4 EXILE, TRIAL AND

MARTYRDOM OF
RIZAL
“I have loved justice and hated iniquity:
therefore, I die in exile.”
– Pope Gregory VII

In this Module
 Arrest and the Decree of deportation
 Plan to Volunteer as Military Doctor in Cuba.

This module discusses

the events that
transpired during
Rizal’s last days. Rizal
was exiled to Dapitan
after he was
summoned in
Malacañang. During
his four years of
exile in Dapitan, he
exhibit practical
nationalism and
encouraged the town
people to
imitate the same. In
order to while away
the monotony of life in
exile, Rizal tried to get
his hands full.
In that small town of
Dapitan, Rizal devoted
his four years
performing different
errands. He
practiced his
profession as
physician, pursued
his scientific
studies,
continued his artistic
and literary works,
developed his
knowledge of
languages, put up
a school for boys, he is
actively pushed for
community
development projects,
invented a
wooden machine for
making bricks, and get
hooked in farming and
commerce.
This module discusses the events that transpired during Rizal’s last days. Rizal was
exiled to Dapitan after he was summoned in Malacañang. During his four years of
exile in Dapitan, he exhibits practical nationalism and encouraged the town people to
imitate the same. In order to while away the monotony of life in exile, Rizal tried to
get his hands full. As you will have to learn the life of Rizal during his exile in
Dapitan, you will be able to appreciate his God given talents as how he gave
contribution in the people of Dapitan.
After the completion of this module, you should be able to;
 Explaining the reason of Rizal’s Deportation.
 Listing down the things that Rizal had contributed to Dapitan.
 Analyzing how was the revolution changed the life of Rizal

Are you excited to begin the lesson? So, let’s get started!

LESSON Arrest and the Decree

1 of Deportation
TIME FRAME: One (3) Hours
OBJECTIVES:
 Identify the Spanish authorities who’s behind the Arrest
of Rizal.
 Define the life of Rizal in Dapitan.
 Identify some inventions of Rizal in Dapitan
 Discuss the Philippine revolution of 1896
 Describe the impact of Philippine Revolution to the life
of Rizal
 Good Job! You have reached Module 4 of this course and you are now on the
first lesson of this module! This lesson will give you an understanding of how Rizal
manage to live his life in Dapitan and you will learn that aside from being talented,
Rizal is also an inventor. With this lesson, it will help you to gain more understanding
of the life of our national hero.

Research About Me!

Direction: Do a research about the picture presented below, refer to the guide
questions below and provide your answers in the spaces provided.

1. What is this picture?

2. Who invented it, and when was it invented?
3. How does it works and how it is being used?
ANSWER IT!
Direction: Please read the questions below and write your answer in the spaces
provided. Your answers must be in a minimum of 3 sentences.
1. Based on the activity above, what is the importance of making inventions?
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 2. How do inventions give contributions to our daily living?
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3. Are there inventions that we can consider as “Bad Inventions”? If your

answer is “None” then support your answer; and if “Yes” is your answer,
please provide examples and explain it why?
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LET’S SHAPE IT!

As agreed, Jose Rizal went back to Malacañang Palace where the
Governor General asked him again of his plan to return in Hong Kong but he
(Jose) replied affirmatively. The Governor General told him that there were
leaflets found in his baggage during their stay in Hotel de Oriente. But Jose
Rizal said that the leaflets found in his baggage was not his property but was
owned by sister Lucia. The leaflet entitled "Pobres Frailes" (Poor Friars) made
the Governor General dismayed and placed Jose Rizal under arrest. Despite
of his explanation, the Governor General did not believe him and instead told
his nephew Ramon Despujol to accompany him (Jose) in Fort Santiago. It
was alleged that during their stay at Hotel de Oriente, the nephew of
Archbishop Nozaleda went to his room and put the leaflet into his sister’s
baggage.

After he was placed under arrest, the Decree of Deportation was

immediately published on July 7, 1892 at Gaceta de Manila. The Decree or
Deportation came as a result of his possession of the leaflet he brought with
him upon arrival in Hong Kong. This was ordered because of his two novels
which were considered by the friars as anti-Catholic and anti-cleric. The friars
said that he (Jose) attempted to disgrace them by means of his two novels
especially the El Filibusterismo. The decree called traitors of the nation
referring to the GOMBURZA where Jose Rizal dedicated his second novel.
He once said that there was no other salvation of our country (Philippines) but
separation from mother Spain.

