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Module No. 5

RIZAL’S LIFE: Exile, Trial, and Death

INTRODUCTION

Are you a traveler? Because Rizal was traveler. During our hero’s time,
traveling is very limited to the lay Filipino, since it was expensive. And also
during that time, there were no airships that would hastily bring people to a
certain place as we have today. The major transportation means were
streamers, horse-power, trains, and foot. Rizal was not merely a sightseer but
a traveler who studies the culture of the places he visits. He is also traveling
to acquire more knowledge, most of which are sciences and literature.
This article will talk about the different travels of Rizal, the values and
knowledge he acquired, friends he met during his travels, the places he visits
and what happened there, and the special friends of Rizal. This will also deal
with the fascination of Rizal and the rather bad opinions in the places he
visits. Lastly, we will talk about the causes of Rizal’s Exile, Trial and Death.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module, you are expected to;
1. Analyze the factors that led to Rizal’s execution;
2. Analyze the effects of Rizal’s execution on Spanish colonial rule and the
Philippine Revolution
Departure from Europe to Hong Kong
Two weeks after the publication of EI Fili, Rizal decided to go to Hong Kong
because of the following reasons:
1) Life became unbearable for Rizal because of his political differences with
Marcelo H. del Pilar and other Filipinos in Spain. Not wanting to create
discord, he notified the later that he was retiring from the propaganda and hę
has the highest respect for him.
2) Rizal wanted to be near the Philippines and his family so he went back to
Paris to say goodbye to the Lunas, the Pardo de Taveras, the Venturas and
other friends.
Arrival in Hong Kong
Rizal arrived in Hong Kong on November 20, 1891. He was welcomed by Jose
Ma. Basa and other Filipinos in the city. He resided at No. 5 D'Aguilar Street,
No. 2 Rednaxola Terrace, where he opened also his clinic. He wrote to his
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parents asking their permission if he can return home. His brother-in-law

Hidalgo replied on the same day that there were 25 people deported which
include his father, Neneng, Sisa, Lucia, Paciano and the rest of the family.
Rizal was so sad because he was so close to Manila and yet he cannot help
them. Before Christmas of 1891, Rizal was in high spirits because his family
arrived. He saw his mother who was 65years old and almost blind. He learned
that she suffered so much from the Spaniard when they arrested her for not
using Realonda. She was forced to wallk again from Calamba to Santa Cruz
(50 km.) even in her advance age but the Governor of Laguna pitied her and
allowed her to be released. The Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was the
happiest celebrations in Rizal's life.
Rizal as Doctor in Hong Kong
Rizal earned a living for himself and his family as an ophthalmic surgeon in
Hong Kong. A Portuguese physician, Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques helped him to
get wide clientele by turning over some of his eye cases. Not long after, Dr.
Rizal became a successful and well-known medical practitioner in Hong Kong.
His patients include; British, Portuguese, and Americans. He successfully
operated on his mother's left eye so that she was able to read and write
again. Also, some of Rizal's friend’s in Europe gave him moral and substantial
aid in his practice in Hong Kong.
Borneo Colonization
Dr. Rizal conceived the establishment of a Filipino colony in North Borneo
(Sabbah) by moving the landless Filipino families to this rich British -owned
island. On March 7, 1892, he successfully negotiated with the British
authorities of Borneo; they were willing to give thee Filipino colonists 100,000
acres of land, a beautiful harbor, and a good government for 999 years, free
of all charges. By April 20 he was back in Hong Kong. Most of his friends were
happy of this accomplishment except his brother-in-law, Hidalgo, the brave
Batangueño. He told Rizal, “This idea about Borneo is no good. Why should
we leave the Philippines, this beautiful country of ours? And besides what will
people say? Why have we made all these sacrifices? Why should we go to a
foreign land without first exhausting all means for the welfare of the country
which nurtured us from our cradles? Tell me that!"
Rizal wrote to the newly assigned Governor General Eulogio Despujol in
Manila, in his second letter, he requested the governor general to permit the
landless Filipinos to establish themselves in Borneo. Despujol strongly
disagreed on the plans of Rizal saying that "the Philippines lacked laborers"
and "it was not patriotic to go off and cultivate a foreign soil" . On the other
hand, Rizal wrote articles about his "Borneo Plans" in French and Spanish;
other articles which he contributed to the British daily newspaper. He also
drafted the Constitution of the La Liga Filipina.
On June 19, 1892, he celebrated his 31st birthday in Hong Kong. The next
day, he wrote a letter which he sealed and inscribed on each envelope, "to be
opened after my death" and gave to Dr. Marques for safekeeping. He believed
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that the fight for Filipino liberty had assumed a new phase; It must be fought
in the Philippines not in Spain.

Second Home Coming of Rizal

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What could be the perfect reason to go home?

