Independence of Panama from Spain Panama would lead to commerce opportunities. In 1819 the Scotsman Gregor MacGregor led a failed attempt to free Panama. When South American revolutionary zeal deposed Viceroyalty of New Granada Juan de la Cruz Mourgeón, he fled to Panama and was declared governor. Mourgeón was ordered to Ecuador to fight the separatists and appointed José de Fábrega as his successor. As soon as Mourgeón sailed, Fábrega seized the moment for Panama's independence. On 10 November 1821, the first call for independence was made in the small provincial town of Villa de los Santos. Called the ""Primer Grito de Independencia de la
Independence Day (Philippines) Penology), youth uniformed organizations and business entities, veterans, people from the nation's different religions and ethic minorities, the state diplomatic corps, honored dignitaries and the general public begin the national commemorations through a simultaneous raising of the National Flag at 7 in the morning preceded by holiday honors by the AFP to the President (the flag is raised to the tune of the national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang", first performed on this day in 1898) followed by wreath laying ceremonies and the Presidential holiday address. On June 12, 1998, the nation celebrated its hundredth year of independence from Spain. The celebrations