Rizal's Exile, Trial, and Execution - PDF

RIZAL’S EXILE, TRIAL AND DEATH RIZAL’S EXILE Why in Dapitan? Exile to Dapitan (1892 - 1896) 6,2 00 As soon as possible in Manila on June 26, 1892, he was welcomed by apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Deodato Arellano, and other patriots, who, a...

RIZAL’S EXILE, TRIAL AND DEATH RIZAL’S EXILE Why in Dapitan? Exile to Dapitan (1892 - 1896) 6,2 00 As soon as possible in Manila on June 26, 1892, he was welcomed by apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Deodato Arellano, and other patriots, who, altogether founded La Liga Filipina (The Filipino League). They wanted to discuss the plan for La Liga Filipina which was held on a house Calle Ylaya. During his exile, Rizal became close with Captain Ricardo Carnicero for allowing him to roam the place on the condition that Rizal will relay his activities in his office once a week. As a gift to Captain Carnicero, Rizal wrote a poem entitled , “A Don Ricardo Carnicero” on August 26, 1892. Rizal together with Carnicero and another Spaniard, won a lottery ticket. The amountgiven to him as his share was P 6, 200.00. There are historical homes associated with Jose Rizal, a prominent Philippine national hero and polymath. These houses are located in Dapitan. 1. Casa Redonda or the Round House, is a circular-shaped homeconstructed by Rizal during his exile in Dapitan. It was build to serve as his residence and a clinic for his medical practice. There are historical homes associated with Jose Rizal, a prominent Philippine national hero and polymath. These houses are located in Dapitan. 1. Casa Redonda or the Round House, is a circular-shaped homeconstructed by Rizal during his exile in Dapitan. It was build to serve as his residence and a clinic for his medical practice. 2. Casa Quadrada or the Square House, is another residence built by Rizal in Dapitan. As the name suggests, this house is square- shaped and was designed with more space and structural stability. It was intended to be a living space for Rizal and his family. 3. Casa Residencia is a collective term often used to refer to both Casa Redonda and Casa Quadrada, highlighting Rizal’s living quarters in Dapitan. It was also served as residences as vebues for various activities related to Rizal’s medial practice, educational initiatives and community engagements during hid exile. ACCOMPLISHMENT OF RIZAL IN DAPITAN 1. Established a Clinic 2. Operated His Mother’s Cataract for the third time. 3. Studied Local Medicine 4. Offered Free Medicine for the Underprivileged BEING AN EDUCATOR 1. Established a School Founded a school in Dapitan, providing education to local students. He did not charge any tuition fees. BEING AN EDUCATOR 2. Classes conducted under the Talisay Tree This natural classroom setting fostered a relaxed and conducive learning environment where students could engage with the material while being closed to nature, BEING AN EDUCATOR 3. Comprehensive Curriculum Covering a wide range of subjects including reading, writing, languages, geography, history, mathematics, industrial work, nature studies, morals and gymnastics. COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN DAPITAN 1. Constructing the Town’s First Water System 2. Drained Marshes to Get Rid of Malaria 3. Equipping the Town with its Lighting System 4. Beautification of Dapitan- Remodeled the Town Plaza RIZAL’S INVENTION 1. Cigarette Lighter sent as a gift to Blumentritt 2. Machine to increase Brick Production RIZAL’S SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES 1. Draco Rizali-Flying Dragon - A species of fying dragon, a type of gliding lizard found in the Philippines. The name of “ Draco Rizali” was given in honor of Jose Rizal for his contribution to natural history. 2. Apogonia Rizali- Small Beetle - A species of small beetle named after Jose Rizal. 3. Rhacophorus Rizali – Rare Frog - A species of flying frog, known for its ability to glide through the air using the webbing between its finger and toes. TRIAL, EXECUTION AND DEATH  Trial Process Preliminary Investigation Arraignment Rizal’s Counsel December 11, November 20, 1896 1896 Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade  Trial Process For rebellion, Actual trial: illegal December association 26,1896 The trial of Jose Rizal, held in the midst of political and social turmoil, was characterized by a complex interplay of political motives and ideological clashes. Rizal’s eloquent defense during the proceedings showcased his unwavering dedication to truth and justice. The Spanish authorities sought to gather documentary evidence and sworn testimonies to build a case against Rizal, implicating him in the revolution and associated activities. November 3, 1896 – Rizal was brought to Fort Santiago where other patriots, including his brother Paciano were being tortured to implicate him. November 20, 1896- Preliminary investigation began with the presence of Colonel Francinsco Olive acting as judge advocate ; the investigation lasted for 5 days. During the preliminary investigation , Rizal faced accusations and inquiries regarding his alleged involvement in the revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The authorities aimed to establish a legal case against him, connecting him to the unfolding rebellion.  DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCES 1. Reproduced Documents - The authorities likely presented various documents, pamphlets, letters, and writings attributed to Jose Rizal, attempting to establish a link between him and the revolutionary movement like Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. 2. Correspondence -Rizal’s correspondence, both public and private, could have been used as evidence. Letters exchanged with fellow activist, revolutionaries, or members of the Katipunan might have been presented to suggest Rizal’s association with the movement. 3. Katipunan Documents -Any documents related to the activities and plans of the Katipunan, which was a secret revolutionary society, could have been linked to Rizal to establish his involvement in the movement. This might have included membership lists, plans, or manifestos associated with the Katipunan.  SWORN TESTIMONIES 1. Witness Testimonies - The authorities likely called witnesses who could testify against Rizal, claiming his involvement in revolutionary activities. These witnesses might have included informants, members of the Katipunan, or individuals coerced into providing incriminating testimony against Rizal. 2. Confession - Any confessions made by fellow activists or revolutionaries under duress or pressure, implicating Rizal in revolutionary plans, could have been presented during the trial as evidence against him. 3. Interrogation Records - Transcripts or summaries of interrogations conducted with Rizal and other individuals arrested in connection to the revolution would have been used to gather information and build a case against Rizal. RECOMMENDATIONS OF JUDGE ADVOCATE 1. Brought to Trial - It signifies a pivotal step in the legal process. The authorities sought to formalize the charges against Rizal and proceed with a trial to ascertain his guilt or innocence in relation to the accusations. 2. Imprisonment - Indicated the intent to detain Rizal during the trial proceedings. This decision was crucial in ensuring his presence throughout the legal process and maintaining control over the situation. 3. Order of Attachment on Property - The suggestion for an order of attachment against Rizal’s property aimed to secure potential indemnity or compensation for any damages or cost associated with the trial. 4. Defense by an Army Officer - The recommendation for Rizal to be defended in a court by an army officer suggests a deliberate effort to ensure a controlled and possibly biased legal defense. - Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade, the lawyer of Jose Rizal and brother of his former bodyguard Jose Taviel de Anrade. All efforts were made by Lt. Taviel de Andrade to defend Rizal of his innocence but as obvious as it may have seemed, Rizal was still found guilty.  RIZAL CITED TWELVE POINTS TO PROVE HIS INNOCENCE: 1. Rizal was against rebellion as testified by Pio Valenzuela. 2. No letter consisting of revolutionary elements was addressed to the Katipunan was written. 3. Without his consent, the Katipunan used his name as one of the passwords. 4. If he was guilty , he could have left the country while in exile. 5. The revolutionists could have consulted him if he was the leader. 6. He did not deny that he wrote by – laws of the La Liga Filipin, but to make things clearer, it is different organization from Katipunan. 7. After the first meeting of the Liga, the association vanished because of his exile in Dapitan and it did not last long. 8. He had no idea, that the Liga was reorganized nine months after 9. If the Liga had a revolutionary purpose, then Katipunan should not have been founded. 10. If the Spanish authorities found his letters offending, it was because in 1890, his family has been persecuted. 11. He lived a good life in Dapitan – the politico military commander and missionary priest in the province could attest to it. 12. The witnesses said that if the speech delivered at Doroteo Onjunco’s house had inspired the revolution, he should be given a chance to confront these persons. The events of December 13 to December 25, 1896, marked a critical period in the life of Dr. Jose Rizal, amidst the backdrop of the Philippine Revolution and the changing political landscape with the replacement of Governor General Blanco by Governor General Camilo de Polavieja. December 13, 1896 – Governor General Camilo de Polavieja replaced Governor General Blanco taking on a significant role in the administration during a time of growing unrest and revolutionary activity in the Philippines. His assumption of powr marked a change in the approach to dealing with the revolution and its leaders, including Jose Rizal. December 15, 1896 – In a momentous act, Jose Rizal issued a manifesto addressed to certain Filipinos on this day. In this manifesto, Rizal called for an end to the ongoing rebellion, expressing the belief that education was a vital prerequisite for fighting for liberties and creating a meaningful change. December 25, 1896 – Christmas day of 1896 was a somber and melancholic one for Dr. Jose Rizal. Separated from his family and friends and amidst the backdrop of the ongoing revolution and his impending trial. He was likely experienced profound sadness and a sense of isolation. December 26, 1896 – Jose Rizal’s formal trial commenced at the Hall of Banners of the Cuartel de Espana within Dort Santiago. The charges brought him were threefold; rebellion, sedition and the formation of illegal associations. December 28, 1896 – Just two days, after the commencement of his trial, Governor General Polavieja signed Rizal’s death warrant. This official document ordered Rizal’s execution by firing squad at 7:00 o’clock in the morning on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park or Luneta Park).  