1872 Cavite Mutiny: Spanish and Filipino Perspectives

• Historical debates are influenced by resource availability, historians' interpretations, and evolving ideas.

The 1872 Cavite Mutiny

• There are different perspectives on the events of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny.
• The goal is to compare Spanish and Filipino versions of the mutiny and to critique both accounts.
• It is important to identify true information due to the prevalence of fake news on social media.
• June 12, commemorating Philippine independence, has been a significant date for Filipinos since 1898.
• The year 1898 is comparable to 1896, the year of the Philippine Revolution.
• The year 1872 is significant due to the Cavite Mutiny and the martyrdom of the GOMBURZA (Fathers Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora).
• The execution of GOMBURZA was a major factor in the awakening of Filipino nationalism.

Spanish Perspective of the Cavite Mutiny

• Spanish historian Jose Montero y Vidal viewed the Cavite Mutiny as an attempt by the Indios to overthrow Spanish rule.
• Gov. Gen. Rafael Izquierdo exaggerated the incident to blame the native clergy, who were campaigning for secularization.
• Montero and Izquierdo stated the abolition of privileges for Cavite arsenal workers, like the non-payment of tributes and exemption from forced labor, was the reason for the "revolution."
• Spaniards believed the 1872 incident was pre-planned and part of a conspiracy involving educated leaders, mestizos, local lawyers, and the native clergy from Manila and Cavite.
• Conspirators from Manila and Cavite planned to assassinate high-ranking Spanish officers and massacre friars with rockets from Intramuros as a signal.
• Sampaloc celebrated the feast of the Virgin of Loreto on January 20, 1872; fireworks were mistaken for an attack signal.
• A 200-man detachment led by Sergeant Lamadrid attacked Spanish officials and seized the arsenal.
• Gov. Izquierdo ordered reinforcements to suppress the rebellion, which was quickly subdued due to lack of support from Manila.
• Sergeant Lamadrid was killed; the GOMBURZA were court-martialed and executed.
• Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Antonio Ma., other Patriots Regidor, Jose, and Pio Basa, and other lawyers were barred, arrested, and imprisoned.
• Gov. Izquierdo dissolved local artillery regiments and created a new force composed of Peninsulares.
• The GOMBURZA were executed on February 17, 1872, to instill fear and prevent future uprisings.
• This event contributed to the rise of Filipino nationalism.

Filipino Version of the Cavite Mutiny

• Dr. Trinidad Hermenigildo Pardo de Tavera, wrote the Filipino version.
• According tode Tavera, it was a mutiny by Cavite arsenal soldiers and employees due to the removal of their privileges.
• Tavera blamed Gov. Izquierdo's policies, such as abolishing privileges and the prohibition of schools of arts and trades, which were viewed as a cover for political clubs.
• On January 20, 1872, about 200 soldiers, arsenal workers, and locals led by Sergeant Lamadrid assassinated the commanding officer and Spanish officers.
• The insurgents did not receive widespread support.
• Gen. Izquierdo reinforced Spanish troops, suppressing the revolt within two days.
• Tavera believed the Spanish friars and Izquierdo exaggerated the mutiny to overthrow the Spanish government in the Philippines.
• The friars presented the mutiny as a broad conspiracy involving the native army, residents of Cavite and Manila, and the native clergy.
• The Central Administration in Madrid considered stripping the friars of their powers.
• The friars took harsh measures to maintain their authority.
• The Spanish Central Government supported Segismundo Moret's decree to unify sectarian schools into the Philippine Institute to implement reforms and raise educational standards.
• The friars, fearing a loss of power, portrayed the Cavite Mutiny as a plot to overthrow Spanish sovereignty.
• The Madrid administration believed the report without investigation.
• Educated males were imprisoned, while the GOMBURZA were executed by garrote, sparking nationalism and leading to the Philippine Revolution in 1896.
• Edmund Plauchut, a French writer, affirmed that the event was due to dissatisfaction among arsenal employees and troops and focused on the execution of the three martyr priests.

Unraveling the Truth

• The 1872 Mutiny accounts agree on:
  • Dissatisfaction among arsenal workers and soldiers after Gen. Izquierdo revoked their privileges.
  • Gen. Izquierdo's strict policies caused Filipinos to resent the Spanish government.
  • The Central Government did not conduct a proper investigation.
• Independence was achieved through the sacrifices of patriots.
• Victory on June 12, 1898, was a momentous occasion.
• Filipinos should remember their history to create a better future.