THE ENTRAPMENT: RIZAL's arrest, trial, & MARTYRDOM

[Virtual Presenter] In 1896, Jose Rizal left Dapitan after gaining permission to serve as a doctor in Cuba. Rizal applied for permission to travel to Cuba to serve as a doctor treating victims of a deadly yellow fever outbreak. His request was seen as an act of selflessness, a chance to use his skills for humanitarian purposes. After much deliberation, the Spanish government granted him permission, a decision that would set the wheels of tragedy in motion. With his approval secured, Rizal prepared for his journey. But fate had other plans. On the way to Spain, where he would catch a ship to Cuba, Rizal was detained in Barcelona by Spanish authorities. They accused him of being complicit in the rebellion back home, citing letters and testimonies that linked him to revolutionary activities. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Rizal was arrested and returned to Manila..

[Audio] The arrival of the steamer Colon in Manila on November 3, 1896 brought too much jubilation on the part of the friars and the Spaniards, because for them Jose Rizal could be made to answer for a crime he committed against the Spanish government. Under heavy guard, Rizal was brought to Fort Santiago pending the prosecution of his case. He was held incommunicado for almost four weeks in his detention cell..

[Audio] Colonel Francisco Olive, the Judge Advocate of the Spanish military tribunal, summoned Rizal to appear before him on November 20, 1896. Desiring to clear his name from the accusations imputed against him, Rizal appeared before the Judge Advocate. There were two kinds of evidences presented by Olive to Rizal during the preliminary investigation of Rizal: documentary and testimonial. The documentary evidences were culled from the following: the letters of Antonio Luna , Marcelo H. del Pilar, Carlos Oliver, and Rizal himself; poems of kundiman and Hymn to Talisay; and transcript of speeches of Emilio Jacinto and Jose T. Santiago. On the other hand, the testimonial evidence against Rizal consisted of oral statements of people who had been associated with him, like Jose Dizon, Deodato Arellano, Pio Valenzuela, Timoteo Paez, and Pedro Laktaw. The five-day investigation Rizal went through was very exhausting and ruthless. Nonetheless, Rizal responded systematically to all inquiries made by the Judge Advocate but was not given the opportunity to cross examine witnesses against him. Nor was he allowed to offer any formal defense to counter all accusations against him..

[Audio] Six days after the preliminary investigation, Colonel Olive transmitted his report of the case to Governor Ramon Blanco for appropriate action on November 26, 1896. Blanco then appointed Captain Rafael Dominguez as a Special Judge to evaluate the case. After a careful scrutiny of Olive's report, forwarded to him by the governor-general, he concluded that a prima facie exists against Rizal meaning he decided there was enough evidence to show Rizal might be guilty at first glance, but more investigation was needed to confirm it. He then, endorsed his summary of charges against Rizal to Nicolas dela Pena, the Judge Advocate General, for legal opinion and adjudication. After reviewing the brief prepared by Olive, Pena concurred with Olive on his assessment of the case. As a prima facie case against Rizal for the complex crime of rebellion and formation of illegal organization, Pena made the following recommendations to Governor Blanco on December 8, 1896: 1) that the accused be kept under the custody of law; 2) that accused be brought to trial; 3) that an order of attachment be issued against his property; and 4) that the accused be defended in court by an army officer..

[Audio] In December 1896, Jose Rizal faced the unfolding of events that would lead to his trial. On December 8, the Judge Advocate General informed him to prepare for arraignment and select legal counsel. Presented with a list of military officers, Rizal chose Luis Taviel de Andrade, someone he had worked with before as his bodyguard during his time in Calamba four years earlier. A few days later, on December 11, Rizal stood before the military tribunal as the charges against him were read out. The accusations portrayed him as the central figure behind the rebellion, alleging that he had founded organizations, publications, and written works promoting revolutionary ideas. Rizal maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, choosing not to contest the tribunal's authority due to the prevailing martial law in the provinces that had joined the revolution. By December 13, Captain Rafael Dominguez had completed the transcript of the case and submitted it to Malacañang Palace. Around this time, leadership shifted—General Camilo de Polavieja replaced Governor Ramon Blanco. Many had hoped Blanco's views on Rizal's innocence would lead to his acquittal, given that he did not believe Rizal to be a traitor. However, with Polavieja's rise to power, the possibility of a fair outcome disappeared, and Rizal's fate was effectively sealed..

