IGLPI District No. 1 Convention Held

IGLPI MASONIC DISTRICT NO. 1 DISTRICT CONVENTION HELD
by Bro Jim Bartolo

19Nov2007

IGLPI MOVES ON !!!

The First Annual District Convention of Masonic District No 1, of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), held their Convention last November 18, 2007 at Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 Masonic Temple, Cavite City from 8:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

The Registration recorded a delegation of 21 members from the Grand Line Officers, 16 from Cavite Lodge Nr 2, 7 from Pilar Lodge Nr 3, 18 from Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4, 16 from Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge Nr 5, 17 from Bagong Ilaw Lodge Nr 6, 7 from La Naval Lodge Nr 7, 10 from Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8, and 4 from Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 for a grand total of 116 members.

The District is headed by its District Grand Supervisor – VW Eduardo V. Bayot, the District Secretary – VW Crisostomo B. Mira DGI,; District Treasurer – Bro Ruel S. Saonoy, SW; District Auditor – WM Jaoquin R. Amores III, District Marshall - WB Johnny T. Bernardo PM, District Chaplain – VW Bayani R. Leoncio GC, and Chairman Sports Committee – Bro Magno C. Herradura, SW. The District Grand Lecturers are : VW Ronulfo S. Saonoy, VW Venancio I. Cuvin and VW Petronilo Bulanhagui. The District Grand Inspectors are : VW Wilberto M. Famoso, VW Javier G. del Rosario, VW Crisostomo B. Mira, VW Mario M. Ramirez, VW Ernesto M. Madrozo, VW Amorico M. Alvarez, VW Jose Lido T. Rosit, and VW Mario C. Leopoldo.

Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 just had their Lodge Installation of elected and appointed officers last November 3, 2007 in a well attended affair. The Junior Warden elected was Bro Arnel F. Teodoro , a middle rank Philippine Navy officer. Likewise, Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 also had their Lodge Installation of elected and appointed officers last November 17, 2008 with Honorable Mayor Strike Revilla, Mayor of Bacoor, Cavite as Guest of Honor and Speaker. The Junior Warden elected was Bro Napoleon A. Monsog, a noted CFI Judge. By and large, all Lodges of the District had a new set of good, proficient , dedicated, loyal and committed officers.

The Convention was a true straightforward business like convention. The ceremonies started at 9:30 a.m. with an Invocation by VW Bayani R. Leoncio, a Silent Minute Prayer for the deceased members, singing of the National Anthem, welcome remarks by VW Eduardo V. Bayot, a Roll Call of Lodges, a 2-minute Report of WMs of their Lodge. Plenary Session immediately proceeded by 10:00 a.m. with the DGS calling the Convention to Order. RW Joseph A. Capuyan JGW then presented the Rules of the Proceedings.

The Uniform Code of By-Laws of Constituent Lodges was presented by VW Medardo O. Cambaliza and each Article was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval.. The discussion started by 10:10 a.m. and ended by 11:20 a.m..The Code consisting of 11 pages , 18 Articles , with a total of 56 Sections was moved and seconded for approval as amended.

At 11:25 the Elections and Appointments Code was presented by VW Amorico M. Alvarez AGS and member of the Legislative Council. Again the 12 pages, 13 Articles, total of 47 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The deliberations ended by 12:30.with a Motion duly seconded to approve the Code as amended. The Body recessed for lunch.

At 13:30 p.m. the Body resuned and called to order. The Judicial Code was presented by RW Manuel L. Carranza Jr SGW and Chairman of the Judicial Committee. Again, each of the 3 Articles, 16 Sections, 12 page Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The discussion ended by 4:40 p.m with the Code being moved and seconded for approval as amended..

At 4:50 p.m. the Administrative Code was presented by RW Joseph A. Capuyan JGW and member of the Legislative Council. Again each of the 41 pages, 3 Parts, 55 Articles, 237 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The Body recessed at 7:00 p.m. for dinner and resumed by 8:00 p.m. The discussion ended at 8:40 p.m. with the Code being moved and seconded for approval as amended.

Immediately the District By-Laws was presented by VW Eduardo V. Bayot DGS. The 8 pages, 12 Articles, 41 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The deliberations ended by 9:50 p.m.

Immediately, several Resolutions were presented and discussed, moved and seconded for approval.

The Program for Masonic Education in the forthcoming Second Grand Assembly was presented by VW Venancio I. Cuvin.

Closing Remarks was given by MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master. He also appointed an Oversight Committee to go over the Codes for final correction and for presentation in the Second Grand Assembly for ratification.

The Convention adjourned by 10:10 p.m. A simple fellowship commenced.

Compared to the past DISCONs where business substantive session is done in an hour, the convention took longer. It was indeed a long day. The brethren patiently stayed, participated fully, exchanged ideas, discussed grammar, looked for a better way to rewrite a sentence, reiterate relevance to the vision and ideals of TRUE MASONRY and DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE. BY and large, it was a very productive Convention.

Congratulations to the Host Lodge- Bagong Ilaw Lodge No 6. Congratulations too to the Host Lodge recommended incoming District Grand Supervisor, VW Aldo G. Olaguer Grand Marshall.

.....

Cavite Lodge No. 2 105th Anniversary

Last October 18, 2007, Cavite Lodge Nr. 2 (IGLPI) celebrated their 105th founding anniversary at their spacious lodge. Their theme was " A Renewed Quest for Truth, Peace and Harmony in Masonry". Their newly installed WM Tony Nepomuceno led the celebration. A thanksgiving mass was celebrated by Rev Fr Rizaldy G Arnaiz. Bro Dwight G Jawid gave a powerpoint presentation of "Cavite Lodge Through the Years". Hon Mayor Bro Bernardo s Paredes, as represented by VW Ric Alvarez AGS, gave an inspirational talk. SW Ariel Jawid introduced the Guest Speaker. Mrs Aurora B Aurellano, President of Quality Transcription Solutions and Training Inc gave a clear picture of the medical transcription industry which is creating jobs for Filipinos and earning dollars for the country.

