High in the rugged mountains of Pulang Lupa in Torrijos stands one of Marinduque’s most meaningful landmarks—the Pulang Lupa Historical Shrine, a quiet park overlooking the sweeping eastern seaboard and the distant silhouette of Mt. Malindig. Today, the breeze carries only the rustle of grass and the call of birds, but on September 13, 1900, this same mountainside echoed with gunfire, shouts, and the fierce will of Filipino revolutionaries determined to defend their land.
It was here, in what was once called Kambindol, that Colonel Maximo Abad and his band of Marinduqueno fighters executed a brilliant surprise attack against the U.S. 29th Volunteer Infantry led by Captain Devereux Shields. Despite being outnumbered and facing superior firepower, the Filipinos fought with extraordinary unity and tenacity—emerging victorious in what would become one of the very few Filipino triumphs over American forces during the Philippine-American War. This rare victory is officially recorded in the U.S. war archives and remains a point of pride for the people of Marinduque.
Today, the site is marked by an obelisk, a National Historical Commission marker, and a concrete mural depicting scenes from the historic battle. These stand quietly in a simple, landscaped park, serving as both memorial and reminder—a place where visitors can reflect on bravery while taking in the breathtaking panorama below.
Each year, locals gather here to honor the heroes of Pulang Lupa. But even on ordinary days, the shrine offers its own kind of solemn power: a mix of history and scenery that invites every visitor to pause, look out over the vast landscape, and imagine the courage that once burned on these red-soiled slopes.
Pulang Lupa Historical Shrine is more than a viewpoint—it is a testament to the unwavering spirit of Marinduquenos, etched forever into the mountainside where victory once rose against all odds.
SPECIAL THANKS
Marinduque Tourism and Cultural Office (Photo: 13 Sep 2022)
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