Rizal's Reasons for Returning Home

(1) To confer with Governor Despujol regarding Borneo project;
(2) To establish the La Liga Filipina in Manila; and,
(3) To prove that Eduardo de Lete was wrong in his accusation.
Spanish Trap
Rizal wrote Despujol a letter about his plan to visit Manila. He placed himself
under the protection of the Spanish Government. On June 21, they travelled
for Manila with a special passport of "safe conduct" issued by the Spanish
consul general in Hong Kong.
Rizal Falls into Spanish Trap
 Atter Rizal's departure, the Spanish consul- general sent a cablegram
to Despujol that the "victim is in the trap".
 A secret case was filed on June 21, 1892 against Rizal and his followers
"for anti-religious and anti-patriotic agitation.
 The deceitful Despujol ordered his secretary, Luis de la Torre, to find
out if Rizal was a naturalized German citizen, "who had the protection
of a strong nation" for proper action.
 Meanwhile, Rizal and his sister were peacefully crossing the China Sea.
They were fully unaware of the Spanish duplicity.
Arrival in Manila
With his widowed sister Lucia, they arrived at noon of June 26, 1892 in
Manila. They were met by many government officials who inspected his
luggage and the two were allowed to land. Lucia stayed with her sisters while
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Rizal checked in at Hotel de Oriente. In the afternoon at 4:00, he went to

Malacañang Palace to seek audience with the Spanish governor general but
was asked to go back at 7:00 P.M. He had discussions with Despujol, who
allowed to pardon his father and can return to the Philippines but not all his
family member. After which, he visited his friends and sisters. The homes he
visited were raided by the Guardia Civil which seized some copies of the Noli
and Fili and some subversive pamphlets. Rizal had other interviews with
Despujol in which he strongly opposed Rizal's proposal on Borneo Project. He
was not also able to succeed to get a lift on the exile of his entire family.
Founding of the La Liga Filipina
Rizal presided -a meeting of the patriots at the home of Doroteo Ongjunco in
Tondo, Manila on July 3,1892. Rizal explained the objectives of the La Liga
Flipina, a civic league of Filipinos concern on the socio-economic life of the
people. He also presented the Constitution he wrote in Hong Kong which was
gladly approved. New set of officers were elected also on the same day.
 La Liga Filipina - The Philippine League. Rizal drafted its constitution
while he was in Hong Kong with the help of Jose Maria Basa.

Motto: One Like All (Unus Instar Omnium)

Membership is based on endorsements and passing of certain tests.
Three levels of organizational councils:
(Popular/Provincial/Supreme)
The constitution contained the aims of the La Liga which were the
following:
 Unite the whole archipelago into one compact, Vigorouus and
homogeneous body;
 Mutual protection in every want and necessity,
 Defense against all violence and injustice;
 Encouragement of instruction, agriculture, and commerce; and,
 Study and application of reforms.
During the meeting, Rizal met Andres Bonifacio, who was one of the founders
of the La Liga. It was a meeting of two men with different
family backgrounds, different personalities and different views in life, yet they
shared the same burning desire to see a reformed and democratic Philippines.
Apolinario Mabini was also present in this meeting.

The Arrest of Rizal

On July 6, 1892, three days after La Liga Filipina was organized,
Rizal was secretly arrested by Spanish authorities while he was having a
meeting with Despujol in his office. The later showed him a pamphlet which
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was allegedly discovered in Lucia's pillow case in the hotel. Rizal denied
having those leaflets in their baggage which were thoroughly searched upon
their arrival from Hong Kong by the custom authorities who found nothing.
Rizal was jailed to Fort Santiago and was kept incommunicado.
Reasons for Rizal's Arrest
1) A few hours after his arrival in Manila, a copy of the pamphlet "Pobres
Frailes" (Poor Friars) - by Fr. Jacinto was found in his belonging. It was
printed by Imprenta de los Amigos del Pais, Manila. The content is a satire
against the rich Dominican friars who amassed fabulous riches contrary to
their monastic vow of property.
2) Rizal had published books and articles abroad which showed disloyalty
Spain and which were frankly "anti -Cathotholic" and imprudently anti friar."
3) His novel El Filibusterismo was dedicated to the memory of the three
traitors GOMBURZA and on the title page he wrote that in view of the vices
and errors of the Spanish administration, "the only salvation for the
Philippines was separation from the mother country."
4) The end which he pursues in his efforts and writings is to tear from the
Filipinos their loyalty to the holy Catholic faith.
LIFE IN DAPITAN
July 14, 1892, nine days after midnight, Rizal was brought under heavy guard
to the steamer Cebu which brought him to Dapitan.
July 17, at 7:00 in the morning, he was handed to Captain Ricardo Carnicero,
the Spanish commander of Dapitan. This marked the exile of Rizal. Father
Pablo Pastells, Superior of the Jesuit Society of the Philippines sent a letter to
Father Antonio Obach, Jesuit priest of Dapitan. The letter stated the condition
in which Rizal could live at the Parish convent:
1) Rizal must publicly retract his errors concerning religion, and make
statements that were clearly pro- Spanish and against revolution;
2) He must perform the church rites and make general confession of his past
life; and,
3) He must conduct in an exemplary manner as a Spanish subject and a man
of religion.

Rizal did not consent to the the conditions of Father Pastels. He was
welcomed by Captain Carnicero to live in his own house. The relationship
between the warden and the prisoner was warm and friendly. Carnicero
admired Rizal's fine qualities and personality. They ate together at the same
table and had many friendly conversations. He gave good reports about Rizal

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to Gov. Despujol. He required Rizal to report to him once a week and he gave
him freedom to go anywhere he liked.