With more brethren arriving late in the afternmoon and evening, the affair lasted from 2:00 pm to late in the evening. Cavite Lodge was constituted in 1902 under the Grand Lodge of California. Later it joined other 2 Lodges in the Philippines to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. Later it was joined by other 27 Filipino based lodges under the Grand Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Grand Oriente Espanol in 1917. On September 10, 2007, it joined the other ancient, very old, and old lodges to form the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) WB Mason Mitchel was its first Worshipful Master. Its current Master is WM Tony Nepomuceno.

By Bro Jaime Bantolo

A Reflection

By: VW Bro Evaristo A. del Mundo
Pintong Bato Lodge No.9
IGLPI


Good evening, my dear brethren, sisters, and friends. Tonight is the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).

Some three weeks ago, I learned of this evening’s celebration. The wives of IGLPI masons were having their rehearsal of their dance number for this affair. I therefore asked myself, “What can I contribute tonight being one of the oldest member of IGLPI having completed more than 52 years in masonry?”

For this affair, it is my sincerest desire to give a reflection. A candidate for freemasonry can only be accepted provided he believes in the existence of the Supreme Being. The Holy Bible, the great light in masonry, is to us masons the rule and guide of our faith. Based on this premise, I qualify myself to reflect on the Holy Scriptures.

(1) Around 607 B.C. the woes of the prophet Habakkuk against Babylon, was to serve as a warning to Judah of God’s displeasure. The Lord’s answer to Habakkuk; “ Those who are evil will not survive but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God”. Thus the famous passage, “Man shall live by faith”.
(2) Between the period of 55 A.D. and 66 A.D. the same passage,
“The just shall live by Faith”, is repeated by St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians, Romans and Hebrews.

(3) Around 1544 A.D. a German priest named Martin Luther, while on his way to the Vatican office of the Pope, as he repeated his prayers on the Lateran staircase, the words of the prophet Habakkuk suddenly came to his mind: “ The just shall live by faith”. As he meditated on these words, he saw the whole face of the Scripture in a new light. And the Christian world was never again the same,

With the turmoil around May 2006, Cavite Masons illustrated their commendable virtue of heroic endurance to the wrongs of persecution.

United and firm in their conviction that TRUTH shall prevail, on September 10, 2006, the IGLPI was proclaimed to the Masonic world. The fruit and reward are now at hand as we celebrate this evening the first year anniversary of IGLPI existence.

Moreover I wish to relate this TRUTH to the Gospel of Matthew specifically on The Parable of the Talents. In it, the Master has said to his servants who were given five and two talents each, the following: “ Well done thou good and faithful servants, enter thou into the joy of the Lord”.

To the servant who did not use the single talent given to him, this was taken from him, and the Master said: “ Wicked and worthless servant, you shall always be in the DARK where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

About 66 A.D. St Paul wrote his last epistle to Timothy, a fellow worker in the Lord: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept my faith.”

My brethren, who among you can also claim the above? No doubt, it will always be a challenge for all of us to keep our faith in freemasonry.

Lastly, before 90 A.D. St John the Apostle has admonished his fellow workers with his kind words: “My children, love one another.”

To you my brethren, my sisters and friends, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

On this very memorable evening, I say to everybody: “Well done, thou good and faithful servants”.


( This was delivered by VWB EVARISTO A. DEL MUNDO, PGSB of GLP and PM Pintong Bato Lodge No 51 GLP and presently a member of Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9, IGLPI and Vice Chairman, IGLPI Council of Elders, during the First Founding Anniversary Celebration of IGLPI last September 9, 2007. VWB Del Mundo was a recipient of the 50-Year GOLD BUTTON with DIPLOMA from GLP Grand Master Hermogenes Ebdane Jr last 2005.for 50 years of faithful and honourable service to Masonry. Inspite of these Masonic credentials, VWB del Mundo was UNJUSTLY declared “clandestine mason” by virtue of GLP PGM YU Edict No 232-D for being installed as a Lodge appointed Officer of Pintong Bato Lodge No 9 last January 5, 2007. VWB del Mundo prepared this article to manifest the similar journey of IGLPI and the other Biblical figures and of Martin Luther in the search for TRUTH and their strong FAITH in their RIGHTEOUS endeavors. --- Bro. Jim Bartolo)

Cavite's Illustrious XIII Martyrs

(Inspirational Message delivered by a brother Mason during the Commemoration of the 111th Martyrdom of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite held at the XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza, Isthmus of Rosario, San Roque, Cavite City, Philippines on or about 7:30 A.M., Wednesday, September 12, 2007)

Perhaps, one of the reasons why I was chosen to deliver an inspirational message this morning by the Chairman of today’s affair, the Hon. Larry Crawford aside from being a former City Councilor is my affiliation to Freemasonry. It’s an open book that whenever we touched the Philippines and the Cavite City history, we always encountered and read the words “Masons” and “Masonry” or “Freemasonry”. May be because, or as based from the history books, the Katipunan adopted the “Masonic Procedures” in getting members into the secret society, and perhaps, most of the Katipuneros were leaders and members of Freemasonry.