It was believed that the Governor General's decision was prompted by

the advised of the Jesuits to exile him (Jose) in Dapitan because they knew
he would be safe there since the superior of the Jesuit mission was known by
them. A letter was given to him to introduce him to Father Antonio Obach
where he could temporarily live.

Upon the publication of the Decree or Deportation, Jose Rizal was not
yet exiled but was temporarily detained in Fort Santiago. He stayed
incommunicado for eight days where he was treated very well. He was given
a room furnished fashioned with a crib, a dozen of chair, a table, a basin and
a mirror. In his statement, Jose Rizal mentioned that his room had three
windows, one with unbarred looking at the patio and another one barred
looking out the wall city and the seashore, and the third served as a door
which was locked.

BOUND TO DAPITAN

It was 10:00 in the evening on July 14, 1892 when Jose Rizal was
scheduled to leave Fort Santiago. Upon hearing it, he prepared himself and
packed up his things waiting for his escorts to take him to the port. But his
escorts came very late, just in time before midnight, when he was about to
sleep, "Cebu" they bound to Dapitan around 1:00 in the morning.
 At the ferry boat, he was given special treatment as if he was a high
ranking official. The captain of the ship gave him a prime cabin marked as
"jefes" which means commanding officers. But he was guarded by a sentry
and a corporal every time he ate his meals.

On July 17, 1892, the ferry boat "Cebu" arrived in Dapitan where he was
met by Ricardo Carnicero who offered him to live either in his house or at the
Jesuit Mission House.

LIFE IN DAPITAN

Jose Rizal decided to stay at the house of Ricardo Carnicero where he

was told to oversee his activities daily. He (Ricardo) knew that Jose Rizal was
not simply an ordinary deportee, thus, he ordered his people to closey
observe him. But because Jose Rizal was a good person, no wonder, he
befriended with Ricardo Carnicero. He received good treatment from him. He
was allowed to roam around the place though, he required him report once a
week. Jose Rizal in returned was also very grateful to him.

On August 30, 1892, Ricardo Carnicero informed Governor General

Eulogio Despujol on August 30, 1892 that Jose Rizal wanted reforms in the
Philippines but does not want friars to be evicted. On September 21, 1892, he
(Ricardo) submitted another report to Governor General Despujol informing
him about reforms, these were freedom of religion and of the press.

While in Dapitan, he (Jose) wrote to his mother in Hong Kong about his
exile in Dapitan. On July 25, 1892, expressed his profound gladness:

"In these days of lack of communication, travel,

and deportation, I'm greatly worried thinking of you,
and for this reason I hasten to write to you to tell you
that I am well here as if I were on vacation in this
politico-military district. I don't miss anything except my
family and freedom."

On September 21, 1892, the mail boat "Butuan" informed Jose,

Carnicero and Equilor that their lottery ticket number 9736 won second prize
amounting to Twenty Thousand Pesos. Each received an amount of Six
Thousand Two Hundred Pesos. Jose Rizal used the money to buy a piece of
land in Talisay to build his tree houses, one square type made of bamboo,
another hexagonal type made of wood and the last was octagonal shape
made of nipa. the first was his residence while the second was for his pupils
and the last was for livestock and plant and fruit bearing trees. Some of his
money was given to his father who was still in Hong Kong.

On January 1893, Jose Rizal told Ricardo Carnicero to stay in his own
house. His house was completed in March where he was able to cultivate
lanzones, mangoe, macopa, langka, santol, mangosteen and cocoa trees. He
domesticated also some animals like chicken, rabbits, dogs and even cats.

Jose Rizal became a teacher to some children in Dapitan where he

started with only three students and eventually increased to twenty-one. He
tutored them Spanish, English, Mathematics and how to work. His class
started after lunch until 4:00 in the afternoon. In his letter to Blumentritt, he
once said:

"One can judge their enthusiasm for study

when, even though they have to work for me; they
worked in order to study."