[Audio] Rizal's case was turned over to Dominguez and Alcocer on December 19, 1896 for prosecution. The trial commenced on December 26 at the Halls of Banners of Cuartel de Espana. Two days prior to the trail, the court martial was constituted, with Colonel Jose Togores as president and Enrique de Alcocer was designated as prosecutor. The trial started with the reading of the charges against the accused by Judge Advocate Dominguez. This was followed by a detailed presentation of Rizal's case by Alcocer, which culminated his call on the members of the military tribunal to render a decision by imposing death penalty on the accused. Alcocer's argument rested on Rizal's admission of the founding of La Liga, which to his mind had something to do with Bonifacio's revolution..

[Audio] After the Alcocer's passionate speech, Taviel de Andrade took the floor to present his defense of Rizal. Taviel de Andrade's defense was based on the rule of evidence and the law applying the Penal Code of Spain in the Philippines. Believing that the prosecution was biased on Rizal, he defended Rizal by saying that penalties can only be imposed on an accused through any of the following means: Ocular inspection; confession of the accused; credible witnesses; expert opinion; official documents or conclusive evidences. As none of these conditions existed, Rizal was not guilty of the crime charged against him. Moreover, as oral testimonies used against Rizal were given by those who were interested in ascribing leadership of the revolution to Rizal, these were biased and should not be used against the accused..

[Audio] After Taviel de Andrade's briliiant defense, Rizal was asked by the Judge Advocate whether he had something to add to what his counsel had presented. Rizal stood up and presented his own brief: I am not guilty of rebellion as I even advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in revolution The revolutionists used my name without my knowledge. If I were guilty, I could have escaped from Singapore. If I had a hand in Katipunan revolution, I could have escaped in Dapitan and should have not built a house there. If I were the chief of the revolution, why did they not consult me on their plans? I was not the founder of La Solidaridad and the Asociacion Hispano-Filipino I had nothing to do with the introduction of masonry in the Philippines. Francisco Laktaw Serrano, founder of the Lodge Nilad, had a higher degree than I had. If I were the head, since when does an officer permit himself to be promoted to a captain general? The La Liga did not live long. It died a natural death after my banishment to Dapitan. If the La Liga was re-organized nine months later, I was totally unaware of it..

[Audio] 9. It was true that I wrote the statutes of the La Liga. The La Liga, however, is a civic association whose purposes are unity and development of commerce and industry. 10. While it was true that there were some bitter statements in my letters, it was because they were written when my family was being persecuted, being dispossessed of their houses and lands; and my brother and brother-in-law were rusticated without due process of law 11. It was not true that the revolution was inspired in one of my speeches at the house of Doroteo Ongjungco, as alleged by the witnesses whom I would like to confront. My friends knew very well about my vehement opposition to an armed rebellion. 12. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to me in Dapitan, who was a total stranger to me? Because who knew me were cognizant that I would never sanction any violent movement. 13. My life in Dapitan had been exemplary, as evidenced by my productive activities for the welfare of the people. Even the politico-military commanders and missionary priests could attest to this..

[Audio] On the same day, the verdict of the military court, signed by Jose Togores, was submitted to Governor Polavieja, who referred the same to Nicolas de la Pena, the Judge Advocate General, for comments. De la Pena concurred with the decision made by the court. He found Rizal guilty beyond reasonable doubt and therefore, should be condemned to death by firing squad at the place and time chosen by the governor-general. Polavieja approved De la Pena's recommendations on December 28, 1896. He, then decreed Rizal's execution on December 30 at 7:00 o' clock in the morning at Bagumbayan Field..

[Audio] Rizal's trial was a clear case of mistrial. A very clear confirmation of the injustice of the Spanish regime. It was a deliberate effort to condemn Rizal for the following reasons: Rizal was a civilian but was tried by a military tribunal Rizal was already condemned guilty even before the trial All allegations against Rizal were accepted by the court but not the arguments and evidence in his favor Rizal was not allowed to confront witnesses against him nor his counsel to cross-examine them Evidences to convict Rizal did not have any bearing on his alleged commission of the complex crime of rebellion and In military tribunals, the accused is almost certain to be found guilty.

[Audio] Considering Rizal's defense for the crime imputed on him raises the question of whether he was guilty or innocent? As pointed out by Guerrero in his book, Rizal was neither guilty nor innocent. Evidences used by the military court were not sufficient to warrant the finding of guilty and the concomitant imposition of death penalty. Moreover, Rizal was really innocent of the accusation that he was the moving spirit behind the revolution started by Bonifacio and the Katipunan. While Rizal was denying any connection with the KKK, he was actually its source of inspiration. In fact, his name was used as a password for one of the grades of membership in the KKK. Nonetheless, he repudiated revolution started by the Katipunan, as gleaned from the manifesto he wrote at Fort Santiago on December 15, 1896.