My simple message is about the sad fate in the life of the 13 Martyrs; how, when and who initiated the construction of the monument; and what are the participation of Freemasonry in the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

But first, please allow me to greet and extend my wealthy greetings to the Hon. City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes, life member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, Vice Mayor Romeo Ramos, to the members of the City Council, department heads and employees of the City Government, supervisors, principals, teachers and students of the different schools in the City, officers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Cavite City Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, different civic and religious organizations present this morning, to our senior citizens and elderly associations, friends of the City library and museum association, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, persons with disabilities and urban poor associations, to the young group of Teatro Baile de Cavite who performed the re-enactment of the execution of the XIII Martyrs, Garita Elementary School drum and lyre, to the pupils of Julian Felipe Elementary School, my alma mater, to MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands and adopted son of Cavite City, to my brethren from Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, later on, the Lodge will be awarded the Order of XIII Martyrs, to be permanently honored, commended, recognized and to be enshrined as the new member of the Cavite City Hall of Fame, and of course to the descendants of the XIII Martyrs of Cavite, other distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen.

“THE SUCCESSFUL REVOLUTION OF 1896 WAS MASONICALLY INSPIRED, MASONICALLY LED, AND MASONICALLY EXECUTED. AND I VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC OF WHICH I WAS ITS HUMBLE PRESIDENT WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT WE OWE LARGELY TO MASONRY AND THE MASONS…” (President General WB Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, a Mason and member of Logia Pilar in Imus, Cavite, founder and Past Master of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 31, now Lodge No. 5 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).

Philippine Masonry played an important role in the 1896 Philippine revolution against Spain and the Fraternity of Masons had noble mission of liberating the country through the organization of the Katipunan which was founded by Masons. Bro. Ladislao Diwa, Bro. Andres Bonifacio and Bro. Teodoro Plata, the K.K.K. triumvirate, were all Masons.

With the turn of events, Freemasons were placed under surveillance by the Spanish authorities. The distrust arose from the fact that the leaders and members of the Katipunan were mostly Masons and that had adopted some of the rituals of Freemasonry; such as the conferring of degrees, secret ceremonies and the adoption of symbolic names, like our very own Bro. Ladislao Diwa. In the Katipunan his symbolic name is “Balite”, and in Masonry, it’s “Baguio”, and he was conferred degrees in secret ceremonies by both the Katipunan and the Masonry. These two (2) organizations were often mistaken one for the other.

In August 1896, at the height of the Filipino uprising, the Spanish authorities were alarmed and a series of retaliatory measures were conducted. Arrest, tortures and execution became the order of the day in Manila, Cavite and nearby provinces. Several innocent Filipinos were arrested, tortured and forced in signing written confessions but were not allowed to read the contents. With these confessions in the hands of the Spanish authorities, the arrests were inevitable. In Cavite City, first to be arrested among the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen (13) men were Bros. Severino Lapidario, Alfonso de Ocampo and Luis Aguado. They were brought to the cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa for interrogation. Thereat, Bros. Lapidario and de Ocampo were tortured, for every negative answers reaped brutal beating and as expected, forced confessions were extracted. The house of Bro. Maximo Inocencio was searched for remington rifles, the offices of Warden Bro. Severino Lapidario and Assistant Warden Alfonso de Ocampo were also searched for bolos and other weapons but they found nothing except for Masonic paraphernalias. Nevertheless, it was reported that the confiscated materials were anti-Spain. And one by one, the rest of the thirteen martyrs were arrested and detained at Fort San Felipe including Julian Felipe, Ramon Macauas, Jose A. Reyes, and many others. The thirteen martyrs were implicated in the propaganda movement and accused of alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish government, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being active members of Masonry.

The thirteen martyrs were tried by military tribunal known as the Consejo de Guerra or Council of War. Although represented by their respective counsels, some were not allowed to testify and professed ignorance of any conspiracy, and the verdict…despite for lack of material evidences, all of them were found guilty of rebellion and imposed upon them “the penalty of death”.

That was one hundred eleven (111) years ago, a few minutes after highnoon, September 12 of 1896, infront of the Filipino people, infront of the Cavitenos, the condemned thirteen (13) illustrious men were escorted by Spanish soldiers out of Fort San Felipe to the Plaza de Armas, hands tied at their backs, blind folded and in kneeling positions, the honorable and patriotic sons of the land, were shot from behind.

BY 12:45 P.M., the official doctor, Francisco Masip had examined the fallen, inert bodies of the thirteen men and pronounced “All of them dead”.

Among the thirteen martyrs executed, ten (10) were Masons, Bros. Maximo Inocencio, Jose Lallana, Eugenio Cabezas, Maximo Gregorio, Hugo Perez, Alfonso de Ocampo, Luis Aguado, Victoriano Luciano, Severino Lapidario and Felipe Cabuco. And eight (8) out of the ten (10) were members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana, one of the oldest Lodge formed in the Philippines before the Filipino uprising. If these eight (8) martyr Masons were not executed, they would have been members of Bagong Buhay Lodge because in 1906 when the Lodge was formed, prominent Masons who were raised from other Lodges or places but residents of Cavite City affiliated to Bagong Buhay Lodge. The non-Masons were; Francisco Osorio, Antonio de San Agustin and Agapito Conchu.

The lifeless bodies of the illustrious thirteen martyrs were carried and loaded in three (3) carabao-drawn carts, guarded by six (6) Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets and their remains were brought to the convent or Catholic Cemetery at Caridad, The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano were appropriately placed in separate coffins and buried their remains in a common grave but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio de San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without any caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.

Eight (8) years after the execution, in June 1904, a group of young inhabitants of the community led by Masons together with the descendants of the thirteen martyrs proposed the construction of a monument, in honor of the thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. On September 12, 1904, at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the thirteen martyrs, formed a committee, chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1936, grandfather of former ABC and City Councilor Boyie Picache and Grandfather of the wife of former Councilor Boboy dela Rosa, our City Librarian, Jocelyn Picache dela Rosa.

After nine (9) years, in September 1905 under the able leadership of Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Chairman of the Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) and also Municipal President of United Cavite in 1903-1904, grand uncle of Nanay Puring Ballesteros and great grand uncle of Dra. Teresa Ballesteros-Baleda, our City Veterinarian; Don Juan Matias, Secretary; and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, they were able to raise funds in the amount of one thousand (Php1,000.00) pesos, which is already a huge amount at that time.