Some members of his family visited and joined him in Dapitan. His
mother and his sister Trinidad and as well as his nephew Angelica arrived in
August. He had the chance to operate again his mother's eye. When his
mother left with Trinidad, his two sisters Maria and Narcisa together with his
nephews arrived in Dapitan. Unfortunately, his father could not travel to
Dapitan because of his deteriorating condition. Rizal told Blumentritt in a letter
that his father "was growing weaker and weaker by the day." He missed his
father so much. To his sister Josefa he said:

"Tell our father that I should like to see him; I

hope we shall see one another very soon. Kiss him
the hand for me."

Jose Rizal as a physician had many patients not only from Dapitan but
from the neighboring towns as well. Most of his patients were poor where
most often did not accept any fee. One day, a wealthy Englishman went to his
clinic and removed his cataract where he was paid five hundred pesos. The
money he received was used to put up lamps in their streets.

As a scientist, he was able to discover rare species which were named

after him. These were the flying dragon (Draco Rizali), small beetle (Apogonia
Rizali) and a toad (Rachophorous Rizali).

In his letter to Blumentritt, He described his life in Dapitan:

"My life goes on quietly and drearily. To pass

the time and help the local people here a little, I
have turned a merchant. I bought hemp and shipped
it in Manila. I was lucky this month; I made $200 at
one blow... My present life is peaceful, solitary, with
no glory, but I think it is also useful. I am teaching
some poor but intelligent children how to read
Spanish and English, and Mathematics (including
Geometry), and how to behave like men. I have also
taught the local people how to make a better living,
and they think I am right... This coercion upon me
has taught me a new language, Visayan, and how to
handle a boat; it has given me a better knowledge of
my country, and has rewarded me with some
thousand dollars! God can send good fortune in the
midst of the persecutions of one's enemies."

On August 28, 1893, he heard the death of his beloved Leonor Rivera.
He was in despair and very lonely but it was very timely when he met
Josephine Bracken. He fell in love and afterwards decided to marry each
other but their marriage was not permitted because of the refusal from the
Bishop of Cebu.

REVAMP IN LEADERSHIP

While Rizal was in Dapitan, many changes took place in the municipal
administration of Spain in the Philippines. Don Antonio Maura became the
Minister of the Colonies. Governor General Eulogio Despujol was replaced by
Federico Ochando and eventually took over by Ramon Blanco.

During his incumbency, Jose Rizal wrote a petition for his freedom
through his brother-in-law Manuel Hidalgo. In his petition, he strongly
condemned his deportation in Dapitan. But unfortunately, has not received
any reply from him. There was a time when he was able to talk to him after his
visit in Dapitan where the Governor General Blanco promised him to transfer
either in Ilocos or La Union.

Like Despujol, Ricardo Carnicero was replaced by Juan Sitges upon

order of Ochando. It was allegedly replaced because of his close contact with
Jose Rizal. Aside from these, the Jesuit society had undergone changes,
Father Pablo Pastells was replaced by Father Juan Ricart as the superior of
the Jesuit Order in the Philippines. Father Pastell gave Jose Rizal a copy of a
famous Catholic book by Father Thomas Kempis called Imitacion de Cristo
(Imitation of Christ). It was him also who was instrumental for the recall of
Ricardo Carnicero.

Photo Narrative!
Direction: Create a photo narrative of the life of Rizal in Dapitan. You may
get photos coming from the internet and use it as a symbolism of what are the
activities he had done. Minimum of 15 photos and the description should not be less
than three sentences.

Great! You have completed the task and activities of Lesson 1. More likely
you have gained knowledge and meaningful experience, and you are now ready to
turn pages for Lesson 2 of this module. Keep reading for wonderful learning!

LESSO Plan to Volunteer as

N
Military Doctor in Cuba
2
TIME FRAME: One (3) Hours
OBJECTIVES:
  Describe the intention and purpose of Rizal on leaving
Dapitan.
 Analyze pictures pertaining to detention.
 Create a letter of defense for Rizal.

Excellent! You are now on the second lesson of this module! In this lesson,
the departure of Rizal from Dapitan to Manila will be discussed and the reasons why
he decided to leave Dapitan. Moreover, you will be able to learn how Rizal ended up
being arrested as he was on board going to Cuba.

