He was born on July 22, 1815 to Pablo de la Cruz and Juana Andres, a
wealthy and religious couple.
Being a religious person, he tried to enter the religious orders but was
disappointed to find out that none was open to native Filipinos, instead he
jooined the Cofradia de San Juan de Dios, a religious brotherhood open to
the native born. The organization was an affiliate of the hospital where de la
Cruz worked. He was later expelled from the hospital and returned to
Lukban, Quezon.
In his hometown, he founded the Cofradia de San Jose in 1832. The
group’s aim was not clear but the organization started with 19 members. From that time on,he was
better known as Hermano Pule. By 1840, the Cofradia had a very wide following from Tayabas,
Batangas, Laguna and Tondo. The members were both male and female of the wealthy class but
were pureblooded natives.
Hermano Pule wanted to legalize the existence of the brotherhood so he petitioned the bishop of
Camarines for recogniztion and authorization. This was denied. The same action was given by the
Audiencia in Manila meanwhile, the Franciscans of the provinces were already suspicious of the
nature of the group. In October 1840, the members of the brotherhood were arrested, thrown to
prison and tortured. Hermano petitioned authorities but was denied. The Governor General ordered
the brotherhood disbanded, thus Hermano Pule lived a fugitive life. Spanish soldiers assaulted their
territories, Hermano Pule himself was relentlessly hunted, tried and sentenced to death by musketry.
His other members were pardoned if they presented themselves and their arms within 30 days.
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