General Gregorio H. Del Pilar was born in Bulacan, Bulacan, on November 14, 1875. He went to Manila to pursue his studies. His uncles Deodato Arellano and Marcelo H. Del Pilar thought him lessons of patriotism and courage.
He served as messenger to his uncle’s anti-colonial activities and he is the distributor of the writings and publications of his uncle Marcelo del Pilar. This helped him gained friends from his fellow-students in Manila. Gen. Del Pilar is a Katipunero who joined the revolution happened in August 1896. His make the most of numerous battles in Bulacan, especially the one happened in the town of Paombong which trapped General Emilio Aguinaldo. He and General Aguinaldo were exiled in Hong Kong. It was on June 12, 1898 when General Aguinaldo proclaimed the liberty of our country. The Filipino-American War led to a draw for three years. General Gregorio H. del Pilar handled General Aguinaldo’s retreat to Isabela. This is where his last stand took place in the Tirad Pass fight. The last message in his diary “The Americans can never take this place and if they ever take it, it would only be over my dead body.”
He wrote the line, “The General has given me a platoon of available men and has ordered me to defend this pass. I am aware what a difficult task has been given me. Nevertheless, I feel that this is the most glorious moment of my life. I am doing everything for my beloved country. There is no greater sacrifice.” General Gregorio H. del Pilar was 24 years old when he passed away on December 2, 1899.