Rizal was bound for Dapitan in Mindanao where he lived in exile for the next
four years. The members of the Liga tried to carry out the plans of the
organization even after Rizal was deported to Mindanao. One of its plans was
to provide financial support for La Solidaridad. Bonifacio continued to work
hard for the Liga, although on the day Rizal was arrested, he and some
Filipino patriots organized an association called "Kataastaasan
Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” ("Highest and Most
Respected Sons of the People") or the Katipunan. Rizal's arrest shocked the
people - including Bonifacio who saw Rizal as a symbol of reform and
freedom. A few months later, the Liga ceased to be an organization.

With the demise of the Liga, Bonifacio dedicated himself to the task of
strengthening the Katipunan as a revolutionary society. He and the original
members of the Katipunan vowed to win members for the organization. All
new members were asked to swear in the name of God and the people to
defend the aims of the society, one of which was to establish an independent
Philippine state, and to sign the membership papers with their own blood.
The society grew, and by 1896 it had recruited thousands of members.
Rizal's Activities in Dapitan
Meanwhile, in Dapitan, Rizal lived the kind of adult life he had led wherever
and whenever he was: a lifestyle that was intense, creative, and community-
oriented. His four years in exile were spent on extremely productive ventures.
 He provided free medical treatment for the poor and put up his
hospital.
 He studied the medicinal plants in the area and prescribed them to the
poor.
 He equipped the town with lighting system consisted of coconut oil
lamps placed in the dark streets. It was in 1894 when Manila saw the
first electric lights.
 He established in 1893 a school for young boys that existed until July
1896. He did not ask for tuition fee, rather the students were required
to work in his garden, fields and construction projects in the
community. Rizal had planned to establish a modern college in Hong
Kong but did not materialize. So in his school in Dapitan, he taught his
students gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, stone throwing, swimming,
arnis and boating to strengthen their bodies. He taught the boys
reading, writing, Spanish, English, geography, history, mathematics,
industrial work, nature study, morals. He also trained them how to
collect specimens of plants and animals, to love work, and to behave
like men.
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 He had a beautification project for Dapitan by remodeling the town

plaza with the help of Father Sanchez. He made a huge relief map of
Mindanao out of earth, stones and grass in front of the church.
 He built a water-work system for the community to furnish clean water
to the townspeople. Modern engineers marveled how Rizal could have
built such a system of waterworks, for he had inadequate tools,
materials and finances. His work was praised by Mr. H.F. Cameron, an
American engineer.
 He collected specimen of animals which he sent to the Dresden
Museum.
 He planted fruit trees.
 He wrote a poem entitled "Hymn to Talisay" his favorite place - under
the talisay tree and wrote letters.
 He spent many months draining the marshes in order to get ria of
malaria that infested Dapitan.
 He contributed much to Science. He collected specimens and sent
them to the museums in Europe especially Dresden Museum; the
scientist sent him scientific books and surgical instruments in return.
 In concology, Rizal built a rich collection of concology which consist
346 shells representing 203 species.
 He discovered rare speciments which were named in his honor by his
scientist friends: Draco Rizalli (a flying Dragon); pogonia Rizalli (a small
beetle) Rhacophorus Rizalli (a rare frog)
 Linguistic Studies- He learned Bisayan, Subanum, and Malay
languages. He wrote a Tagalog grammar, made a comparative study of
the Bisayan and Malayan languages, and studied the Bisayan Cebuano
and and Subanum languages. By this time, Rizal knew 22 languages.
 Artistic works. Rizal continued to paint and do sculptures. He made
sketches of persons and things that attracted him. He made "The
Mother's revenge", bust of Father Geuricco", "The Dapitan Girl" a
woodcarving of his wife Josephine Bracken and a bust of St. Paul which
he gave to Father Pastels.
 Rizal as a Farmer. In his agricultural land, he planted cacao0, coffee,
sugarcane, coconuts and fruit trees. His land of 70 hectares had 6,000
hemp plants, 1,000 coconut trees, and numerous fruit trees. He also
imported agricultural machinery from the United States.
 Businessman. His business partner was Ramon Carreon, a Dapitan
merchant. He made profitable business in fishing, copra, and hemp
industries. He made much profit of P200 in one stroke with abaca. He
also had lime burner with the capacity of 400 bags in a month.
 Rizal established the Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers to
break the Chinese monopoly in trade and where the people of Dapitan
can buy commodities at moderate prices.

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 Rizal...the inventor. When he was practicing medicine in Calamba, he

invented a cigarette lighter he called "sulpukan". In Dapitan, he
invented a wooden brick-maker machine that was able to produce
6,000 bricks in one day.

