His older brother, Juan, was an accomplished painter who studied in the Madrid Escuela de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. After their family moved to Manila in 1861, his father became a merchant in Binondo. The tobacco monopoly was formally established in 1782. His father was a traveling salesman of the government tobacco monopoly. He was the youngest of seven children of Joaquín Luna de San Pedro y Posadas (1829–1891) from Badoc and Spanish mestiza Laureana Novicio y Ancheta (1836–1906) from Namacpacan, La Union (now Luna). 5.3 Luna Sharpshooters and the Black GuardĪntonio Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta was born on 29 October 1866 at their house along Calle Urbiztondo (renamed Barraca Street) in Binondo (now part of San Nicolas), Manila.Besides his military studies, Luna also studied pharmacology, literature and chemistry. He was also a member of the Malolos Congress.
Nevertheless, Luna's efforts were not without recognition during his time, for he was awarded the Philippine Republic Medal in 1899. ĭespite his commitment to discipline the army and serve the Republic which attracted the admiration of people, his temper and fiery outlashes caused some to abhor him, including people from Aguinaldo's Cabinet. This defense line culminated in the creation of a military stronghold in the Cordillera.
His three-tier defense, now known as the Luna Defense Line, gave the American troops a difficult endeavor during their campaign in the provinces north of Manila.
A sharpshooter himself, he organized professional guerrilla soldiers later named the " Luna Sharpshooters" and the "Black Guard" with Senyor Michael Joaquin. He sought to apply his background in military science to the fledgling army. Regarded as one of the fiercest generals of his time, he succeeded Artemio Ricarte as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta ( Spanish: 29 October 1866 – 5 June 1899) was a Filipino army general who fought in the Philippine–American War before his assassination in 1899.