I.

TRAVELLING AND NO LONGER AN EXILE (INDUSTAN)

July 31, 1896 – Dr. JOSE RIZAL left Dapitan bound to Manila. It is a pleasurable trip since he was no
longer an exile.

He makes a several stop over.

August 1, 1896- arrived in Dumaguete, visiting his friend Herrero Regidor and other acquaintances.

He boarded on the steamer ESPAÑA and arrived in CEBU the next morning where he performed the ff:

1. TWO Strabotomy Surgeries

2. One Ear Operation
3. Removal of Tumor

August 3, 1896 – He left Cebu for Ilo-ilo. He spent next morning exploring the city, engaging some
shopping and Visiting MOLO. He notes that MOLO Church is quite attractive from the outside and the
interior is decent which is painted by a young boy “GUSTAVE DORE”. He then depart Ilo-ilo, he made a
stopover in Capiz before continuing its journey towards Manila via Romblon. He hoped to catch the ship
Leaving Manila to Spain.

August 6, 1896- Rizal’s Ship arrived in MANILA Bay.

Unfortunately, he could not board the mail ship ISLA de LUZON which is bound for Spain because it was
departed the previous day at 5:00 pm.

Later that day Rizal received orders to transfer to another Spanish Cruiser “Castilla” which he was
helped by Enrique Santalo, a gallant captain which he was provided with accommodation aboard the
cruiser. He remained in the ship for one (1) month (AUGUST 6- SEPTEMBER 2) waiting for an available
steamer bound to SPAIN.

II. SPAIN DISCOVERED THE ARMED REVOLUTION PLOT (INDUSTAN)

August 19, 1896-The Katipunan plot to overthrow the Spanish Rule through a revolution and was
discovered by FRAY MARIANO GIL, an Augustinian Cura of Tondo

August 26, 1896- The cry of balintawak was raised by BONIFACIO and his valiant Katipuneros

August 30, 1896- At Sunrise, Bonifacio and Jacinto attacked San Juan (Battle of San Juan)

In Afternoon, Governor General Blanco proclaimed a state of war in the 1st Eight Provinces

1. MANILA (as province)

2. BULACAN
3. CAVITE
4. BATANGAS
5. LAGUNA
6. PAMPANGA
 7. NUEVA ECIJA
8. TARLAC

Rizal learned about the revolution and ongoing battles surrounding Manila thru Newspapers. He was
concerned of two reasons

1. He sincerely believed that the violent revolution was premature and would only lead to
immense suffering and loss of life and property.
2. It would provoke Spanish retaliation against all Filipino Patriots

Rizal was then given TWO LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION by Governor General Blanco for the

1. Minister of War
2. Minister of Colonies

clearing him of any responsibilities for the ongoing revolution

September 2, 1896- on 6:00pm Rizal was moved to the steamer Isla de Panay bound for Barcelona Spain

September 3, 1896- the steamer departed from Manila Bay marking the beginning of Rizal’s Journey
back to Spain. Among his fellow passenger on board were Don Pedro Roxas (rich manila Industrialist)
and his son Periquin

III. FALLING VICTIM TO DECEPTION (

September 07, 1896- Isla de Panay arrived in Singapore in the evening. They went shopping and
sightseeing.

It was at this moment that some of Rizal’s friend urged him to stay behind and take advantage of the
British law Protection, but Rizal was adamant in not breaking his word to the Spanish Governor General
that he would head to Spain.

Unfortunately, behind Rizal’s back, Governor General Blanco secretly conspired with the Minister of War
and Minister of colonies. On his way to Spain, Blanco together with the Ministry of War and Colonies
exchange coded telegrams and confidential messages for his arrest upon reaching Barcelona

Rizal was declared a deportee and was secretly kept under surveillance.

