Rizal's Exile: Liga Filipina & Deportation

Overview Prior to Rizal's Exile

• Rizal arrived in Manila with his sister Lucia on June 26, 1892, aboard the SS Don Juan.
• On July 3, he founded the Liga Filipina at the house of Doroteo Ongjunco in Tondo, Manila
• The Liga Filipina aimed to unite Filipinos, promote mutual aid, education, and agricultural training.
• The association was short-lived and Rizal was arrested on flimsy charges a few days after its founding.
• One charge was based on the leaflet "Pobres Frailes," a sarcastic remark about the friars found in his baggage from Hong Kong.
• Governor-General Despujol had the reasons for Rizal's arrest published in the Gazette and circulated to the Spanish Embassy in Hong Kong.
• The British Consul and the Hong Kong Telegraph editor commented and reported the news of Rizal's arrest.
• On July 17, 1892, Rizal was deported to Dapitan under the watch of the military commandant, Ricardo Carnicero.

Years of Exile in Dapitan - List of Events

• Upon arrival in Dapitan, Rizal was met by Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Deodato Arellano, and other patriots.
• These patriots met in Ilaya Street and formed the La Liga Filipina, also known as The Filipino League.
• Rizal took a train in Tutuban and visited several locations, including Malolos, Bulacan; San Fernando, Pampanga; Tarlac; and Bacoor, Pampanga.
• Handbills titled "Pobres Frailes" were found in Lucia’s pillows, and Rizal admitted ownership.
• Despujol ordered Jose Rizal to be arrested.
• Rizal was exiled to Dapitan, North Zamboanga.
• Captain Ricardo Carnicero, the political-military governor of Dapitan, took custody of Rizal.
• Dapitan was an isolated Spanish outpost in northern Mindanao.
• Fr. Pablo Pastells, S.J. was one of the passengers to Dapitan.
• Rizal won a lottery with Captain Ricardo and Francisco Equilor.
• After winning the lottery he bought land in Talisay and constructed a house, clinic, and school.
• Rizal corresponded with European scientists and sent them plants, animals, and insects.
• Several animal species were named after Jose Rizal:
  • Rhacophorus rizali (a frog)
  • Apogonia rizali (a beetle)
  • Draco rizali (flying dragon)
• Rizal constructed a large relief map of Mindanao at the town plaza with help from Fr. Sanchez.
• He modeled an invention on a Belgian example of making bricks and He assisted in improving local livelihoods.
• He taught locals to run a cooperative for income through selling and buying abaca products.
• While in Dapitan, Rizal wrote several poems, including:
• El Canto del Viajero
• A Ricardo Carnicero
• Rizal performed an operation on his mother's eyes.
• He studied the native medicinal plants of Dapitan to prescribe for his patients.
• Mr. George Tauffer was brought to Rizal in Dapitan, accompanied by Josephine Bracken.
• Dr. Pio Valenzuela visited Rizal in Dapitan with Raymundo Mata, who was blind.
• Dr. Valenzuela informed Rizal of the revolution's plans.
• Dr. Ferdinand Bluemintritt updated Rizal on world events.
• Dr. Bluemintritt suggested Rizal volunteer as a doctor in Cuba under the Spanish government to end his exile.
• Governor-General Ramon Blanco granted Rizal's request and issued a safe-conduct pass on July 30, 1896.
• Rizal returned to Manila aboard the steamer España.

The Final Chapter of His Life

• While on the steamer España, awaiting transfer to a ship bound for Spain and then Cuba, the Philippine Revolution began.
• Rizal was transferred to another ship headed for Spain.
• He was arrested while traveling through the Mediterranean Sea.
• Rizal was imprisoned in Barcelona, Spain, and then deported back to Manila.
• In Manila, he was imprisoned in Fort Santiago and faced charges of rebellion, sedition, and illegal association.
• Rizal was found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad on December 30, 1896.

The Constitution of La Liga Filipina

• José Rizal wrote the Constitution of La Liga Filipina.
• Aims and Ends:
• Unite the archipelago into a cohesive and vigorous body.
• Ensure mutual protection in all needs and necessities.
• Defend against violence and injustice.
• Promote instruction, agriculture, and commerce.
• Study and implement reforms.
• Motto: Unus Instar Omnium (One like all).
• Duties of Members
• Pay monthly dues of ten centavos.
• Obey orders from the council or chief promptly and without question.
• Report any information related to La Liga Filipina to the Fiscal of their Council.
• Maintain absolute secrecy regarding council decisions.
• Give preference to members in all aspects of life, including business.
• Members must assist others in need or danger or face punishment.
• Each member must adopt a new name upon joining, which cannot be changed unless they become a Provincial Chief.
• Members must contribute a service, observation, study, or candidate to each Council.
• Members must not submit to humiliation or treat anyone with contempt.
• Rights of the Members:
• Entitlement to moral, material, and financial assistance from their Council and La Liga Filipina.
• Demand preferential treatment from members in their trade or profession, provided they offer equal guarantees.
• Invoke the aid of La Liga Filipina in cases of want, injury, or injustice.
• Request capital for enterprises if funds are available.
• Demand a rebate from institutions or members sustained by La Liga Filipina for rendered articles or services.
• Not to be judged without the opportunity to defend themselves.
• Investment of Funds:
• Members or their sons lacking means but showing potential should have assistance.
• Support the poor in defending their rights against powerful individuals.
• Aid members who have suffered losses.
• Provide capital loans to members needing it for industry or agriculture.
• Encourage the introduction of new machines and industries.
• Open shops, stores, and establishments providing more economical options for members.
• The Supreme Chief can allocate funds for needy cases, with a later accounting to the Supreme Council.
• General Rules:
• Admission requires a unanimous vote from the Council of the village and satisfaction of required tests.
• Offices have a two-year term, except when an accusation by the fiscal occurs.
• Obtaining posts requires three-fourths of the votes present.
• Members elect the Popular Chief, Popular Fiscal, and Popular Treasurer.
• The Popular Authorities elect the Provincial Authorities.
• The Provincial Authorities elect the Supreme Authorities.
• Communication of membership as Popular Chief must be done with new and old names to the Supreme Chief, and with the founding of any new Council.
• Communications should use symbolic names.
• Inability of all council members to attend the council, half of the members present can make valid decisions.
• In critical situations, each Council is the safeguard of La Liga Filipina. If other Councils dissolve, each Council/Chief/member reorganizes and re-establishes to reorganize the mission.