Patnongon: The Antique provincial government has officially taken custody of the historic 1898 Philippine revolutionary flag during a turnover ceremony held at the municipal covered court in Patnongon. The flag, which holds significant historical value, was originally in the possession of the family of the late Col. Ruperto Abellon. It was entrusted to Abellon by Gen. Leandro Fullon, after receiving it from Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Fullon was appointed as the Politico-Military Governor of Antique and bestowed the rank of general to lead an expeditionary force in Panay Island in 1898.

According to Philippines News Agency, Danny Abellon-Elizalde, the grandson of Col. Ruperto Abellon, expressed that their family decided to entrust the flag to the provincial government to serve as a reminder of the bravery of Antique±os. Elizalde, representing his family at the ceremony, acknowledged their role as stewards of the flag, emphasizing its importance to the community of Antique. He stated, "The flag belongs to the entire people of Antique."

Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, highlighted the flag's historical significance, noting its role in signaling troop advancements toward victory. He expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the ceremonial turnover to the provincial government, marking a new chapter in the flag's preservation.

The Antique provincial board had earlier approved a Memorandum of Agreement, authorizing Gov. Paolo Everardo Javier to receive the flag on behalf of the provincial government. As part of the custodianship, the government will allocate PHP2.7 million for the flag's authentication, conservation, and documentation as per Ordinance No. 2025-429, along with an annual PHP300,000 for maintenance and programming.

Plans are underway to house the flag in a facility proposed at the old capitol building, ensuring compliance with preservation conditions set by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.