After ten (10) years, September 12, 1906 to be exact, the monument was finally constructed. Again the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge exhumed the remains of the thirteen martyrs and in a public procession escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place, right here, in Isthmus of Rosario, the monument of the Thirteen Martyrs was inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed sons of Cavite, The Thirteen Martyrs.

The President of the Executive Committee Dr. Catalino Nicolas and Don Gervacio Pangilinan, Cavite Historian, Municipal President of United Cavite in 1919-1921, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1937 and grandfather of Mr. Willy Pangilinan, member of the Cavite Historical Institute delivered a short but meaningful and memorable messages while Dr. Justo Lukban expressed his own in a form of poem, and since then the commemoration was celebrated annually.

In 1930, Bro. Ramon Samonte, Municipal President of United Cavite (1928-1930, 1931-1933), also former governor of Cavite province, a member of Bagong Buhay Lodge, and the great grand father of Councilor Larry Crawford led the first renovation of the monument.

In 1997, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr., historian, lawyer and Mayor of Cavite City (1989-1992, 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 1998-2001) led the further renovation and remodeling of the monument in a more distinctive and significant views, renamed and now called, “The XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza”.

Last year September 12, 2006, we had celebrated the 100 years existence of the monument and 110th martyrdom of the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen martyrs, and today, we are commemorating the 111th martyrdom of the famous “Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite”, the honorable and patriotic sons of Cavite City.

Good day and muchos gracias!

Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
Cavite City, Philippines

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Seven (7) years ago, it was done... but only selected participants knew the values of the historical endeavors. And after seven (7) long years, I only now realized that it is my duty to disseminate to the Filipino people especially the Cavitenos that there exist a time capsule that contained important and memorable events that transpired in the City of Cavite, but there’s an old quotation saying, “it’s better late than never”, so, I decided to move on and do what I know is my obligation to our inhabitants, just like any interested individual, for it is also their right to inform everybody, for anything they valued and appreciated, and that would benefited each and every peace loving Caviteno, more particularly the young generation.

The concept started when we were researching good materials to be incorporated to our souvenir program in connection with the Bagong Buhay Lodge centennial commemoration on August 11, 2007. I was then at home, and have just finished doing some household chores when I saw an old issue of Cabletow, official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Volume 75, No. 5 dated January-February 1999.

The front and back covers shows the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan Marker located at the Japanese Garden, Luneta, Manila. The inside front cover are the Markers of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan and the Message of MW Enrique L. Locsin Centennial Grand Master. On the inside back cover are photos taken during the Unveiling Ceremony.

For a moment, I was stunned and speechless, and something cherish in my mind, that the then City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 7 dated October 27, 1999 creating a Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee who are task to research, collate and record significant events, great personalities, trivia and other related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past 1,000 years.

The enormous tasked was assigned to me and chaired the Committee. Together with the members, namely Ms. Jocelyn dela Rosa, City Librarian; Ms. Remedios Ordonez, retired school teacher and member Cavite City Historical Committee and City Tourism Council; Mr. Leon Young Jr. member Cavite City Historical Committee; and Mr. Victor Rufin, Executive Secretary to the City Mayor; researched and prepared the Tagalog-English-Spanish Dictionary, biography of Cavite patriots, great personalities and trivia; collected important materials pertaining to the history of Cavite City, the City’s Great Seal, the City Hymn, and the City March, and other significant events and related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past one thousand (1,000) years while Architect Noelito Atangan of the City Engineer’s Office designed the time capsule and marker; and Ms. Nora Buenaventura, and Rosemarie Basuil, Assistant Secretary and Stenographic Reporter III, respectively of the City Council assisted in compiling the records.

We didn’t waste our time, upon received of the gargantuan order, we immediately conducted an intensive and exhaustive research and interviews. We have to work hard even in the wee hours to finish our assignment on time, for we have a time table, the ceremony was scheduled come January 1, 2000.

The mission was very interesting, you do research, you gain more knowledge, you conduct interviews, you meet nice people, and most importantly was the wholehearted support extended by the members coming from different offices in the City Government. In just two (2) months of being together, camaraderie born-out amongst us, the respect for each and everyone was crystal clear of signified intention to spread the importance of City history and be form part of it with noble cause.

It was also worthy of remembering the assistance of City’s local historian, some individuals, organizations and associations in their way of extending contributions and donations, like the collection of poems, essays, riddles, short stories, the Holy Bible, rosary, instructions on how to play old Filipino or childhood games like “patintero, tumbang preso, piko, sipa, sungka, and even including a rubber bond with a stick of “walis tingting”, names of residents of the City as of 1999, list of registered voters, total number of population, recipes of Tagalog and Chavacano viands, old and new pictures of government and private buildings, memorable markers, historical and educational books authored by different personalities, and many others; and of course the food and drinks for our snacks or lunch with corresponding thoughtfulness and encouragement.

It was at this juncture, when I said to myself, “Why not include the history of Masonry and Lodges in Cavite City?” It’s an open book that Masonry played a vital role during the Spanish, American, Japanese, and even in the modern period. There were many prominent personalities who contributed in the history of the City that were members of Cavite Lodge No. 2, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4) and La Naval Lodge No. 269 (now Lodge No. 7), all found in Cavite City.

With this in mind, coupled with noble intention to recognize the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and contributions of the brethren to the Lodge and Masonry as well as to the City of Cavite and its inhabitants, I began to collate Masonic materials, but because of time constraint, I wasn’t able to collect much. The best thing I can do was to gather available Masonic emblems, decals and stickers and referred to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands), souvenir programs, trusted and confident with the references, sources, written and edited by WB Herminigildo Perez Santos PM (1945-1946) of Bagong Buhay Lodge and WB Adriano Anastacio, Jr. PM of La Naval Lodge; and with my little contribution, we were able to finish a brief history of Freemasonry in the Philippines, and so with the Lodges in the City.

