Analysis of Rizal's Retraction by Fr. Balaguer

The Cavite Mutiny of 1872

• The Filipino version of the bloody tragedy was written by Trinidad Herminigildo Pardo de Tavera.
• On January 20, 1872, 200 men led by Lieutenant Lamadrid rose in arms and assassinated the commanding officer and Spanish soldiers.
• Governor-General Izquierdo ordered reinforcement, and after 2 days, the mutiny was declared subdued.
• Izquierdo and Spanish friars used the mutiny as a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
• The Central Government in Madrid announced its intention to deprive the friars of all powers in civil government and educational institution management.

The Philippine Revolution of 1896

• The Cavite Mutiny of 1872 awakened nationalism and led to the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
• Edmond Plauchut complimented Tavera for confirming that the event happened due to the discontentment of arsenal workers and soldiers in Cavite Fort.

The Magdiwang and Magdalo Governments

• The Magdiwang government was led by Andres Bonifacio, the supremo, with the highest authority in the Haring Bayan.
• Hen. Mariano Alvarez was the Vi Rey ng pamunuan or second-in-command, and the uncle of Bonifacio's wife, Gregoria de Jesus.
• The Magdiwang government controlled 12 towns that were not intimidated by any battle.
• The Magdalo government was led by Hen. Mariano Noriel and Hen. Pio del Pilar.

The Declaration of Independence

• On June 12, 1898, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista proclaimed and solemnized the Declaration of Independence Day in the town of Cavite-Viejo, province of Cavite.

Other Key Events

• Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Cebu, occupying the islands by means of the Pact of Friendship with Chief Tupas.
• Don Emilio Aguinaldo was the president of the Republic established in Biak-na-Bato.

Rizal's Retraction

• Fr. Balaguer said he received an exact copy of Rizal's retraction, signed and written by Rizal.
• Rizal signed a profession of faith to be approved by the Cebu Archbishop to marry Josephine Bracken.
• Rizal's handwriting was authenticated on a classic Thomas a Kempis book, "Imitations of Christ", which he inscribed to Josephine.

The Cry of Pugadlawin and Balintawak

• The Cry of Balintawak was a call for a nationwide revolution, similar to the Cry of Dolores in Mexico and the Cry of Matanza in Cuba.
• The Cry of Pugadlawin was inaccurately attributed to August 23, 1896, while the actual Cry of Balintawak occurred on August 26, 1896.
• Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned a "Himno de Balintawak" to herald the fighting after the failure of the Pact of Biyak na Bato.