In time for Undas 2024, the Malabon City government put back the famous “The Devil and St. Michael the Archangel” statue to Tugatog Public Cemetery.

The Devil and St. Michael the Archangel statue at Tugatog Cemetery (Malabon city PIO)

The statue was initially removed in 2021 for a redevelopment project but was carefully returned to the family of its original owner, Don Simeon Bernardo for preservation.

“Ating pinapahalagahan ang mga gawang sining, imprastraktura, lugar, at iba pang mga likha na bahagi ng ating kasaysayan, kultura, at tradisyon. Kaya sinisikap natin na mapangalagaan at maprotektahan ang mga ito. Ang ‘The Devil and St. Michael, the Archangel’ statue ay siyang nagpatanyag sa pampublikong sementeryo na kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa pagsasaayos. Ngayong Undas ay sinikap nating maibalik ito kasabay ng muling pagbubukas ng ilang bahagi ng sementeryo,” Malabon City administrator, Dr. Alexander Rosete said.

An agreement was signed between Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and the Bernardo family to ensure the statue’s protection and preservation at the cemetery.

In line with Republic Act Numbers 10066 and 11961, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, the Malabon city  government continues to strengthen its commitment to preserving cultural properties that are integral to the city’s history.

In addition, the Malabon City Council has passed an ordinance declaring "The Devil and St. Michael the Archangel" statue as a local cultural property, securing its significance in the city's historical landscape.

According to Attorney Martin Pison, Bernardo's great grandson, the statue was created as a symbol of the harsh reality that, as he saw it, evil often prevails over good.

Don Simeon, a Freemason, was accused of revolutionary activities in 1892 during Spanish colonization and was captured, tortured, and later exiled to Yap Island in the Carolines.

“Nakapagisip-isip siya ngayon kung bakit ganon ‘no, kung sino pa raw ang sinasabing alagad sila ng Diyos, sila pang nagpapahirap sa mga tao at tila yata ang kasamaan ang naghahari sa mundo. Ginusto niyang gawan ng simbulo iyon. Kaya noong mga 1926, pinagawa niya 'yang statue. Simbulo siya na naghahari ang kadiliman dito sa mundo at hindi ang kabutihan,” he said.

“Kaya niya pinagawa ‘yan para ipaalala sa mga tao na hindi dapat ganon,” Atty. Pison shared.

The statue features an engraved dialogue, attributed to poet Lope K. Santos, where the devil claims to rule the world, while St. Michael calls for justice and love among humankind.

The family had the statue repainted before its return, and Pison expressed their joy.

“Natutuwa kami diyan [sa pagbabalik ng estatwa sa Tugatog Public Cemetery] kasi ang paniniwala namin, diyan siya dapat dahil heritage property ‘yan… Sigurado ako na alam ng City Hall ang gagawin diyan,” Atty. Pison said.