The celebration of “New Year” was something to remember because we experienced the merriment at the Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. Hall at the second floor of the City Hall, and while the parents, children and love ones were praying together at home, and having their “media noche” (midnight snacks), others were celebrating with the traditional lightings of firecrackers, the playing of loud music, homemade trumpets, drums, sirens, etc., and the different voices heard at the top of their “viva voca”, dancing and greetings each other with happy new year, we were inside the hall celebrating with our computer sets, until the job was finally done. It’s already 6:00 A.M., we’re almost exhausted after that long vigorous moment, after those labors and sacrifices, and we went downstairs directly to Samonte Park, and with sweet smiles turned over the big volumes of documentary materials to Mayor Encarnacion. Having accomplished the biggest tasked we ever had, we shook hands and hugged each others. We were also congratulated and greeted by every one for a job well done. We were very proud of ourselves for being a part of a noble cause.

On that momentous day of January 1, 2000, in a simple and solemn ceremonies, the Cavite City Millennium Time Capsule and Marker was officially installed at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City fronting the City Hall at exactly 6:21 A.M. (first sunrise) signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium.

The preservation and immortalization of the contents of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker are dedicated to the future generation of Cavitenos, in order for them to know, learn and appreciate the role played by Cavite City in ancient and modern times.

The installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is very memorable for it is the “First Historical Time Capsule and Marker” ever installed in the City of Cavite, only to be opened up to view its contents at the end of the 3rd Millennium and the beginning of the 4th Millennium, another 1,000 years of significant achievements.

“Under Resolution No. 04-081 dated September 6, 2004, the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker officially installed on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City was recognized as one of the historical sites in the City of Cavite”

The preservation and immortalization of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is the brainchild of lawyer/historian former City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. dedicated to the future generation.

To the former City Mayor of Cavite City, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr, the pride of the Cavitenos, a million thanks for leading the preservation and immortalization of the historic past.

To the Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee members, my sincerest gratitude and commendation for a job well done.

To the brethren, it’s an honor to be of service to the Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general.

Finally, the forgotten documentation, publication, posting and announcement of the installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium is now a fulfilled obligation and form part of the manuscripts of history as a source and for references, dedicated to the future generation, to the Cavitenos living in foreign countries, friends, guests from other places, and nearby municipalities, and of course to brother Masons withersoever dispersed.

Bro. Ric Alvarez

Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4

(NOTE: This article was posted in West to East, entitled "Millennium Time Capsule and Marker. Thank You.

WB JOSE A. REYES PM, A Mason to the very end

WB JOSE ADRIOSOLA MARIANO REYES PM
The First Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291
(1906 – 1910, 1915 and 1916)
- Masonic Name “Cromwell” -

JOSE ADRIOSOLA REYES y MARIANO, a prominent propagandist and revolutionary leader was born on April 24, 1864 at San Rafael, San Roque, Cavite (Cavite City). His parents were Maximo Adriosola Reyes, gobernadorcillo in 1863 and Valeriana Mariano. He has only one brother, named Bernardino. He was married to the former Socorro Kaingal of Bulacan, a teacher in a public school, and the first president of the Cavite Women’s Club. They were blessed with four (4) children, Salvador, Augusto, Arturo and Minerva.

During the Spanish regime, he was the leader of the Balangay “Lintik” or Balangay 2 of the Katipunan at Barrio San Rafael, San Roque, Cavite. He also served as Commander in the second stage of the Philippine revolution and during the American regime he served as Justice of Peace (Juez de Paz).

On September 6, 1896, he was among the 27 prominent Mason leaders or organizers who were arrested and detained in Fort San Felipe. Of the 27, there were 20 Masons who died in the firing squad; while the 7 others were released from prison. Bro. Jose Reyes outlived the revolution and witnessed the rebirth of Masonry.

After the overthrow of the Spanish government and the Americans occupied the Philippines in 1898, there were attempts by members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge to organize a Lodge in Cavite. Their efforts materialized in 1906 when they held their first meeting in the house of Bro. Jose Salamanca and the second meeting in the house of Bro. Hugo Adorable, a member of Vanguardia Lodge in the Valley of Hongkong.

On September 4, 1906, Masons in Cavite City, passed a Resolution to constitute a Lodge in the Valley of Cavite to be named Bagong Buhay Lodge to be under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol. Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Telemaco) and Bro. Jose Reyes 4 (Cromwell) were the bearers of the Resolutions to Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 in the Valley of Manila for their affiliation.

On September 16, 1906, upon the invitation of the brethren from Cavite, a Commission composed of members from Nilad Lodge No. 144, Sinukuan Lodge No. 272, and Lusong Lodge No. 185 headed by Worshipful Bros. Ramon Diokno, Timoteo Paez and Inocencio Concepcion, held an assembly of Masons and proceed with the election of officers for the purpose BAGONG BUHAY LODGE, under dispensation and elected Jose Adriosola M. Reyes as Worshipful Master, Ladislao N. Diwa as Senior Warden and Juan N. Santos as Junior Warden, all were originally members of Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo. The other officers were: Bro. Basilio San Jose, Treasurer; Bro. Hugo Adorable, Secretary; Bro. Catalino Nicolas, Orator; Bro. Eulogio Santiago, Marshal; Bro. Herminigildo Maldonado, Senior Deacon; Bro. Gregorio Medina, Junior Deacon; and Bro. Andres Perez, Almoner.

On September 21, 1906, the officers were installed with WB Timoteo Paez as Installing Officer at a house located at Calle No. 8, Cavite District proper.