Picture Analysis
Direction: Look at the pictures below and analyze it, then answer the follow
up questions thereafter.

1. What are the pictures are trying to show?

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2. Describe the situation shown in the picture.

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 ANSWER IT!
Direction: Please read the questions below and write your answer in the spaces
provided. Your answers must be in a minimum of 3 sentences.
1. Based on the activity above, explain why a certain situation happens?
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2. Do you believe that anyone who faces the event presented in the pictures
above is always evil? Support your answer.
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3. If you are put or placed in the situation, do you think you have the rights to
defend yourself? Support your answer.
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LET’S SHAPE IT!

Jose Rizal while in Dapitan thought that he would not stay long as
Governor General Blanco will fulfill his promised to transfer him either in
Ilocos or La Union. He complained to his sister Trinidad through a letter that
he was beginning to feel ill. He wrote letter to the Governor General asking
him permission to go to Spain since he has not received feedback of his
promised to transfer. Some of his companions also don't want him to remain
idle in Dapitan. There was a time when Pio Valenzuela was ordered by
Andres Bonifacio to inform him of their plan to have a revolution but Jose
Rizal did not approve of their plan because of his refusal to join and lead the
Katipunan.

Another suggestion came from his friend Jose Maria Basa in Hong
Kong. Basa wrote him to help obtain pardon in Madrid. Unfortunately, Regidor
told Basa that despite all his efforts, a pardon could only be secured in Madrid
as he was advised by his friends in the Government that the case of Jose
Rizal could be settled through his Excellency, the Governor General Blanco.

Regidor had another idea whom he shared with Blumentritt. He wanted

Rizal to volunteer as military doctor in Cuba. The Spanish forces needed
doctors because of the outbreak during the Cuban Revolution.

Blumentritt considered it a good idea and so he wrote to Jose Rizal

advising him to go to Cuba as a doctor in the Spanish Medical Corps. Jose
Rizal accepted the suggestion. In fact, he believed that it was an excellent
idea. He told Blumentritt through a letter dated November 20, 1895 that he will
write immediately to the Governor General for his enlistment. A day after,
November 21, he informed his mother of his decision.

As expected, his family especially his parents were worried of his

sudden change of plans. He understood the fears or his parents of his going
to Cuba but he told them through a letter:

"I received your letter on the 14th and I

understand perfectly your and Father's fears about
my going to Cuba; however, as you well say, we
should have faith in God. Until now He has saved
me from all dangers; why will He not save me from
others in the future?"

In another letter, he told his parents:

 "Don't worry about anything; we are all in the
hands of Divine Providence. Not all who go to Cuba
die, and finally one has to die, at least may one die
doing something good."

On November 17, 1895, Rizal wrote a petition to General Blanco to

volunteer as a physician in the Spanish Army in Cuba. But still, he has not
received reply of his application. Determined to go to Cuba, he again wrote
another letter reiterating his desire to serve as Doctor.

He wrote to his mother:

"I have therefore reiterated my request to

serve in Cuba in view of the fact that I have not
received a reply from the first."

Several months had elapsed since his first and second petitions were
sent to the Governor General, he (Jose) decided to abandon his plans. He
told his friend Blumentritt:

"I no longer planned to go to Cuba since

more than six months had passed since my
application."

After having abandoned his desire to go to Cuba, Jose Rizal was

surprised to receive a letter from Governor General Blanco on July 1, 1896.
The letter was sent in Dapitan aboard the ship España. The letter was the
long-awaited approval of the application of Rizal. The letter reads:

"I have made representation with the

government in connection with your petition, and
agreeing to your wishes have no objection to your
going to Cuba as a physician to the Military
Health Corps. If you still wish to take this step, the
Commandant of Dapitan will issue you a pass for
coming to Manila where I shall, on my part, issue
you a passport for the Peninsula. There, the
 Minister of War will commission you to the Cuban
Army."

Rizal had to rethink his plan again. He finally decided to leave Dapitan
in favor of Cuba.

DEPARTURE FROM DAPITAN TO MANILA

According to Rizal, he had been in Dapitan for "four years, thirteen

days, and a few odd hours." With this long stay, the town folks learned to love
him.

In return for his kindness, they made sure that his departure was a big
event. The whole town went to bid him farewell. They even prepared a band
for their adopted son.

