacañang

Metro Manila, Philippines — Nov. 4 has been declared as a special non-working day in Quezon Province due to the death anniversary of local hero Hermano Puli, Malacañang announced.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation 730 on Oct. 31, announcing the holiday.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Quezon be given full opportunity to honor the heroism and patriotism of Hermano Puli through appropriate ceremonies,” Bersamin stated.

Hailing from Lucban, Quezon, Hermano Puli – whose real name is Apolinario de la Cruz – is the founder of Cofradia de San Jose, a religious group that eventually fought against the colonial government of Spain.

He was killed by firing squad on Nov. 4, 1841 outside the vicinity of Casa de Comunidad in Tayabas town as he was accused of being a heretic and filibuster. He died at the age of 26.