Rizal and Family in Dapitan

The Family of Rizal took turns to visit him and stay with him. Among them
were his mother, sisters- Trinidad, Maria, Narcisa, and nephews Teodosio,
Estanislao, Mauricio, and Prudencio. He built his house by the seashore of
Talisay, surrounded by fruit trees. He had also another house for his school
boys and a hospital. In 1895, his mother's eyesight has fully recovered and
saw how busy her talented son was and had regretted the muses. She
requested him to write poetry again thus he wrote "My Retreat".
Rizal's Properties
On September 21, 1892, a Butuan mailboat brought news of the lottery ticket
No. 9736 jointly owned by Captain Carnicero, Dr. Rizal and Francisco
Equiloior. The ticket won P20,000, in the government –owned Manila Lottery.
Rizal's share was P6,200.00. Upon receiving this sum, he gave 2,000 to his
father and P200 to Basa in Hong Kong then he invested the rest of the money
by buying agricultural lands (16 hetares) along the coast of Talisay, which
was about one kilometer away from Dapitan. His lottery winnings reveal a
lighter side of him. He did not drink nor smoked but he was a lottery addict.
In Madrid, he always invested at least three pesetas every month in lottery
tickets. "Lotter was his only vice” commented Wenceslao E. Retana, his first
Spanish biographer and former enemy.

The Friars and Rizal in Dapitan

The friars including his enemies and friends tried to win back Rizal to the
Catholic Church. Although Rizal continued to attend the Catholic Church in
Dapitan, his Catholicism was the Catholicism that inquires and enlightens, the
Catholicism of Renan and Teilhard de Chardin." He also did not comply to the
other practices of the Church and did not desire to retract on his stand as
Father Pastell asked him to do. In his letter to Father Pastell, Rizal revealed
his anti-Catholic ideas which he acquired in Europe and embitterment at his
persecution by the bad friars, however, the two remained friends. He also
wrote to Blumentrit, I want to hit the friars, but only friars who utilized
religion not only as a shield, but also as a weapon, castle fortress. I was
forced to attack their false and superstitious religion in order to fight the
enemy who hid himself behind it." Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez was
also sent to Dapitan. He was highly esteemed and loved by Rizal. He had a
mission to convince Rizal to retract from his belief, his favorite student. For
once, Rizal could not be convinced by his former beloved teacher but they
both enjoyed each other's company.
Rizal as a Physician in Dapitan

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Rizal practiced medicine in Dapitan. Many people, rich and poor went to seek
his care. His fame as an ophthalmologist spread far and wide. He was paid
P3,000 for restoring the eye sight of Don Ignacio Tumarong, an Englishman
paid him P500 and the rich haciendero Don Florencio Azacarraga paid Rizal a
cargo of sugar.
Rizal and Josephine Bracken
After the day's hard work, Rizal was often sad. He missed his family and
friends, the city life in Europe and his happy days in Calamba. The death of
Leonor Rivera on August 28, 1893 left him more distressed and made his exile
more miserable. Josephine Bracken arrived on time in Dapitan to dispel Rizal's
melancholy mood. She accompanied George Taufer, her adoptive father to
seek the medical expertise of Rizal for his serious eye problem. They had
sought the expertise of ophthalmic specialist in Hong Kong but no one was
able to help him. In his desperation, he travelled with Josephine to seek the
service of Rizal, who later found that Mr. Taufer's eye condition was
incurable. Josephine was born in Hong Kong with Irish descent. Rizal
described her as "slender, a chesnut blond, with blue eyes, and a sweet 18
year old lady" They fell in love with each other at first sight. After a whirlwind
romance of one month, they agreed to marry. But Father Obach, the priest of
Dapitan refused to marry them without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu.
After Josephine accompanied her stepfather back to Manila, where he went
back to Hong Kong alone, she returned to Rizal in Dapitan. Since no priest
would like to marry them, Rizal and Josephine held hands together and
married themselves before the eyes of God. They lived as man and wife
happily although they were scandalized by unsavory tales and gossips.
Josephine gave birth to an eight-month old baby boy, who lived for three
hours only and was named "Francisco Mercado' in honor of the hero's father.
Rizal and Katipunan
In June, 1896, the leaders of the Katipunan decided to inform Rizal of the
society's plan to start a revolution. Dr. Pio Valenzuela was chosen as the
emissary. to Dapitan. On June 21, 1896, Dr. Valenzuela met Rizal in Dapitan
and informed the latter of the society's plan. He also told Rizal of the
Katipunan's plan to rescue him from his exile. Rizal did not agree with both
plans. He believed that it was premature to start a revolution because the
people were not prepared for a revolution and the Katipunan did not have the
money and war machinery to sustain the armed struggle and win the war. He
refused the offer of the Katipunan to rescue him because he had given his
word of honor to the Spanish authorities. Valenzuela returned to Manila and
informed Bonifacio of the outcomes of the secret meeting.

Last Trip Abroad

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Quick Check!!

Share and speak-out what you know…

Good day! I’m Tim, your learning assistant. Before

proceeding to your new lesson, I have few task and
question for you to ponder upon.

Question:
If given the chance to travel, where would you want
to travel? What would be your purpose of going
there?