Jose Rizal left Dapitan at midnight on July 31, 1896. He boarded

Espana which will take him to Manila. Aboard the España, his sisters Narcisa
and Josefa, a niece, and three nephews accompanied him. The trip was
rushed because of their desire to catch Isla de Luzon to dock in Manila
scheduled to leave for Spain.

They made stopovers in Dumaguete, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, and Romblon.

After a rushed trip, Jose Rizal arrived in Manila on August 6, 1896.

But, the mail boat Isla de Luzon has already left a few hours before
their arrival. Upon orders of his Excellency, he was transferred to cruiser
Castilla anchored at a port in Cavite. He would stay aboard while waiting to be
transferred to another ship.

The commandant of Castilla gave Jose Rizal his own cabin. The former
informed him that the Governor General ordered him to be detained but not to
be imprisoned. While in Castilla, his family visited Jose Rizal. Only members
of his family were allowed to visit him aboard.

The officers of the cruiser treated Rizal well. The commandant even
assigned a certain Prudencio Bulag to be at his disposal. In return, he wanted
to give compliment to the officers. He requested Narcisa to buy some goods
to be given as gift to the officers.
VOYAGE TO CUBA

On August 30, 1896, Governor General Blanco gave Jose Rizal three
letters. Two of these letters were addressed to the Ministers of War and of the
Colonies. The other was addressed to him. The two letters were intended to
introduce him to the ministers for his enlistment in Cuba.

With these letters, he was ready to leave Manila to present himself to

the authorities in Spain. On September 2, 1896, he was transferred to the
steamer Isla de Panay. Before he left, he wrote to his dear mother informing
her of his departure and at the same time admonished them not to worry
because "not all who go to Cuba die."

In that same letter, Rizal informed also his mother of how thankful he
was to the kindness shown by (Governor General Blanco. He told his mother:

"The Most Excellent Captain General has

behaved towards me very well. I'm going to show
him, God gives me time and health, that know how
to reciprocated."

The next day, September 3, 1896, Isla de Panay left Manila. Aboard
the steamer, he was given a good large cabin. As expected, he received a
good treatment from the officers and crew. But, he was under close
surveillance during the trip. It came out that before Rizal left, Governor
Generat Blanco sent a telegram to the Minster of Colonies. It read in part as
follows:

"I have the honor of informing your

Excellency that Dr. Jose Rizal y Alonso has
embarked on the vessel Isla de Panay which will
leave this port tomorrow, the third of this month.
we have instructed the management of the
Compañia transattiantico in this City, that he is to
be under close surveillance during the trip, that he
is to be taken to the Civil Governor of Barcelona."
 The trip to Spain was difficult. According to him, there had been much
sickness. A Captain of the Military Administration died aboard and his remains
was thrown into the sea. Jose Rizal was made in-charge of a sick Jesuit.
Another ill was the brother-in-law of Pedro Paterno, Don Manuel Pineyro who
was suffering from dysentery.

On September 30, 1896, the Captain of the ship came to Rizal and
informed him that he would be confined to his cabin. According to the officer,
he received a telegraphic order for his arrest and detention.

ARRIVAL IN SPAIN

Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona on October 3, 1896. As a rule,

nobody was allowed to disembark, as the ship would be quarantined for 3
days. While aboard, Jose Rizal was closely guarded. This time, he was
treated badly.

He was confused with the turned of events. When he left Manila, he

was confident that he would be in Cuba to serve Spain. He even abandoned
all his plans. Now, it was certain that he would never reached Cuba.
According to Governor General Blanco, when Jose Rizal left for Spain in
September 3, charges were filed against him in connection with insurgency in
the Philippines. The prosecutor wanted Jose Rizal back to face the charges.

Jose Rizal was greatly disappointed. He had nothing to do with the

disturbances in the Philippines. In fact, he declined the offer to lead the
revolution as he knew that Andres Bonifacio had revolted already against the
Spanish government.

He told all his predicaments to his friend Blumentritt. He said:

"I was going to Cuba to make my name and

answer all my calumnies. Now they tell me that I
am not going there. I cannot believe this because it
would be the greatest injustice. I have offered my
services as a doctor, ready to risk my life in the
hazards of war, leaving all my businesses behind. I
am innocent and has nothing to do with the
 disturbances, and can swear to it. And now, by way
of reward, they are sending me to prison!"

