Dr. Jose Rizal: Philippine National Hero

Dr. Jose Rizal

Jose Rizal y Alonso was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines. He is best known as one of the most prominent figures during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Rizal's status as a national hero is almost unanimously accepted worldwide, with numerous honors posthumously conferred upon him, including the Order of Sikatuna from the Philippine government.

Rizal spent much of his life outside the Philippines due to his activism and defiance against Spanish rule. This period marked his "exile," which lasted until his execution by firing squad in Manila on December 30, 1896, making him both an exile and a martyr for the cause of Philippine independence. His exile began when he returned to the Philippines in July 1892 after studying overseas for over ten years, only to find himself under house arrest. In November 1892, the Spanish authorities expelled him from the country.

During his exile, Rizal lived abroad, traveling extensively throughout Europe. He visited countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Malta, England, and even the United States. While abroad, he continued to advocate for the Filipinos' rights through various writings, such as Noli Me Tangere and its sequel, El Filibusterismo. Publishers were hesitant to print these books due to their controversial subject matter, so Rizal had them printed privately in Hong Kong.

Despite being away from the Philippines physically, Rizal remained spiritually engaged in the fight for freedom. His books helped fuel the flames of revolution, inspiring many to join the struggle against the oppressive Spanish regime. Numerous Filipino revolutionary organizations saw Rizal's works as a call to arms and took up the rebellion.

The catalyst for the Philippine Revolution came when Rizal arrived back in Asia in 1894. After a brief stay in Hong Kong, he went to Macau, where he met Bonifacio, who introduced him to the members of the Katipunan. Although Rizal became disillusioned with Bonifacio, he joined the organization, forming along with Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto a triumvirate that ruled the early days of the revolution.

In the midst of the outbreak of hostilities between Spain and the Filipino rebels, Rizal tried to mediate peacefully, urging moderation, compromise, and negotiation. However, when it became clear that violence could not be avoided, he threw himself into the revolution wholeheartedly. Rizal served as the lieutenant general of the Eastern Visayas province before going into exile again in Singapore in September 1896.

On August 27, 1897, Rizal returned secretly to the Philippines and assumed the position of military governor of Tayabas province. He soon switched to become the chief general staff officer of General Lukban's forces. On December 6, 1896, he formally accepted the command of the Revolutionary Army.

However, Rizal's role in the revolution did not last long. On December 30, 1896, Rizal, together with Emilio Aguinaldo, Mariano Trias, and others, was captured by Spanish soldiers and later executed by firing squad. With his death, the revolutionary spirit became manifest not only in the Philippines but also around the world.