Last Trip Abroad

Rizal received a letter from a longtime Austrian friend Ferdinand Blumentrit
who informed him of the revolution and yellow fever epidemic in Cuba, which
was a colony of Spain. Blumentrit advised him to volunteer as a medical
doctor. Heeding his friend's advice, Rizal sent a letter to Governor-General
Ramon Blanco in December 1895. The letter contained Rizal's offer to work as
a volunteer medical doctor in Cuba. More than six months passed before a
letter of reply was sent to him on July 1, 1896. The letter notified him of the
acceptance of the offer. Rizal's exile in Dapitan ended on July 31 when he
boarded Espana, bound for Manila and it arrived late in Manila. Unfortunately,
Rizal missed Isla de Luzon for Spain.
Rizal arrived in Manila on the sixth day of August, missing the ship that was
supposed to take him to Spain. He, then, informed the Governor-General
Blanco of his wish to be placed in an isolated location. He wanted to be
isolated from everyone except for his family because he feared that his
prolonged stay in Manila would create troubles for him. He was given
accommodation in a Spanish cruiser and stayed there for nearly a month.
While he was staying on the cruise, the revolution erupted.

Departure for Spain

With Rizal's impending departure, On August 6, Gov. General Blanco ordered
the transfer of Rizal to the Spanish Cruiser Castilla in order to avoid difficulties
from friends and enemies especially that the revolution had started. On
August 26, 1896, the Katipunan, aggravated by the cry of Balintawak raised
by Bonifacio created hysteria and vindictive retaliation against the Filipino
patriots. On August 30, 1896, when the war was proclaimed in the eight

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provinces in the Philippines, Rizal received also two identical letters of

introduction from Governor General Blanco. Rizal was aboard the Castilla and
he learned of the eruption of the revolution and the intense battles around
Manila. He was worried for two reasons (1) the violent revolution was
premature and would only cause much suffering and terrible loss of human
lives and (2) the revolution would arouse Spanish vengeance against all
Filipino patriots, Rizal learned about the revolution. He was worried but he
kept his plan to leave for abroad. He had committed himself to the volunteer
job in Cuba and he had given his word of honor to Governor-General Blanco
who was to betray him. On September 2, Rizal left Manila for Barcelona,
Spain where he was supposed to receive instructions for the volunteer work in
Cuba. What he got when he reached Barcelona was an arrest order from
Governor-General Blanco who regarded Rizal as a dangerous Filipino and
considered him as the leader of the Philippine revolution. Rizal was sent back
to Manila and imprisoned.
Rizal in Singapore
Rizal transferred to the Isla de Panay and reached Singapore on September 7,
1892. The Filipinos in the city convinced him to stay behind and to forego his
trip to Spain but he did not pay attention to their advice. He sincerely believed
that he would be safe for he gave his word of honor to Governor Gen. Blanco
and he would not do anything to tarnish it. Unfortunately, Rizal has already
sealed his doom because the governor himself secretly conspired with the
Ministers of war and the Colonies for his destruction. On September 28, when
the steamer just left Port Said, Rizal received a news from a passenger that
he would be arrested. A day after the news, Rizal was told by Captain
Alemany that he should stay in his cabin until further orders from Manila,
which he graciously complied with.
Arrival in Barcelona
Rizal arrived in Barcelona as a prisoner on September 30, 1896 as the
steamer anchored in Malta then to Barcelona. The rip from Manila to
Barcelona lasted 30 days. He was kept under heavy guard and his jailor
happened to be General Eulogio Despojol, the same man who ordered his
banishment to Dapitan in July 1892. On October 6, 1892, Rizal was sent for
an interview with Despojol, who announces that he would be shipped back to
Manila on board the transport ship Colon which left in the evening
Rizal conscientiously recorded the events in his diary. His homecoming was
the saddest in his life. He knew that he might be executed unjustly but he
was unafraid. Gladly, he desired to meet his enemies and to offer himself as a
sacrificial victim to their sadistic designs. The trial that was held shortly after
his homecoming was one of history's mockeries of justice. His enemies
howled like mad dogs for his blood, and they got it, without the benefit of
genuine justice (Zaide, 1999).
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Last Home Coming

Quick Check!!

Share and speak-out what you know…

Good day! I’m Tim, your learning assistant. Before

proceeding to your new lesson, I have few task and
question for you to ponder upon.

Question:
If you have stayed in a place far from your home for
several years, what would you want to be reason of
your home coming?