On August 11, 1907, the Charter of the Lodge was approved by the Gran Oriente Espanol in Madrid, Spain and delivered to WB Jose Reyes. The Lodge was formally constituted and the officers officially installed with Illustrious Worshipful Master Abelardo Cuesta, a 33rd degree Mason as Installing Officer.

In 1907, he took part in the organization of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines (Gran Logia Regional De Filipinas) and elected Grand 4th Vice President during the assembly in 1906. He joined the Noli Me Tangere Chapter of the Rose Croix No. 53 and Hermanos del 96 Council of Kadosh under the Grand Oriente Espanol where he held a 30th Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

On November 15, 1908, WB Jose Reyes took part in the first installation of officers of Silanganan Lodge No. 305 (now Lodge No. 19), presided by RW Valentin Polintan and accompanied by Bros. Pantaleon Garcia, Francisco Licuanan, Felipe Buencamino, Elias Asuncion, E. Vergara and Pascual Casimiro.

In 1917, he transferred to the Philippine Bodies of the American Branch of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

He served as Worshipful Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 from 1906 to 1910, and in 1915, and 1916.

WB Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes died on May 17, 1922 at the age of 58 years, a Mason to the very end.


Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M

Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Centennial Year

El Nuevo Vida Logia # 4
(The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4)
5907 - 6007 Anno Lucis

"El Consejo del Ciudad de Cavite ya reconoci El Nuevo Vida Logia # 4 del Agosto 11, 2007"

"The City Council of Cavite recognized the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 on August 11, 2007"

On August 6, 2007, the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Cavite adopted Resolution No. 07-081, "A resolution recognizing the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and worthy contributions extended by the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly No. 17) under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) to the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants"

The resolution was very timely since the Lodge will celebrate its memorable 100 years of existence on August 11, 2007 and the adoption of the recognition of the noble and distinguished Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 is considered an addendum to the momentuous moment in the commemoration of the historic Lodge centennial years.

The recognition was in deed a beautiful gift from the City Government of Cavite more particularly from the City Council and a great surprised when it was read during the program of the centennial celebration held on August 11, 2007 at VWB Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. Hall, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Masonic Temple, San Roque, Cavite City.

For a brief backgrounder, founders and members of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI (chartered and numbered Lodge No. 291 under the Gran Oriente Espanol, then rechartered and renumbered to Lodge No. 17 under the GLPI and GLP) are Masonic distinguished leaders, prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders during the Spanish regime.

On August 11, 1907, the first elected officers of Lodge No. 291 were WM Jose Ariosola Mariano Reyes PM (1906 - 1910; 1915; and 1916) as its Master; Bros. Ladislao N. Diwa PM (1918) and Bro. Juan N. Santos as Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively. They are known associates of Dr. Jose Rizal, Gat Andres Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata, Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Gen. Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

There were distinguished leaders and members of the Lodge who were originally members of other Lodges. Among the brethren of Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 who were residents of Cavite and affiliated to the Lodge that became Past Masters of Bagong Buhay Lodge were: WB Emilio Espinosa PM (1912); WB Pedro del Carmen PM (1913 - 1914); WB Felipe Cabezas PM (1922); and WB Valeriano Custodio PM (1929); the other prominent leaders of the Lodge were: WB Emilio Basa PM (1917); MWB Rafael Palma PGM (1920); MWB Emilio P. Virata PGM (1947); and WB Gervacio Pangilinan PM (1937).

In modern times, there were also prominent personalities of the Lodge: WB Dr. Jesus Tranquillino PM (1956); WB Judge Angel Rica. Alvarez PM (1968); WB Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. PM (1969);WB Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. PM (1991-1992); Bros. Bishop Alberto C. Ramento and Rev Fr. Nilo P. Ramos of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente; Bro. Vice Admiral Pio Carranza PN; Bro. Brig Gen. Francisco Callelero PAF; Bro. P/Supt. Asher Dolina PNP; Bro. Capt. Roberto Q. Estioko PN; Bro. Capt. Reynaldo Bernardino PN; WB Jaime V. Bantolo PM (1999), adopted son of Cavite City and GM of the IGLPI; and the incumbent City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes; to name a few.

In 2005 to 2007, the Lodge eventually had to part with its adopted school - the Bagumbuhay Elem. School which for decades held their classes in the ground floor of the Lodge and had graduated thousands of school children, including several brother Masons. The ravages of time and termites had deemed it dangerous for the school to continue. Bro. Mayor Totie Paredes generously put them up in a better, newly constructed school building. Nevertheless, the Lodge maintained its umbilical cord to them with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement in 2005 to make the school its beneficiary of the Adopt-A-School project. The Lodge also supported indigent but deserving students from different schools. This was initiated by WM Jun Necessario, WB Ric Alvarez, WB Bert Esperat and Bro. Bay Aquino who also personally helped other students on their own.

The other exemplary, meritorious and outstanding contributions of the Lodge in partnership with the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants were: feeding and scholarships programs to the students of Bagumbuhay, Lorenzo Ruiz, Porta Vaga, Dalahican, Ovidio dela Rosa Elem Schools and Cavite National High School; participation in Alay-Lakad program, Independence Day, Ladislao Diwa, Julian Felipe, Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, Jose Rizal and Cavite Mutiny of 1872 celebrations; providing financial assistance and support to persons with disabilities; instituted drug awareness programs through the conduct of symposiums and seminars; medical and dental missions; financial assistance and support in the renovation of San Rafael Chapel at Barangay 42C (Pinagbuklod, San Antonio, Cavite City; and many others.

Through the years, the Lodge moves forward and has remained steadfast to its chosen name "New Life" (In Cahavacano dialect - Nuevo Vida).

To the brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, congratulations, happy birthday and more power.

And a million thanks to the City Government of Cavite more particularly to the City Council of Cavite.

