Elementary school Gen. Francisco del Castillo (d. Feb. 23, 1897), was a patriot, defender of liberty and leader of the Aklan revolutionists.
He was also known to be a close associates of Andres Bonifacio. Francisco del Castillo was known for his adventurous spirit. The native of Capiz went to work in one of Australia's pearl farms. He and his friend of his, Candido Iban won in a lottery. The Visayan sea divers tried their luck in the city of Manilain January 1893. They settled in Tondo where they met Procopio, the younger brother of th
e Katipunero Andres Bonifacio. del Castillo became a member of the Katipunan through the sponsorship of Procopio and the initiation of Andres Bonifacio of himself. del Castillo helped the Katipunan in buying a small printing press by donating part of his earnings from the Australia pearl farm. Del Castillo and Iban has 1,000 pesos between them and upon hearing the need of the Katipunan for a press, they decided to buy one for 400 pesos from a shop on Corriedo Street. They immediately turned it over to their leader. The printing press was used for the publication of Kalayaan. del Castillo was part of Bonifacio's group that explored Montalban mountains on April 12, 1895. He was present during the First Cry of the Revolution. He was commissioned to propagate the Katipunan's cause in Panay. He was successful in recruiting members for the revolution in his hometown. After gathering a substantial number of members Del Castillo was elected general of the revolutionary forces of Aklan. He was killed in Kalibo on March 17, 1897 when they fought with the guardia civil in the mayor's house. He led his men to fight the Spanish officials but they were no much with the artillery of the enemies who were barricading the house of the town mayor.