[Audio] My countrymen: On my return from Spain, I learned that my name had been used as a war cry among some who were in arms. The news painfully sur[rised me, but believing it was all over, I kept silent over what I considered irremediable. Now I hear rumors that the disturbances continue, and lest any persons should still go on using my name in bad or good faith, to remedy this abuse and to undeceive the unwary, I hasten to address you these lines so that the truth may be known. From the beginning, when I had news of what was being planned, I opposed it, fought it, and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. This is the truth and witnesses to my words are still living. I was convinced that the idea was highly absurd and, what was worse, would bring great suffering. I did more. When later, in spite of my counsels, the movement broke out, I spontaneously offered not only my services, but my life, even my name so that they might use them in the manner they saw fit to suppress the rebellion, for, convinced of the evils that would befall them. I considered myself fortunate if, at any sacrifice. I could prevent such useless misfortunes. This is equally of record..

[Audio] My countrymen: I have given proofs, more than anybody else, of desiring liberties for our country and I still desire them. But I place as a premise the education of the people so that by means of education and of labor they might have a personality of their own and make themselves worthy of liberties. In my writings I have recommended redemption. I have also written that reforms, to be fruitful, have to come from above, that those that come from below are irregular and unstable. Imbued with these ideals, I cannot but condemn this absurd, savage uprising planned behind my back, which dishonors us, the Filipinos, and discredits those who may advocate our cause. I abhor its criminal methods and disclaim all participation therein, pitying from the bottom of my heart the unwary, who have allowed themselves to be deceived. Return then to your houses, and may God forgive those who have acted in bad faith..

[Audio] The verdict of death sentence was read to Rizal on December 29, 1896. At the outset, Rizal refused to sign it owing to his innocence and objection to his being labeled as a Chinese mestizo. Later, realizing that the law required it, he affixed his signature on the notification of the court's decision. With only twenty-four hours remaining on earth, Rizal sent a note to his family, as he wants to see them before his execution. The day proved to be a hectic one for him as visitors come and go; members of his family; journalists; his defense counsel; Jesuits and other friars who were convincing Rizal to go back to the fold of Catholicism. While busy attending to his visitors, he took time to write his last letter to his best friend and confidante, Blumentritt. Later in the afternoon, his mother, together with Maria, Trinidad, Narcisa, his niece Angelica, and his favorite nephew, Mauricio, visited Rizal. First to see him was his mother who was then crying, approached Rizal to embrace him but the cell guard separated them. Rizal knelt and kissed his mother's hand. After a brief silence between them, Rizal asked Dona Teodora to secure the permission of the authorities for his family to bury his dead body. She, then, left the cell afterwards. As his mother could not accept Rizal's fate, she even tried seeking executive clemency for her son. Nonetheless, her attempt to secure such pardon from the governor-general proved futile. After his mother, Rizal's family members came one at a time. As a person who is about to die, he tried to give each one of them something that would make them remember him. To Trinidad, Rizal gave an alcohol burner and told her that something important was inside it. It was inside this alcohol burner where Rizal had placed his last poem, which came to be entitled as Mi Ultimo Adios or My Last Farewell. Josephine came later for a brief visit. Rizal kissed her before she left. Knowing that his message and poem could be kept for posterity, Rizal then rested, feeling that his mission was over. One by one, his memory of the distant and immediate past flashes back to him. His tranquility, however, was disturbed by the footsteps and voices outside his prison cell. Meantime, the Jesuits came back to see Rizal to convince him to retract his alleged religious errors and return to the fold of Catholicism. Rizal's last day was indeed an exhausting one for him..