September 8, 1896- the Isla de Panay departed from Singapore with Rizal on board unaware of the
Spanish duplicity orchestrated by Gov. Gen. Blanco’s treachery and impending betrayal.
September 25, 1896- Rizal caught sight of Isla de Luzon which pass through the Suez Canal packed with
Spanish Troops

September 27, 1896- fellow passengers informed him that a telegram had arrived in Manila reporting
the execution of Francisco Roxas (Industrialist), Genato and Osorio

September 28, 1896- Steamer visited Port Said where Rizal received a news that he would be arrested
under the orders of Gov. Gen. Blanco and sent to prison in CEUTA, a Spanish controlled territory in
MOROCCO opposite of Gibraltar

-this revelation made Rizal realize that he had fallen victim to the deceit of unscrupulous official Gov.
Gen. Blanco

IV. RIZAL ARREST ON BOARD ISLA DE PANAY AND SENT BACK TO MANILA

September 29, 1896 – Rizal was notified at four o’clock in the afternoon by Captain Alemany that he was
to remain in his cabin until further notice until arrival to Manila

September 30, 1896- The steamer made a stop to MALTA

October 03, 1896- the Isla de Panay has finally arrived in BARCELONA with Rizal onboard as PRISONER
and was remained confine to his cabin under heavy guards

General Eulogio Despujol- originally orders Rizal’s Exile, became his jailer

October 6, 1896- Rizal was awakened early in the morning and taken to the notorious prison fortress of
Montjuic. He was locked in a cell in the whole morning and was brought to Gen. Despujol headquarters
for a brief encounter pointing out

 He will be sent back to MANILA on the transport ship COLON which was scheduled to depart on
the evening
 He was been escorted alongside with soldiers, officials and their families

The ship has sailed at 8:00pm from Barcelon bound to Manila carrying Rizal as a Prisoner

V. LAST HOMECOMING AND TRIAL

RIZAL’S HOMECOMING IN 1896 – marked his final return to his cherished homeland and it was a deeply
sorrowful occasion which he documented in his diary the moment he departed Barcelona

October 8, 1896- a symphatic officer informed Rizal that Madrid Newspapers were teeming with tales of
the violent revolution in the Philippines and he was held being responsible

According to his diary entry of the same day, Rizal express the following

 He expressed his belief that the situation is orchestrated by GOD and could be a blessing. He
saw his return to Philippines as an opportunity to refute the accusations against him
  Rizal’s view whether he was granted justice and exoneration which would lead to his
rehabilitation or be he sentenced to death and become a martyr.
 Rizal believed that his demise in his own country would be more meaningful than dying abroad
or in a Cuban jungle
 Rizal found solace in the notion that society would eventually forgive him for his supposed crime
and Justice would prevail.
 He embraces this unfolding fate with serenity trusting in God’s will
 He felt a profound sense of peace and thanked God for being his hope and consolation,
reaffirming his readiness to accept whatever verdict awaited him may it be a condemnation or
absolution

VI. UNSUCCESSFULL RESCUE ATTEMPT

October 11, 1896 – they confiscated his diary for a meticulous examination before reaching Port Said.

November 2, 1896- the diary was returned to Rizal

Rizal’s situation has reached his friends in Europe and Singapore

Urgently Sent telegrams to English Lawyer HUGH FORT in Singapore

1. Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor

2. Sixto Lopez

-they seek help in rescuing Rizal

-they hoped for writ of habeas corpus to remove him from the Spanish steamer

ATTORNEY HUGH FORT

-initiated a legal proceeding at the Singapore Court when the Colon arrived in Singapore

Chief Justice Lionel Cox

-denied the writ due to the presence of Spanish troops on board

November 03, 1896- the Colon has reached Manila

Filipino patriots who endured brutal torture to implicate Rizal

1. Deodato Arellano
2. Dr. Pio Valenzuela’
3. Moises Salvador
4. Pedro Serrano Laktaw

Paciano Rizal – brother of Rizal who also suffered torture after being arrested
November 20, 1896