(Note: Attached herewith is reproduction of the resolution, as soon as the original copy is already scanned and available, same will again be posted to form part of the documented materials for future references).

(The above resolution was originally posted at West to East yahoogroup by Bro Ric Alvarez)

VW Rolly Sarmiento

“…IGLPI claims that VW Rolly is in their roster and listed as No. 1. GL has to act on this and decide who really has the right to give the NECRO services to avoid embarrassment..” --- GLP member

We have anticipated this situation. The guidance is that we are duly made Master Masons in a duly constituted Lodge and we are BROTHERS forever regardless of Lodge or Grand Lodge affiliation. We anticipate many groups to render their respective honors to the dead. All the acts of our planners WM Ador Ramos of Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8 and our Grand Supervisor VW Ed Bayot are to be cleared with the family and with RW Roxy Sarmiento, Grand Auditor IGLPI. We honor the wishes of the family as our basis of action.

The participation of VW Rolly Sarmiento in the planning and formation of IGLPI are known to us. As I said, he is number 1 in the Roster of Members of the Lodge Nr 8.

The PGM YU and GLP Edicts 232s have rendered its verdict in spite of its injustice and Masonic doctrinal anomaly. Its implications and latent consequences are surfacing.

Masonic traditions and teachings states that it is 3 or more Lodges which form Grand Lodges, NOT an assembly of brothers at Kawit. The Lodge, with its members, temples, properties, funds TRANSFER to a new Grand Lodge, unless the member DEMITS, is suspended, expelled or delisted by the Lodge. The OLD Lodge DIE.

But PGM YU, in his act to impede our compliance to a Standard of Recognition of sovereign and full control over our Lodges RESURRECTED the dead Lodges. I have issued Edict Nr 2 declaring them as "NON-LODGES" or phantom lodges. They have NO more Charter to warrant their existence. I have also issued Memorandums to purge the List of Members and to DELIST those active in the non-lodges."Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 316" is one of those non-lodges.

The body of VW Rolly will lie at the Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8 Temple. Let BROTHERLY LOVE prevail. We will meet on the LEVEL and part by the SQUARE. We UNITE in the outpouring of our love and affection to a BROTHER and a MASON. The occasion will manifest the HARMONY of Cavite Masons.

Bro Jim Bantolo

26June2007

Moving On and Forward

by King_Solomon636
27 June 2007

The wisdom and insight of VW Raul S. A. Laman regarding the customs and traditions of the craft is greatly appreciated. Too bad it came out a little late for the ANCOM... but surely is never late for the enlightenment of the brethren. You see until now, roughly 2 years from the establishment of the IGLPI, many are still in the dark of what has happened to Cavite, and are instructed or told to treat masons of the IGLPI as clandestine. A true mason will know the definition of a clandestine mason while a fool will believe with hearsays and propaganda. In truth, many did join the IGLPI due to their dismay on how the issue and crisis was treated by the GM.

Sa bahay, Kapag ang iyong mga anak ay may gustong sabihin na hinaing o hinanakit, What a real father will do ay pakinggan at intindihin ang nararamdaman ng mga anak nya, at piliting gawan ng nararapat na solusyon. Hindi ang umiwas sa usapin at itakwil sila na parang bale wala lang ng hindi man lang binigyan ng pagkakataon marinig ang punto debista. Ganun kasimple ang kaso ng Cavite.

In a growing masonic district, in any jurisdiction, It is essential that harmony be preserved at outmost importance, harmony being the strenght of all societies especially of ours. And in this consideration, men has deviced a way as to how this will be preserved. As in many districts in the country, Cavite chose to have a gentlemen's agreement so as to keep the district in harmony and undivided.

Ganun na lamang ang pagpapahalaga ng mga Mason sa Cavite sa iniingatang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan na ipinaglaban nitong hindi mahati ang distrito sa ano pa mang kadahilanan. Papayag lamang daw na mahati ang distrito sa dalawa o ilan man kung mismong ang probinsya na ng Cavite ang mahahati. Ang gentlemen's agreement na ito ang nagpatahimik sa distrito sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada, only to be destabilized by someone from the outside of the district.

Now again this maybe moot and academic as the verdict had been already laid down last ANCOM. We are moving on and forward. As I've said, future generations of masons will judge us as on how we treated the issue. But indeed it is nice to hear that not all brethren were convinced of the validity of the decision and commending them for their resolve and the strenght of their character as a man and mason. Masonic injustices may have prevailed now, but not for long. For brethren will gradually realize, hopefully sooner than later, that there will never be no other tenets more powerful and enduring than brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Mabuhay po ang Masonerya!

IGLPI Joins 109th Independence Day Celebrations

The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) joined the 109th Independence Day Celebrations at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 2007. The Grand Master, MW Jaime V Bantolo with his Deputy Grand Master RW Nicolas Ricafrente, the Senior Grand Warden RW Manuel Carranza Jr, the Junior Grand Warden RW Joseph Capuyan, together with other Grand Line Officers, District Officers, and the Officers and members of 8 Lodges under its grand jurisdiction numbering more than 60 MM paraded from vicinity Panamitan, Kawit to the President General Brother Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine for the celebrations.( June 12 was not declared a holiday).

The IGLPI contingent was led by the Grand Marshall thence the Grand Lodge streamers, lodges standards and banners; thence the Grand Officers and followed by the rest of the Lodge members. Immediately following was the contingent of the Knights of Columbus, thence the members of the Grand Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Grand Oriente Espanol; and thence the contingent from the GLP. The IGLPI contingent occupied almost half of the right front seats facing the shrine mot just for better view but for significant importance attached to Bro Emilio Aguinaldo who was the first WM of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge Nr 31 and now renumbered No 5 under the IGLPI.