[Audio] The death march began at exactly 6:30 in the morning. Rizal sported a black suit and vest with a black hat. Although his arms were tied behind his back, he walked serenely as if nothing would happen to him. Behind him were lieutenant Taviel de Andrade, his defender, Father March, and Father Villaclara. Marching behind them, with pomp and precision, was a platoon of Spanish soldiers. Spectators lined along the street from Fort Santiago to Plaza del Palacio, in front of the Manila Cathedral; then to Malecon Street (now called Bonifacio drive) until the participants in the death march, reached Bagumbayan Field. A mammoth crowd of Filipinos and foreigners was able to inch closer to the cordon formed by the Spanish soldiers to take a last glimpse of Rizal. Upon arriving at Bagumbayan Field, Rizal bid goodbye to Lieutenant Luis Taviel de Andrade, the two priests who accompanied him in the march and finally, to Josephine. Before proceeding to the designated place where Rizal was supposed to stand, Dr. Felipe Castillo, a military physician, checked his pulse and found it normal. Before the execution Rizal requested the commander of the cavalry that he be shot facing his executioners considering that he was not a traitor. The request, however was denied as the Spanish officer had a standing order from higher authorities that Rizal should be shot at the back. The trumpet sounded again signaling the commencement of the execution. As the commander shouted Fuego or Fire, the guns of the firing squad rang out in a row. Rizal slowly turned his back to the firing squad, faced the sea and fell to the ground. The military band played the Marcha de Cadiz, Spain's national hymn. Shouts of Viva Espana and Muerte a los traidores could be heard all over the place at exactly 7:03 in the morning. It was all over, Rizal had been executed. Rizal had died but he lives in the hearts of the people, as a martyr to Filipino freedom. His leadership being direct enlightened, liberal, democratic, progressive, compassionate, and peaceful was the crowning glory of his service to the Filipino people. This kind of leadership that he manifested can be gleaned from his writings and personal examples. Here lies his excellence as an individual, a man with a purpose and conscience..

[Audio] This poem was the longest, untitled poem written by Rizal on December 29, 1896. He hid the poem in an alcohol lamp and gave this to his sister, Trinidad. Knowing that the guards did not speak English, he told his sister, "there is something inside". The original manuscript Rizal gave to his sister disappeared and was believed to have been taken by Josephine Bracken when she returned to Hongkong in 1897. According to Coates (Rizal's biographer), this poem is remarkable for it achieves four separate purposes. 1) it is a poem of farewell 2) it is an appeal to the Filipinos, not to forget him 3) it is Rizal's last will and testament 4) it is Rizal's autobiography Close reading of the poem reveals Rizal's spirit of fairness and justice, as no stanza is given over to condemnation, no phrase to recrimination, no word to hatred despite the oppression and injustice he suffered. The poem was Rizal's farewell to his native land, which he described as Dear Fatherland, Clime of the Sun Caressed, Pearl of the Orient Seas, Beloved Filipinas and my Fatherland. To this venerated and adored land, Rizal gladly offered his life for the good of his country..

[Audio] One of the controversial issues about Rizal was on the question whether he died a Catholic or a Mason. The assumed retraction continues to intrigue historians, as well as students. Some are arguing that Rizal retracted his Masonic views and embraced his Catholic faith before he died. On the other hand, there are those that believe that retraction of Rizal is a lie considering that throughout his life, Rizal was a free and rational thinker..

[Audio] The Roman Catholic is, of course, the greatest exponent of the view that Rizal died a Catholic and retracted his Masonic views. Evidences used by the Church to prove the veracity of its claim, as well as those who share the same belief, are summed by Father Cavanna cited by Hessel: The retraction document is a chief witness to the reality of the retraction itself, since its discovery in 1935. The burden of proof rests with those who question the retraction. Rizal recited and signed the prayer book entitled Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity. This book was offered to Rizal after his signing of the retraction document according to Father Balaguer. The testimony of the press at the time of the event, of eyewitnesses, especially those who were closely associated with events, like the head of the Jesuit order, attested that Rizal did retract and sign a retraction document. Rizal performed acts of piety during his last hours, as testified by the witnesses. The Church, through the Jesuits, solemnized Rizal's marriage to Josephine Bracken, as attested by witnesses. The Catholic Church will not officiate a marriage ceremony without Rizal's retraction of his religious errors..

[Audio] While Cavanna and other pro-retraction scholars pointed to the foregoing evidences to support their position, those who espouse the belief that Rizal did not retract substantiate their claim based on the following arguments: The retraction document is a forgery. As pointed out by Pascual (1950), the handwriting in the document is questionable, as only one man prepared it. The point stressed by Pascual was corroborated by the confession made by the forger Antonio Abad on August 13, 1901, employed by the friars earlier that same year to make several copies of the retraction document. The other acts and facts do not fit well with the story of retraction. Some of these are the following: The retraction document was not made public until 1935. Even members of Rizal's family did not see it. No effort was made to save Rizal from death penalty after saying his retraction. Rizal's burial was kept secret. He was buried outside the inner wall of the Paco cemetery. The record of his burial was not placed on the page entries of December 30th but on a special page, where at least one other admitted non-penitent is recorded. There is no marriage certificate or public record of Rizal's marriage with Josephine Bracken. Rizal's behavior did not point to a conversion during his last 24 hours. His Ultimo Adios and the letters he wrote during his remaining hours do not indicate conversion. The retraction is out of character. It is not in keeping with Rizal's character and faith. It is incongruent with his previous assertions and declarations of religious thought..