On October 6, the passengers and crew of Isla de Panay were allowed

to land. Jose Rizal was awakened by an officer and was instructed to pack all
his things. This time, he was subjected to a harsh treatment. He carried his
heavy baggage all by himself for he shall be taken to the Montjuich Castle to
be detained temporarily.

At the prison Fort, he was notified that he would be taken later to the
headquarters of the commanding officer in-charge of Montjuich. It came out
that the officer was Governor General Eulogio Despujol, the former Governor
General of the Philippines who ordered the deportation of Jose Rizal in
Dapitan.

When he was brought to the headquarters, he waited for about an hour

before Governor General Despujol arrived. The Governor General informed
him that upon order of authorities, he would be taken back to the Philippines.
He would return to Manila on board the steamer Colon. He would be given a
second-class cabin aboard. The meeting with Despujol lasted only for fifteen
minutes.

Thereafter, Jose Rizal was brought to steamer Colon. The ship carried
troops to reinforce the Spanish forces in the Philippines. At eight o'clock in the
evening of October 6, Colon left Barcelona for Manila.

Letter of Defense!
Direction: Create your own letter of defense for Rizal stating the facts that
supposed to help him not to be charge as guilty of the accusations made by the
Spanish. This letter must be in a form of Essay that contains the introduction, body
and conclusion. Write it in a clean short bond paper.

Great! You have completed the task and activities of Lesson 2. More likely
you have gained knowledge and meaningful experience, and you are now ready to
turn pages for Lesson 3 of this module. Keep reading for wonderful learning!
 LESSO The Trial and
N
Martyrdom of Rizal
3
TIME FRAME: One (3) Hours
OBJECTIVES:
 Explain the trial of Jose Rizal
 Analyze the factors that led to Rizal’s execution
 Evaluate the impact of Jose Rizal's death on the
Philippine Revolution and the interpersonal
relationships of the Spanish colonial regime
 Examine Rizal’s ideas and philosophies through his last
poem
 Analyze the effect of Rizal’s execution on Spanish
colonial rule and the Philippine Revolution.

Welcome to Lesson 3 of Module 4. This lesson provides a detailed discussion

on the trial and martyrdom of Rizal. It discusses the events of the trial and execution
of Rizal. It also discusses ideas and phiosophies of Rizal regarding the 1896
Philippine revolution. It also examine Rizal’s last poem ‘Mi Ultimo Adios’.

Word Game!
Direction: Find the names of Rizal’s family and friends who were with him during
his trial and execution.
T R I N I D A D B N Z W F U I
C A D Q W E R V S J K L X C Z
G H V M K L O D A P I T A N Q
V N A I F X Y G J M F S N B H
L K H T E Q O I E A K P B A R
O B A M T L W U D D T A U S I
Y I W C Y X D J O R W I T R Z
H A V W J O S E P H I N E T A
K H E Q U Z Q T A B U C O I L
Q G L A I C M A F N X R D O X
V Y O S O F C Z R O D Q O K Z
C T K D P T A .B I N I R R G W
N R P F L Y X J O S E F A V Y
T E W G K K G T N B G Y O D Q
J G U H J N H Y Y S P A C T E
 I FEEL YOU!
Direction: Answer the following questions briefly.
1. If you were to visit Rizal in Fort Santiago during his trial, what would you bring for
him and why?
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2. If you had the chance to talk to Rizal before his execution, what would you tell
him?
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3. As a Filipino student, what is the impact of Rizal’s heroism on you?
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LET’S SHAPE IT!