 Preliminary Investigation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Case

 Rizal Appeared before Colonel Francisco Olive

Rizal endured 5 days of grueling interrogation

Two Types of Evidence presented by prosecution against Rizal

 Documents
 Testimonies

Documentary Evidences

1. Letter from Mariano Ponce dated Madrid October 16 1888

-showing Rizal’s connection with Filipino reform campaign
2. Letter to Rizal’s family dated Madrid August 20,1890
-states that the deportations are good for they will encourage the people to hate tyranny
3. Letter from Marcelo H. del Pilar to Deodato Arellano dated Madrid January 7, 1889
-implicates Rizal in the propaganda movement campaign in Spain
4. KUNDIMAN
-allegedly written by Rizal in Manila on September 21, 1891

Tunay ngayong umid yaring dila't puso

Sinta'y umiilag, tuwa'y lumalayo,
Bayan palibhasa'y lupig at sumuko
Sa kapabayaan ng nagturong puno.

Datapuwa't muling sisikat ang araw,

Pilit maliligtas ang inaping bayan,
Magbabalik mandin at muling iiral
Ang ngalang Tagalog sa sandaigdigan.

Ibubuhos namin ang dugo't babaha

Matubos nga lamang ang sa amang lupa
Habang di ninilang panahong tadhana,
Sinta'y tatahimik, iidlip ang nasa.

5. Letter to Carlos Oliver to an identified person dated Barcelona September 18, 1891
-describes Rizal as the man free the Philippines from Spanish Oppression
6. A Masonic Lodge Document dated Manila, February 9, 1892
-honoring Rizal for his patriotic services
7. Letter Signed DIMASALANG (Rizal’s pseudonym) to Tenlunz (Juan Zulueta Pseudonym) dated
Hongkong May 24, 1892
 -states that he was preparing a safe refuge for Filipinos who may be persecuted by the Spanish
Authorities
8. A letter to Dimasalang to an unidentified Committee dated Hongkong June 1, 1892
-soliciting the Aid of the committee in the “patriotic work”
9. An anonymous and undated letter to the editor of Hongkong Telegraph
-censuring the banishment of Rizal to Dapitan
10. A letter of Ildefonso laurel to Rizal, Dated Manila, 1893
-says that Filipino Look up to Rizal as their savior
11. A letter to Segundo, dated September 17, 1893
-inform an identified correspondent of the arrest and banishment of Doroteo Cortes and
Ambrosio Salvador
12. A letter to Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Don Juan A. Tenlunz (Juan Zulueta) dated Madrid, June 1,
1893
-recommending the establishment of a special organization independent of Masonry, to help
cause of the Filipino people.
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian (Emilio Jacinto) in a reunion of Katipunan on July 23, 1893
-the ff cry is uttered “Long Live the Philippines! Long Live Liberty! Long live Dr. Rizal Unity!”
14. Transcript of a speech of Tik-Tik (Jose Turiano Santiago) in the same Katipunan reunion,
- where the katipuneros allegedly shouted “Long Live the eminent Doctor Rizal! Death to the
oppressor nation”
15. A poem of Laong Laan (Rizal)
-entitled A Talisay, in which the author makes the Dapitan schoolboys sing that they know how
to fight for their rights.

TESTIMONIAL EVIDENCE

Oral Testimonies submitted against Rizal

1. Martin Constantino
2. Aguedo del Rosario
3. Jose Reyes
4. Moises Salvador
5. Jose Dizon
6. Domingo Franco
7. Deodato Arrelano
8. Ambrosio Salvador
9. Pedro Serrano Laktaw
10. Dr. Pio Valenzuela
11. Antonio Salazar
12. Francisco Quison
13. Tinoteo Paez
Dr. Jose Rizal -was accused of illegal association and rebellion based on those who gave their
testimonies during his preliminary investigation and trial. He was informed of the charges against him
but was not allowed the right to cross examine the witness against him