Last Homecoming
Rizal was told by a friendly officer that the Madrid newspapers were full of
stories about the bloody revolution in the Philippines and they were blaming
him for it. He wrote on his diary, October 8, 1896: "I believe that what God is
doing to me is a blessing, allowing me to go back to the Philippines in order
to be able to destroy such accusations. Because, either they do me justice
and recognize my innocence and then I will be rehabilitated or they sentence
me to death and thereby before the eyes of the society. I atone for my
supposed crime. Society will forgive me and later, without any doubt, justice
will be done me and I will be one more martyr. At any rate, instead of dying
abroad or in the Manigua (jungle in Cuba), I'll die in my own country. I
believe that what is happening is the best that can happen to me. Always let
God's will be done.! I feel more calm with regard to my future. I feel the
peace that descended upon me. Thank God! Thou art my hope and my
consolation! Let your will be done; I am ready to obey it. Either I will be
condemned and absolved, I'm Happy and ready" (Zaide, 1999). Rizal was
dismayed for his diary was confiscated from him and was returned on
November first.
Rescue in Singapore
News of Rizal's predicament reached his friends in Europe and Singapore.
Many of his friends tried to rescue him. Atty. Fort instituted proceedings at
the Singapore court for the removal of Rizal from the steamer as "illegally
detained" but because the steamer is a warship, under international law was
beyond the jurisdiction of the Singapore authorities. In Manila, many Filipino
patriots were already incarcerated. They were brutally tortured in order to get
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a confession that Rizal was the leader of the revolution. Spanish officials were
on the witch-hunt. Bonifacio and the katipunero (revolutionaries) continued to
wage their armed struggle, losing battle after battle. It was only their
unbelievable courage and inexplicable desire to see a free Philippines that
sustained the struggle. Many months later, Bonifacio lost the leadership of the
Katipunan in a power struggle. He was executed for a crime he did not
commit. Rizal's brother Paciano, was arrested and cruelly tortured but he
refused and never signed any damaging statement incriminating his younger
brother. Although his body was shattered on the torture rack and his left
hand crushed by the screw, his valiant Asian spirit remained unbroken.
Arrival in Manila
The Colon arrived on November 3, with reinforcements and more military
supplies. Rizal was quietly transferred to Fort Santiago under heavy guard.
Rizal appeared before the Judge advocate, Colonel Francisco Olive. He was
subjected to grueling investigation. He was informed of the charges in which
he was allowed to answer but not permitted to confront his accusers.

Rizal’s Charges and Execution

Quick Check!!

Share and speak-out what you know…

Good day! I’m Tim, your learning assistant. Before

proceeding to your new lesson, I have few task and
question for you to ponder upon.

Question:
What would be the most important things to be
considered to evaluate the substances of evidences
in a court case?

Preliminary Investigation on Rizal

Two kinds of evidence were presented against Rizal, documentary and
testimonial. The oral testimonies came from 13 people including Dr. Pio
Valenzuela, the Katipunan emissary who informed Rizal about the plotted
revolution which the later did not approve to avoid premature death among
the people because the people were not yet ready for a revolution. The
Documentary evidences consisted of fifteen exhibits, of letters and poems.
Rizal wrote Kundiman in Manila on September 12, 1891.
 Colonel olive- transmitted the records of the case.

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 Governor Ramon Blanco- who, in turn, appointed Captain Rafael

Dominguez as the Judge Advocate to institute the corresponding action
against Rizal.
 Don Nicolas de la Pena- Judge Advocate General, whom General
Blanco transmitted the papers for an opinion.
 After studying the papers, Pena submitted the following
recommendations:

1. The accused be immediately brought to trial.

2. He should be kept in prison.
3. An order of attachment be issued against his properties to the amount of
one million pesos as indemnity.
4. He should be defended in court by an army officer, not by a civilian lawyer.

Rizal's Defense
Rizal was given the right to choose his defense counsel among 100 first and
second lieutenants in the Spanish Army. He chose Don Luis Taviel de
Andrade, 1st lieutenant of the Artillery, for his name was familiar to him. Lt.
Luis Taviel de Andrade was the brother of Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade, Rizal's
bodyguard in Calamba in 1887. He gladly accepted the task of defending Rizal
because he heard good reports from his older brother about him.

Charges Read to Rizal

December 11, the charges were read to Rizal in the presence of his counsel
when questions asked, Rizal replied:
1. He did not question the jurisdiction of the court;
2. He had nothing to amend, except that since his deportation to Dapitan in
1892 and he had not engaged in politics;
3. He did not admit the charges preferred against him; and,
4. He did not admit the declarations of the witness against him.

Rizal's Manifesto
On December 15, Rizal wrote a manifesto (proposal) to the Filipino people
appealing to them to stop the necessary shedding of blood and to achieve
their liberties by means of education and industry.
The manifesto was suppressed by the Judge advocate General Nicolas de la
Peña, thus Rizal was saved from the shame of his manifesto's being
misinterpreted and disobeyed by the Filipinos in arms.

Rizal's Last Christmas

The Christmas of 1896 was the darkest and cheerless Christmas for Rizal. He
was accustomed of celebrating occasions with someone and yet on this
Christmas, he was alone in his dark cell. At this time, he wrote to his

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defender, asking him to visit him any time of the day to discuss matters
before his case would be heard the next day.

THE TRIAL OF RIZAL

The trial of Rizal was a farce, a patently mistrial for he was a civilian tried by
a military court composed of military officers. His trial started at 8:00 A.M. of
December 26, 1896. In the Cuartel de Espana, a military building.

Present in the courtroom were:

 Dr. Jose Rizal (the accused)
 Lt. Taviel de Andrade (his defense council)
 Capt. Rafael Dominguez (Judge Advocate)
 Lt. Enrique de Alcocer (prosecuting Attorrney)
 The Spectators: Josephine Bracken, -a sister of Rizal – some
newspapermen- many Spaniards, Prosecuting Attorney Alcocer arose
and delivered a long and bitter speech summarizing the charges
against Rizal and urged the court to give the verdict of death to the
accused. The Spanish give spectators applauded noisily Alcocerr's
petition for the sentence of death.

