Apolinario de la Cruz a.k.a. Hermano Pule

(Tayabas, d. 1814-1841)

A deeply religious man, he was known as Hermano Pule.  Being a native he was refused entry into the clergy. He later founded a religious confraternity known as Confradia San Jose in which the members worshipped according their own conscience. His organization gained popularity spreading to Tayabas (now Quezon), Laguna and Batangas.

He aroused the jealousy of the Spanish clergy which denounced him as heretic and filibuster. The Confradia was ordered to disband by the Spanish authorities and an order for the arrest of its leader was issued triggering a rebellion. Hermano Pule was captured and executed. His decapitated head was placed on a bamboo stake on the road to Majayjay to instill fear among the people.