RETRACTION CONTROVERSY Archbishop of Manila, Rev. Bernardino Nozaleda, who claimed that Rizal recanted his statements against the Church and returned to the Catholic faith. The “original” document of Rizal’s retraction was found in the archdiocesan archives in 1935, 39 years after having disappeared the day Rizal was shot. Most expert think that the handwriting on the document is authentic.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS The last 24 hours of Jose Rizal’s life were marked by a blend of reflection, spiritual strength, moments of farewells and a somber anticipation of the impending tragedy that awaited hm.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS At six o’clock in the morning of December 29, 2896, Captain Rafael Dominguez, read him the official notice of his execution. Rizal spent his last hours by going to the prison chapel. His mother and sisters visited him on the same day.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS He then gave them his remaining possessions, reached out for the lamp gas and gave it to his sister, Trinidad and carefully whispered. “There is something inside.” Then Trinidad and his sister Maria got a copy of Rizal last poem (Mi Ultimo Adios/Huling Paalam) from the lamp. Unfortunately, Rizal was not allowed to embrace his mother.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS He then gave them his remaining possessions, reached out for the lamp gas and gave it to his sister, Trinidad and carefully whispered. “There is something inside.” Then Trinidad and his sister Maria got a copy of Rizal last poem (Mi Ultimo Adios/Huling Paalam) from the lamp. Unfortunately, Rizal was not allowed to embrace his mother.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS Rizal had his last supper in the evening of December 29, 1896. At that time, he said to Captain Dominguez that he has already forgiven his enemies including those who wanted him dead. At tree in the morning on the day of his execution, he prayed and confessed his sins in the chapel.  RIZAL’S LAST 24 HOURS At exactly 5:30 in the morning, he had his ast breakfast of three boiled eggs. After breakfast, he signed some memorabilia including religious pictures and books. He gave to Josephime bracken the Imitacion de Cristo as a gift.  DEATH OF RIZAL Wearing a black suit, black pants, black bowler hat, an white shirt with his arms tied behind his back, Rizal walked to Bagumbayan at 6:30 in the morning of December 30, 1896. He walked alone with his defense lawyer, Andrade and two Jesuits priests, March and Vilaclara.  DEATH OF RIZAL Rizal refused to kneel and declined the traditional blindfold. Maintaining that he was not a traitor to his country and to Spain, he even requested to face the firing squad. The Commander denied his request but after some time, Rizal agreed to turn his back to firing squad but requested that he be shot not in the head, but in the small of the back instead.  DEATH OF RIZAL The military Physician asked permission to feel the pulse of the man who had only a few minutes to live and the doctor was startled to find it normal. The priest offered him a crucifix to kiss but he truned his head away and silently prepared for his death. When the command had been given, the executioners’ guns barked at once.  DEATH OF RIZAL Rizal yelled Christ’s two words, “Consummatum est!” (It is finished!). Unfortunately, the Captain did not keep his words about the request made by Rizal of not shooting his head, but one of his men came near to the body and gave Rizal “tira de gracia” or the rercy shot in the head to make sure that Rizal is dead.  DEATH OF RIZAL The spaniards shouted, Viva Espana! Muerte a los Traidores! To break the ice, the military band plated, “Marcha de Cadiz,” and so they cheered. “One only dies once, and if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself again.” -JOSE RIZAL Why do we think that Rizal was deprived of due process? 1. He was tried by the court martial with a judge advocate of the court. There were other courts which could have tried Rizal as the charges were not crimes committed by military personnel.  2. The court martial assigned him a counsel. He could have also secured a civilian lawyer. 3. He could have been given the opportunity to confront his accusers and the witnesses against him. This was to give Rizal also opportunity to challenge the credibility of their testimony and the evidence they offered against Rizal. 4. Rizal should have been given the opportunity to ask for reconsideration of his sentence and appeal his case to a higher tribunal.