BACK IN FORT SANTIAGO AND THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION

On November 3, 1896, the steamer Colon arrived in Manila. It gave too

much happiness on the part of the Spanish friars and government officials
because the soul of revolution that they believed in could now be made
responsible for a crime he had done. Jose Rizal was back to the Philippines
as a prisoner. He was strictly guarded on when he was brought back to Fort
Santiago. He was held incommunicado for almost four weeks in his prison
cell. Meanwhile, the Spanish officials were so busy gathering and fabricating
evidences against him. The man responsible for the return of Rizal was Col.
Francisco Olive. It was him who requested the Governor General Blanco to
immediately order the return of Jose Rizal for he accused him of organizing
the insurrection against the Spanish authorities in Manila. On November 30,
he summoned Jose Rizal to appear before him for an initial investigation of
his case. There, he was informed of the offenses charged against him as well
as the evidences to support the charges. These were consisted of
documentary and oral evidences. Among others were documents, letters, and
even lyrics of Kundiman allegedly written by him. On the other hand, the oral
testimonies consisted among others were the sworn statements of Aguedo
Del Rosario and Francisco Quizon. The two identified him as the head of the
Katipunan. Statements were also taken from Salvador Dizon, Deodato
Arellano, and Timoteo Paez. After the investigation, Colonel Olive submitted
his findings to his Excellency Governor General Blanco where he appointed
Captain Rafael Dominguez to act as a special judge advocate. As expected,
Captain Domniguez found probable cause and recommended the prosecution
of Jose Rizal for rebellion. With this endorsement, Governor General Blanco
forwarded the case to Nicolas Peña. The latter ordered that the accused
should face trial before a military court. He further decreed that Jose Rizal be
assisted by an officer as a counsel. From a list or officers submitted to him,
Jose Rizal chose Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade. Luis was famillar to Jose Rizal
being his brother's (Jose Taviel) bodyguard before. Finally, on December 11,
the charges were formally read to Jose Rizal. These were rebellion, sedition,
and illegal association. Jose Rizal, pleaded not guilty.
THE TRIAL

Before the trial started, Governor General Camilo G. Polavieja, who

arrived in the Philippines on December 3, 1896, replaced Governor General
Ramon Blanco. He officially assumed the post as Governor General of the
Philippine Island on December 3, 1896, two days after the arraignment of
Rizal. On December 17, 1896, Peña endorsed that the case of Jose Rizal was
ready for trial. After which, the case was turned over to Capt. Dominguez and
Lt. Alcocer, who would act as prosecutors of the case. On December 26, a
court martial with 7 members was convened at the Cartel de Espana, which
converted ito a temporary courtroom. The military tribunal consisted of Lt. Col.
Jose Togores Arjona, president and Capt. Ricardo Muñoz Arias, Capt. Manuel
Reguera, Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio, Capt. Manel Diaz Escribano, Capt.
Fermin Perez Rodriguez, and Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez, members.
Present at the trial were Jose Rizal and his counsel, the prosecutors,
Josephine Bracken, the officials of the government, officers of the Army, some
peninsulares, some natives and correspondents of newspapers. The trial
started with the prosecution presenting the case against Jose Rizal.
Dominguez and Alcocer presented the evidence to establish the case, after
they rested their case, Andrade took the defense of Josse Rizal. His defense
was focused on a provision in the Penal Code of Spain in the Philippines. The
provision provided that the guilt of an accused could only be established by
means of ocular inspection, official documents, credible witnesses, and
among others. According to the defense, the prosecution failed to prove Jose
Rizal's guilt by any of these means. Thus, he must be acquitted of the
charges. He (Jose) then presented a brief testimony of his case. 5.3
SENTENCE TO DEATH After the defense of Jose Rizal, the case was
submitted to the court for resolution. The members of the tribunal deliberated
the case, but Jose Rizal's case had already been prejudged, the decision was
affirmative. The military court found Jose Rizal guilty of the crime charged and
was sentence to die. The decision was as follows: "In the plaza of Manila on
the 26" day of the month, December, 1896, the Council of War presided over
by Lt. Col. D. Jose Togores Arjona, having met this day, to look into and pass
sentence on the case against Dr. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso, accused of
the crimes of rebellion, sedition, and illegal association, has carefully and
thoroughly examined the said case, after a reading of his actuations by the
Judge