Colonel Olive- the one who forwarded the case records to Governor General Blanco. He appointed
Captain Rafael Dominguez as the special Judge Advocate in his letter and was tasked to proceed in
taking the appropriate action against Rizal

Don Nicolas Peña

-the judge advocate general during Rizal’s preliminary investigation and trial made the ff suggestion

1. The accused should be promptly brought to trial

2. It is necessary to detain him in Prison

3. A court order should be issued to seize his property amounting to one million pesos as compensation

4. Instead of being represented by a civilian lawyer, an army officer should defend him in court

Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade

-the defense counsel he opted for. He is the brother of Lt. Jose Taviel de Andrade who is Rizal’s former
bodyguard in Calamba in 1887

December 11, 1896

-The charges against Rizal were formally read to him in his prison cell with his counsel present.

He was accused of

1. Primary Organizer and influential person behind the Filipino insurrection

2. Founder of various societies, publications and books aimed at inciting rebellion

December 15, 1896

-Rizal composed a manifesto addressed to the Filipino people urged them to ceased the bloodshed. He
implored that people should strive for freedom through education and industry. He penned it within the
confines of his prison cell in Fort Santiago

December 25, 1896

-marks the loneliest and saddest Christmas since he spent it alone within the dreary confines of his
prison cell
 VII. RIZAL’S TRIAL AND SENTENCING (GOMEZ)

December 26, 1896

-The Trial of Rizal demonstrated injustice and misrule and began at 8:00 am in the military building
called CUARTEL de ESPAÑA

The Seven Members of the Military Court dressed in Army uniforms sat on a long table on an elevated
platform

1. Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona (President)

2. Capt. Ricardo Muñoz Arias
3. Capt. Manuel Reguerra
4. Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio
5. Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez
6. Capt. Manuel Diaz Escribano
7. Capt. Fermin Perez Rodriguez

Prosecuting Attorney: Lt. Enrique de Alcocer

Defendant: Dr. Jose Rizal

Defendant Attorney: Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade

Spectators during the hearing

1. Josephine Bracken
2. Several Newspaper Reporters
3. Some Spaniards

Dr. Jose Rizal

-presented his defense which he had written in Fort Santiago

-provided 12 points to prove his innocence.

These points are

1. evidence of his opposition to rebellion

2. his non involvement in a letter addressed to the Katipunan

3. The unauthorized use of his name by the Katipunan without his knowledge and his
constructive actions in Dapitan where he built home, purchased land and established a hospital

Rizal’s Twelve points to establish his innocence

1. Pio Valenzuela testified that Rizal was opposed to rebellion

2. Rizal had not written a letter to Katipunan that includes revolutionary elements
3. The Katipunan used Rizal’s Name w/out his knowledge; if he were truly guilty, he could have
escaped during this time to Singapore
 4. If he were guilty, he would have left the country during his exile he would not have built a home,
purchased a land or established a hospital in Dapitan
5. If he were indeed the leader of the revolution, the revolutionists would have consulted him
6. Rizal did not deny writing the by laws of La Liga Filipina, but he clarified that the organization
was a civic association not a revolutionary society
7. The La Liga vanished after the first meeting due to Rizal’s exile in Dapitan; it didn’t last long
8. Rizal had no knowledge of the La Liga being reorganized nine months later
9. If the La Liga had a revolutionary purpose, The Katipunan should not have been formed
10. If Rizal had a bitter tone acc. to Spanish authorities, it was because his family faced persecution
in 1890, resulting in the confiscation of their properties and the deportation of his brother-in-
law.
11. Rizal lived an exemplary life in Dapitan, as attested by the politico military commanders and
missionary priest in the province
12. If Rizal’s speech at Doroteo Ongjungco’s house indeed incited the revolution, he wanted to
confront the so-called witnesses who gave their testimony. Rizal also questioned the logic of the
Katipunan having to send an emissary to Dapitan if he truly supported the revolution. All his
friends knew that he never promoted violence

 This plea shows no concern to the military court.