Seven Members of the Military Court:

1. Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona (president)
2. Capt. Ricardo Munoz Arias
3. Capt. Manuel Reguera
4. Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio
5. Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez
6. Capt. Manuel Diaz Escribano
7. Capt. Fernando Perez

THE MANIFESTO
"Fellow countrymen: Upon my return from Spain I learned that my name was
being used as a rallying cry by some who had taken up arms. This
information surprised and grieved me but thinking that the whole affair was
finished, I refrained from commenting on something that could no longer be
remedied. Now, rumors reach me that the disturbances have not ceased. It
may be that persons continue to use my name in good or in bad faith; if so,
wishing to put a stop to this abuse and to undeceive the gullible, I hasten to
address these lines to you that the truth may be known. From the very
beginning, when I first received information of what was being planned, I
opposed it, I fought against it, and I made clear that it was absolutely
impossible. This is the truth, and they are still alive who can bear witness to
my words. I was convinced that the very idea was wholly absurd worse than
absurd, it was disastrous. I did more than this. When later on, in spite of my
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urgings, the uprising broke out, I came forward voluntarily to offer not only
my services but my life and even my good name in order that they may use
me in any manner they may think opportune to smother the rebellion. For I
was convinced of the evils which that rebellion would bring in its train, and so
I considered it a privilege if at whatever sacrifice I could ward off so much
useless suffering. This is also of record.

"Fellow countrymen: I have given many proofs that I desire as much as the
next man liberties for our country; I continue to desire them. But I laid down
as a prerequisite the education of the people in order that by means of such
instruction, and by hard work, they may acquire a personality of their own
and so become worthy of such liberties. In my writings I have recommended
study and the civic virtues, without which no redemption is possible. I have
also written (and my words have been repeated by others) that reforms, if
they are to bear fruit, must come from above, for reforms that come from
below are upheavals both violent and transitory. Thoroughly imbued with
these ideas, I cannot do less than condemn, as I do condemn, this ridiculous
and barbarous uprising, plotted behind my back, which both dishonors us
Filipinos and discredits. those who might have taken our part. I abominate
the crimes for which it is responsible and I will have no part in it. With all my
heart I am sorry for those who have rashly allowed themselves to be
deceived. Let them, then, return to their homes, and may God pardon those
who have acted in bad faith."
Rizal was accused of three crimes:
 Rebellion;
 Sedition; and
 Illegal Association

Penalty
 Rebellion and Sedition- was from life imprisonment to death.
 Illegal Association- was correctional imprisonment and a fine of P325
to P3250 pesetas.

In his supplementary defense, he further proved his innocence by

twelve points:
1. He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in
Dapitan not to rise in revolution.
2. He did not Correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.
3. The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he were guilty
he could have escaped in Singapore.
4. If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a Moro vinta
and would not have built a home, a hospital, and bought lands in Dapitan.
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5. If he were the chief of the revolution, why was he not consulted by the
revolutionists?
6. It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Liga-Filipina, but this is only a civic
association - not a revolutionary society.
7. The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he was
banished to Dapitan and it died out.
8. If the Liga was reorganized nine months later, he did not know about it.
9. The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists; otherwise they
would not have supplanted it with the Katipunan.
10.If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal's letters, it
was because they were written in 1890 when his family was being
persecuted, being dispossesssed of houses, warehouses, lands, etc... and his
brother and brother-in-law were deported.
11.His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military commanders
and missionary priests could attest.
12.It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech at the
house of Doroteo Ongjunco, as alleged by witnesses whom he would like to
confront. His friends knew his opposition to armed rebellion. Why did the
Katipunan send an emissary to Dapitan who was unknown to him? Because
those who knew him were aware that he would never sanction any violent
movement.
 Lt. Col. Togores Arjona - considered the trial over and ordered the hall
cleared.

POLAVIEJA SIGNS RIZAL'S EXECUTION

On December 28, 1896, Camilo, Polavieja approved the decision of the court-
martial and ordered Rizal to be shot at 7:00 in the morning of December 30,
1896 at Bagumbayan Field (Luneta).

Timeline of the last days of Rizal

 December 26, 1896: A Spanish court martial finds Jose Rizal guilty for
sedition and sentences him to death by firing squad.
 December 28, 1896: It is decided that Rizal will be executed by
musketry; Governor-General Camillo Polavieja confirms the sentence.
 December 28, 1896: Teodora Alonzo wrote the Governor-General
asking for clemency for her son.
 December 28, 1896: Rizal's sisters went to Malacañan Palace to plead
to Governor-General Polavieja for the their brother.
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 December 29, 1896: Rizal is read his death sentence.

 December 29, 1896: Rizal is visited by several priests who tried to
convince him to sign a retraction paper Fr. Federico Faura- the priest
who said "you might lose your head" on writing the Noli.
 Decemeber 29, 1896: Rizal writes his last letter to Ferdinand
Blumentritt.
 December 29, 1896: Rizal's mother paid her final visit to her son
accompanied by her daughter, Trinidad Mercado.
 December 29, 1896: Rizal's sisters were allowed to visit him. He gave
his possessions to his family. Josephine Bracken with Josefa was
allowed to see Rizal. Rizal gave a religious book "Imitation of Christ" by
Thomas A. Kempis with his autograph.
 Narcisa - Wicker Chair
 Angelica, niece – Handkerchief
 Mauricio, nephew Belt, watch, and chain
 Trinidad - Alcohol Burner with Mi Ultimo Adios
 December 30, 1896: Rizal was brought to the execution site from Fort
Santiago. (6:30 A.M.)
 December 30, 1896: Rizal was executed by musketry, (7:03 A.M.)
 December 30, 1896: After the execution, Rizal's body was brought to
San Juan de Dios Hospital and buried in the Paco Cemetery in an
unmarked grave.

