JOSE P. ELISES (1865
– 1908)
JOSE P. ELISES, native – born Caviteńo, was appointed governor of Morong (now Rizal) Province during the revolutionary period. A document found in the book of the secretary of treasury of the revolutionary government dated October 7, 1898, shows that Elises was one of the fifteen “provincial chiefs subject to the revolutionary government.”
Elises was the fiscal during the trial of Bonifacio brothers (Andres and Procopio), which started in Naik, Cavite, on April 28, 1897, and ended in Maragondon on May 8. The trial resulted in the conviction of the accused for sedition and treason against the Revolutionary Government headed by Emilio Aguinaldo.
Born in Imus, Cavite, in 1865, to Meliton Elises, a native of Tayabas (now Quezon) Province, and Anicia Palma of Imus, the young Jose finished his early studies in a private school in Imus, and segunda ensenansa in Letran College, Manila. He was a poet and orator during his student days.
Elises was mayordomo (chief steward) in the Imus convent at the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution, a position which enabled him to get valuable intelligence information about the activities of the Spanish friars. He later disguised himself as a travelling merchant to coordinate the activities of revolutionist in Imus and nearby towns.
A brother in – law of General Pantaleon Garcia, Elisas saw action in many skirmishes against the Spaniards, fighting side by side with General Licerio Topacio.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 33. Elises died on March 23, 1908, at the age of 43. To persuate his memory a street in Imus now bears in his name.
(Source: Talambuhay ng Magigiting na Lalaki ng Kabite, Alvin T. Jimenez Collection.)