- After a brief deliberation they sentenced him to be executed by firing squad at Seven OCklock in
the morning on December 30, 1896 at Bagumbayan. The decision was sent to Gov. Polavieja,
who sought the opinion od Nicolas de la Peña. De la Peña found the verdict just and final
- The Death sentence was confirmed and indemnity was increased to one hundred thousand
pesos

December 28, 1896

-Gov. Gen Camilo de Polavieja approved the sentence ordering execution by firing squad on
Seven O’clock in the morning.

Gov. Gen. Camilo de Polavieja

-signed the Rizal’s Execution order

VIII. RIZAL’S FINAL HOURS (Gomez)

December 29, 1896

6:00 AM:

 Captain Rafael Rodriguez read Rizal’s Death Sentence. He was to be shot in the back by
firing squad at 7:00 am in BAGUMBAYAN
7:00 AM:

 Rizal was moved to prison chapel. His first visitors were Jesuits Priests and teachers from
Ateneo

7:15 AM:

 Fr. Luis Viza gave Rizal the Statuette of the Sacred Heart od Jesus that Rizal had carved
while he was a student at Ateneo

8:00 AM:

 Rizal had a breakfast with Fr. Antonio Rosell, After his breakfast, Lt. Luis Taviel de
Andrade came. Rizal thanked de Andrade for his services

9:00 AM:

 Fr. Frederico Faura, another Jesuit priest and teacher at Ateneo arrived. Rizal reminded
the priest of his early prophecy about Rizal that he would lose his head for writing the
“NOLI”

10:00 AM:

 More Jesuit priest visit him. After the priest Rizal was interviewed by Santiago Mataix
for the newspaper El Heraldo de Madrid

12:00-3:00 PM:

 Rizal was left alone in his cell

 He took his lunch and continued writing his farewell poem which he hid in an alcohol
cooking stove (not a lamp as other historians wrote)
 He wrote his last letter to Professor Blumentritt bidding his good friend farewell
 He expressed that he will die with peace of mind because he knows he is innocent of the
crime the Spanish authorities accused and convicted him with

3:30 PM:

 Father Vicente Balaguer returned to his cell. He discussed about retracting his anti
catholic writings and his membership to masons
4:00 PM:

 Doña Teodora Alonzo visited him. They had a very emotional encounter. Speaking in
English so that the Spanish guards will not understand them.
 Rizal gave the alcohol cooking stove to Trinidad that contained his farewell poem

Evening:

 Preparation for Execution: Rizal is informed that his execution will take place the
following morning. He spends his last night in prayer and reflection. His cell is visited by
a priest for confession, and he is given the sacrament of communion.

December 30, 1896

Early Morning:

2:00 AM:

 Final Confession: Rizal makes his final confession and writes a brief farewell letter to
his family. He expresses his love and asks them to forgive him for any trouble he may
have caused.

3:00 AM:

 Final Goodbyes: Rizal is allowed to say his final goodbyes to his family members who
are present. He is calm and composed during these moments.

4:00 AM:

 Final Preparations: Rizal is dressed in a simple suit and prepared for his final journey.
He is moved from his cell at Fort Santiago to the execution site.

5:00 AM:

 Departure from Fort Santiago: Rizal is transported from Fort Santiago to Luneta Park
(formerly Bagumbayan) by a military convoy. The journey is made with heavy military
escort.

6:00 AM:

 Arrival at Luneta Park: Rizal arrives at Luneta Park, which is a public space in Manila.
The area is tightly guarded and cordoned off to prevent large crowds from gathering.
6:30 AM:

 Execution Preparation: Rizal is led to the spot where he will be executed. He is allowed
to say a few words and make a final statement. During this time, he remains dignified and
calm.