LOOKING AHEAD:
In preparation for the next module, study Annotation of Antonio Morga’s
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas
REFERENCES:
Jose Rizal: Life, Works, and Writings of a Genius, writer, Scientist, and
National Hero, by: Gregorio F. Zaide amd Sonia M. Zaide

Name: ________________________________Yr&Section: ______

Let’s Make and Do!

(Activity 1) Instructions: Make a root-cause analysis to show the reasons

behind Rizal’s arrest, the process of his arrest and results thereafter.

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RESULTS

(Activity 2) Instructions: Make a timeline on the last travels of Rizal: this

includes the countries he visited; his accomplishments in each country; the
knowledge and values he earned; and the people who supports him in his
movement.

(Activity 3) Instructions: Make a short essay as commentary and response

on how Rizal was handled and treated on the case charged against him.

Consider this rubric for this activity.

Rubrics Very Good Good Poor Needs
Improvement

Substance (40pts) The (30pts) The (15pts) The (5) The author’s
(40pts) author’s author’s author’s purpose of
purpose of purpose purpose writing is unclear
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writing is very of writing is of writing is but has

clear, and there somewhat somewhat attempted to.
is strong clear, and there clear, and there -Statements
evidence of is some is evidence of displays no
attention to evidence of attention to understanding of
audience. The attention to audience. The the topic.
author’s audience. The author’s
extensive author’s knowledge
knowledge knowledge and/or
and/or and/or experience with
experience with experience with the topic is/are
the topic is/are the topic is/are limited.
evident. evident. -The
-Guide -Guide statements
questions were questions were reflect very
answered and answered but poor
displays robust displays a understanding
understanding shallow of the topic.
of the topic understanding
of the topic.

Syntax (20pts) All (15pts) Most (10) Most (5pts)

(20pts) sentences are sentences are sentences are Sentences sound
well well- well awkward, are
constructed and constructed and constructed, distractingly
have varied have varied but they have a repetitive, or are
structure and structure and similar structure difficult to
length. The length. The and/or length. understand. The
author author The author author makes
makes no makes a few makes several numerous errors
errors in errors in errors in in grammar,
grammar, grammar, grammar, mechanics,
mechanics, mechanics, mechanics, and/or spelling
and/or spelling. and/or spelling, and/or spelling that interfere
but they do not that interfere with
interfere with with understanding.
understanding. understanding.
Organization (20pts) The (15pts) The (10) The (5pts) There is
of thoughts introduction is introduction introduction no clear
(20pts) inviting, states states the main states the main introduction,
the main topic, topic and topic. structure,
and provides an provides an -A conclusion is or conclusion.
overview of the overview of the included.
paper. paper.
-Information is -A conclusion is
Relevant and included.
presented in a
logical order.
-The conclusion
is strong.

Scholarship (20pts) (15pts) (10) Citation of (5pts) No

(20pts) References Citation of references were citation of
were cited references were done but are in references were

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correctly and made but few an incorrect done and all

thoughts are errors were way but are thoughts are
backed with observed but slightly helpful purely
facts & figures. are essential in in supporting opinionated.
supporting personal
personal thoughts.
thoughts.

(Activity 4) Instructions: Through and editorial cartooning, make a

summary of the life events of Rizal on his charges and on his last few days.
Make sure to reflect the cases filed against him, evidences and the treatment
of his case. Provide a brief description of your work.
Very Good Good Poor Needs
10pts 8pts 5pts Improvement
2pts

Images – All images are All images are Images are Images do not
Relevance to related to the related to the essential to relate to the
the topic and make topic and most deliver the topic or are of
Theme/Topic it easier to make it easier content but also no use to
understand. to understand contains deliver content.
with few distractive
irrelevant elements.
elements but
not distractive
to the subject.

Images - Several of the One or two of The images are No original

Originality images used on the images made by the images made
the poster used on the student, but by the student
reflect an poster reflect most are based are included.
exceptional student on the designs
degree of creativity in or ideas of
student their creation others.
creativity in and/or display.
their creation
and/or display.

Required The output All required All but 1 of the Several required
Elements includes all elements are required elements were
required included on the elements are missing.
elements as output. included on the
well as output.
additional
information.

Attractiveness The output is The output is The output is The output is

exceptionally attractive in acceptably distractingly
attractive in terms of design, attractive messy or very
terms of design, layout and though it may poorly

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layout, and neatness. be a bit messy. designed. It is

neatness. not attractive.

Grammar & -There are no -There is 1 -There are 2 -There are more
Content grammatical grammatical grammatical than 2
mistakes on the mistake on the mistakes on the grammatical
description. description. description. mistakes on the
-Contents are -Content -The description description.
well explained descriptions has many -The description
on the may have obvious errors. causes
description. errors but are confusion.
acceptable.

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