On March 7, 1895, Santiago Alvarez, whose father was a "Capitan Municipal" (Mayor) of Noveleta, encouraged Aguinaldo to join the "Katipunan", a secret organization led by Andrés Bonifacio that was dedicated to the expulsion of the Spanish and the independence of the Philippines through armed force. Aguinaldo joined the organization and used the "nom de guerre" Magdalo in honor of Mary Magdalene. The local chapter of Katipunan in Cavite was established and named "Sangguniang Magdalo", and Aguinaldo's cousin Baldomero Aguinaldo was appointed leader.