7:00 AM:

 Execution by Firing Squad: At precisely 7:00 AM, José Rizal is executed by a firing
squad. The squad is composed of Filipino soldiers who were enlisted by the Spanish
authorities. Rizal is shot at dawn, and it is reported that he faced his death with
remarkable composure and courage. His final words, spoken just before the squad fired,
were reportedly “Consummatum est” (It is finished), indicating his acceptance of his fate.

7:10 AM:

 Immediate Aftermath: Following the execution, Rizal’s body is left on the execution
site for a short period. The authorities keep the details of the execution and the aftermath
tightly controlled to prevent public disturbances.

8:00 AM:

 Burial: Rizal’s body is hastily buried in an unmarked grave within the premises of
Luneta Park. The burial is conducted with minimal ceremony, and the location of the
grave is kept secret to prevent the gathering of crowds.

Additional Details:

 Witnesses: Only a few individuals, including some Spanish officials and military
personnel, witness the execution. The authorities were concerned about the potential for
public unrest if the event were widely observed.
 Public Reaction: Rizal’s execution incited widespread grief and anger among Filipinos.
His death became a rallying point for the burgeoning revolutionary movement and
inspired many to continue the struggle for Philippine independence.
 Legacy: Rizal’s sacrifice is commemorated annually on Rizal Day, December 30. His
life, works, and martyrdom have had a profound impact on Philippine history and
national identity.

Documentary evidence related to José Rizal includes a variety of historical documents, letters,
and manuscripts that provide insight into his life, works, and the events leading up to his arrest
and execution. Here are some key types of documentary evidence:
**1. Letters and Correspondence:

 Letters to Family: Rizal's letters to his family, particularly his correspondence with his
mother, siblings, and friends, offer personal insights into his thoughts, emotions, and
experiences.
 Letters to Friends and Allies: His letters to friends and fellow reformists, such as José
Palma and Marcelo del Pilar, discuss his political ideas, strategies for reform, and the
status of the reform movement.

**2. Manuscripts and Writings:

 Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo: The original manuscripts of these novels are
critical evidence of Rizal’s views on Spanish colonial rule and his advocacy for social
reform. They were instrumental in shaping public opinion and inspiring the nationalist
movement.
 Essays and Articles: Rizal wrote various essays and articles on social, political, and
economic issues. These writings reflect his intellectual and ideological perspectives.

**3. Legal Documents:

 Trial Records: Documents from Rizal’s trial, including the court proceedings and
verdict, provide insight into the charges against him and the judicial process of the time.
These records show the political motivations behind his prosecution and the lack of due
process.
 Arrest Records: Records of Rizal’s arrest and initial detention offer details about the
charges and the circumstances of his imprisonment.

**4. Personal Artifacts:

 Diaries: Rizal kept personal diaries that document his daily life, travels, and reflections.
These diaries provide a first-hand account of his experiences and thoughts.
 Photographs and Portraits: Historical photographs and portraits of Rizal capture his
appearance and personality. These images are valuable for understanding the historical
context and his public image.

**5. Official Reports and Publications:

 Spanish Government Reports: Reports and documents from the Spanish colonial
government about Rizal’s activities and trial offer insight into the official perspective and
the political climate of the time.
 Newspapers and Periodicals: Articles and reports from contemporary newspapers and
periodicals provide accounts of Rizal’s trial, execution, and the public reaction to his
death.

**6. Memoirs and Biographies:

  Contemporary Accounts: Memoirs and biographies written by Rizal’s contemporaries,
such as his friends and associates, offer personal perspectives on his life and impact.
 Historical Studies: Modern biographies and historical analyses provide contextual
understanding of Rizal’s role in Philippine history and the significance of his
contributions.

These documentary evidences collectively help to construct a comprehensive understanding of

José Rizal’s life, his contributions to Philippine history, and the circumstances surrounding his
arrest and execution. They are crucial for historians, scholars, and anyone interested in studying
his legacy.