Advocate, and have seen the Fiscal's accusation, heard the allegation
of the defense and the declarations of the accused, hereby declares that the
punishable acts consist of the crimes of illegal association and of promoting
and inducing to execute the latter; Dr. Jose Rizal is, therefore, found guilty of
being the author of said rebellion. By virtue of its powers, the council dictates
the following sentence: Dr. Jose Rizal should be, and is hereby condemned to
death." With this decision, Jose Rizal's fate was sealed. The next days
followed would be his execution. General Polavieja upon affirmation of Pena
approved the sentence of Jose Rizal on December 28. He ordered that the
convict be executed through a firing squad in the morning of December 30.
Thereafter, the special judge advocate, Capt. Dominguez informed Jose Rizal
at Fort Santiago of the sentence, the approval of his Excellency and the date
and place of execution. 5.4 LAST MOMENTS Having been informed his
sentence; Jose Rizal was in his last moments of his life. The Archbishop of
Manila, Father Bernardino Nozaleda requested the Jesuits of Ateneo to give
spiritual consolation to him as well as to convince him to retract from Masonry.
The Jesuits who were his former professors in Ateneo took turns in visiting
him. First to visit Jose Rizal in the morning of December 29 were Fathers
Saderra and Viza. After the two left, Fathers Balaguer and Vilaclara replaced
them. Fathers March and Faura also visited Rizal. They kept on urging him to
return to the church and to retract all his errors. At the same day, Jose Rizal
wrote two letters, one was for his brother Paciano whom he had not seen for a
long time and the other letter was for his family whom he wanted to see
before his death. Jose Rizal wrote: "I should like to see some of you before I
die, though it may be very painful. Let the bravest come over. I have to say
some important things." At seven o'clock in the evening Doña Teodora arrived
with Trinidad. His mother broke tears upon seeing his poor son. Jose Rizal
also wept upon seeing his mother: He asked forgiveness for the troubles he
had brought to the family. Some of his sisters and nephews also went to see
him in Fort Santiago. He gave to his sister Trinidad a cooking lamp and told
her that there was something inside. He was referring to his Mi Ultimo Adios,
his farewell poem. Then came Josephine, his poor and unhappy wife. Both
cried upon seeing each other.

THE EXECUTION

Jose Rizal woke up early in the day of his execution. He took his
breakfast at 5:30 in the morning. Then Josephine came with Jose Rizal's
sister Josefa. This would be his last moment with his wife. After a little
conversation with Josephine; he gave her a devotional book Imitacion de
Cristo. He wrote a note in the following words: "To my dear and unhappy wife
Josephine Bracken." before his execution, he wrote his last words to his
parents. It was written at 6 o'clock in the morning of December 30, 1896, an
hour before his execution. The letter read: "My Most Beloved Father, forgive
me for the pain with which I pay you for your struggles and toils in order to
give me education. I did not want this nor did I expect it. Farewell, Father,
Farewell! To my very beloved Mother, Mrs. Teodora Alonso." At 6:30 in the
morning, the artillery of soldiers was ready to escort Jose Rizal. He was tied
elbow to elbow. He was accompanied by Fathers March and Villaclara and his
counsel Lt. Taviel de Andrade. At the beginning of the march, he told the two
priests, "We are on the road to Calvary." A drum and bugle together with an
escort of artillery of soldiers accompanied the march to Bagumbayan. Rafael
Palma described Jose Rizal during the walk as follows: "He walked with noble
bearing; his body was upright, erect yet without affectation. To me, that
represented his whole character; inflexible and daring. I could understand why
he did not bend neither to tyranny nor to death." The place of execution was
crowded with people, many of whom were Spaniards wanting to see Jose
Rizal die. Upon reaching the square formed by soldiers, he bade farewell to
his counsel and the two Jesuit priests. He then walked at the middle of the
square. His last request was to face the firing squad but was not considered
by the Captain of the artillery. Surprisingly, the military doctor who went to
check his pulse found to be normal. And finally, the Captain shouted the order
to fire. Rizal was hit in body and died at about 7:03 a.m. Many Spaniards
present at the execution shouted "Long Live Spain" and "Death to traitors."
These were heard three to four times. The artillery band played Marcha de
Cadiz. Eventually, the crowd disappeared.

I DREW IT!
Direction: Create a concept map that will provide a detailed explanation
about the trial and martyrdom of Rizal. Draw your concept map on a short bond
paper.

Congratulations! You have completed the tasks and activities of Module 4.

You have gained knowledge and meaningful experiences. You are now ready to for
the next lessons. Keep reading and never stop learning!