The ceremonies were graced by the presence of Vice President Noli de Castro, Congressman Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Governor Ayong Maliksi of Cavite, Mayor Brother Hit Poblete of Kawit ( EAM Lodge Nr 5 IGLPI ), former Prime Minister Bro Cesar Virata ( Jacobo Zobel Lodge Nr 202 ), local government officials, church dignitaries, government institutions, NGOs, the Aguinaldo clan, the military and police including the Provincial Commander Bro Fidel Posadasf ( Jose Rizal Lodge Nr 270 ).

The IGLPI, the GLRF, and GLP rubbed elbows and got along fine greeting each other and conversing of other matters than masonry. MW Jim Bantolo shooked hands and greeted RW Pacifico Aniag and DDGM VW Delfin Narvaez of the GLP.

Seventeen (17) IGLPI members were accredited with VIP invitations and stickers and joined the dignitaries inside the Shrine for the activities and the breakfast. The other members were provided breakfast at the Aguinaldo Lodge Nr 5 temple nearby.

I sense a strong feeling of harmony and brotherhood still prevailing especially from among those of long acquiantances in the fraternity. I could still feel a sense of animosity from among those who felt hurt with the creation of the IGLPI. Let time heal wounds.

Bro Jim

Pintong Bato Lodge NR 9 is Now Open

ON RECENT EVENTS IN PHILIPPINE MASONRY
( Series Nr 3 )
by Jaime Bartolo


The first Volume of Recent Events in Philippine Masonry was documented by VW Ben Apacible and duly published in various web –sites or blog-spots. Series Nr 2 was posted last April 1, 2007 documenting the various assault or illegal raids by GLP GM YU supported phantom lodges to occupy the temples of IGLPI Lodges. This is the 3rd series on the same headline to further report on what is happening to Freemasonry in Cavite.

The Bacoor Masonic Temple Association Inc organized under existing Philippine Laws and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 08, 1951, is the registered OWNER of the 390 square meter lot and all properties therein under a TCT Nr R-040 of the Registry of Deeds , Cavite. The property was used by Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 51 for its meetings. It was also used for sometime by Molino Lodge Nr 352, Dasmarinas Lodge Nr 346, and the local Order of the Eastern Star.

Last December 09, 2006, Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 51 held its mandated annual election of officers during the December Stated Meeting of all Lodges. Elected officers were: WM Lamberto Binuncal, Sr Warden Jerry Murillo, Jr Warden Eleuterio Ulatan.. Unfortunately, DDGM Mario Marasigan FALSELY ACCUSED the elected officers to be attending the functions and activities of the IGLPI and reported them to the GLP GM YU who, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS immediately issued on December 21, 2006 EDICT 232C declaring them and many others as “clandestine masons” and deprived them of their lawfully elected positions. If you recall, the outgoing WM Erwin Punzalan, having been rebuffed in the election, declared earlier that those officers WILL NEVER BE INSTALLED. True enough, his boast proved true. Hence, on December 22, 2006 many members of the Lodge voted in a Meeting to sign and approved a Lodge Resolution to SEVERE their loyalty to the GLP and on January 05, 2007, JOINED the IGLPI because of the INJUSTICE.

The day before on January 04, 2007, elements of GLP masons broke the lock of the temple, search negatively for the lodge charter, took the lodge bible and tylers book and padlocked the temple with the assistance of PNP SWAT and local police. The following day, on January 05, 2007, Pintong Bato Lodge who now joined the IGLPI, broke the padlock and opened the Lodge for the purpose of holding the IGLPI SPECIAL ASSEMBLY in order to affiliate the Lodge to IGLPI. A confidential report was texted that a company of SWAT PNP in the province was ALERTED to be DEPLOYED to Bacoor because of the happenings at the temple. The following day January 06, 2007, elements of the remnants of Pintong Bato lodge who DID NOT join the IGLPI, broke the padlocks, met to elect new lodge officers IN THE ABSENCE of the CHARTER, and posted PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS as TYLERS to prevent the entry of Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 members.

Peacefully and patiently, majority of the members of the Bacoor Masonic Temple Association Inc, who are now affiliated with Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 went to Court and filed a Civil Case for Injunction and Damages against the other group. Hearings were done in March, April, and May. 2007. There were delays caused by the process of finding amicable settlement, by filing of restraining orders and for inhibition of the judge. After resolving them and finding NO amicable settlement available, the trial moved on and eventually, the judge ruled and ordered on June 06, 2007 a Writ of Preliminary Injunction be issued:
1. Enjoining the defendants (the GLP phantom lodge) and/or other persons under their command or behalf from performing acts of exclusive ownership, possession and use of the properties of Bacoor Masonic Temple Association Inc… and,
2. Enjoining defendants to immediately restore plaintiffs to their right to use and manage the aforesaid properties


On June 07 and 08, 2007, the Sheriff of the Court served the Court Orders to the plaintiffs and the defendants. With the assistance of the local PNP police and the local Barangay officers, the Court Order was also served by the Sheriff to the Private Security Guards guarding and preventing MM of the IGLPI from entering the premises. The armed Security Guard was refusing the Court Order. The presence of the Local PNP police and Barangay officials prevented any untoward incidents. To manifest ownership, members of the Association destroyed the old padlocks, allowed the Security Guard to leave unmolested, and then secured the place.

By Sunday, June 10, 2007, the WM Bert Binuncal and SW Jerry Murillo announced that Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 is NOW OPEN.

I appreciate the concern of the PNP on peace and order conditions in Cavite particularly on the illegal assault or raid upon the temples of IGLPI WITHOUT the PRESENTATION of any COURT ORDER by the phantom lodge members. Since they REMAINED UNINVESTIGATED or UNPUNISHED by the GLP for their UNMASONIC ACTs, we have no recourse but to GO TO COURT.

M A B U H A Y A N G K A L A Y A A N