infographic

Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta

Antonio Luna

2nd Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Born: 29 October 1866 Binondo, Manila, Captaincy General of the PhilippinesDied: 5 June 1899 (aged 32) Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, First Philippine Republic Cause of death: Assassination Relations: Juan Luna, Joaquin Luna Awards: Philippine Republic Medal

Regarded as one of the fiercest generals of his time, he succeeded Artemio Ricarte as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He sought to apply his background in military science to the fledgling army. A sharpshooter himself, he organized professional guerrilla soldiers later named the "Luna Sharpshooters" and the "Black Guard". His three-tier defense, now known as the Luna Defense Line, gave the American troops a difficult endeavor during their campaign in the provinces north of Manila. This defense line culminated in the creation of a military stronghold in the Cordillera.

Despite his commitment to discipline the army and serve the Republic which attracted the admiration of people, his temper and fiery outlashes caused some to abhor him, including people from Aguinaldo's Cabinet. Nevertheless, Luna's efforts were not without recognition during his time, for he was awarded the Philippine Republic Medal in 1899. He was also a member of the Malolos Congress.Besides his military studies, Luna also studied pharmacology, literature and chemistry.

Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta or simply known as Antonio Luna (Spanish: [anˈtonjo ˈluna]; 29 October 1866 – 5 June 1899) was a Filipino army general who fought in the Spanish–American War, Philippine Revolution, and Philippine–American War before his assassination in 1899.

Antonio Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta was born on 29 October 1866 in Calle Urbiztondo (renamed Barraca Street), Binondo (now part of San Nicolas), Manila. He was the youngest of seven children of Joaquín Luna de San Pedro y Posadas (1829–1891) from Badoc and Spanish mestiza Laureana Novicio y Ancheta (1836–1906) from Luna, La Union (formerly Namacpacan).[5] His father was a traveling salesman of the government tobacco monopoly.[6] The tobacco monopoly was formally established in 1782.[7] After their family moved to Manila in 1861, his father became a merchant in Binondo.[8]

Antonio Luna poses with a microscope at the Institut Pasteur in Paris.

Group showing some of Luna's aides: General Manuel Tinio (seated, center), General Benito Natividad (seated, 2nd from right), General Jose Alejandrino (seated, 2nd from left)

Luna with fellow reformists Eduardo de Lete (center) and Marcelo H. del Pilar (right), Spain, 1890