Q1. Why was it improbable for Fr. Burgos to have been implicated with the Cavite Mutiny?

I. Opening Statement
Another controversy in Philippine History is the real story behind the 1872 Cavite
Mutiny. This mutiny was considered to be unsuccessful and ended with the executive of the
three Filipino martyr named Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos, and Fr. Jacinto Zamora to
which Dr. Jose Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo. The tragic execution of the three priest is
considered to be one of the catalyst of the 1896 Philippine Revolution. One thing is quite clear
when the Cavite Mutiny is the object of discourse: we possess no definitive account of the event
nor any satisfactory biography of any of the three priests to give a faithful depiction of what really
happened. As with every story focused on war, oppression, or subjects of the same gravity,
there are always two perspectives to consider. In this case, the Spanish perspective of the story,
and the Filipino counterpart.

IIa. 1st RRL

Guerrero (1998) Burgos was alleged complicity in the uprising of workers at the Cavite
Naval Yard. The death of Gomburza awakened strong feelings of anger and resentment
among the Filipinos. They questioned Spanish authorities and demanded reforms. The
martyrdom of the three priests apparently helped to inspire the organization of the Propaganda
Movement, which aimed to seek reforms and inform Spain of the abuses of
its colonial government.

IIb. 1ST RRL Interpretation/Analysis/Discuss

To support the idea of Guerrero, Burgos had emerged as the chief defender of the
Filipino clergy, aided by Guevara, with his series of articles in the Madrid newspaper, La
Discusión. He continued his attack on the friar orders in La Armonía in 1871. More
importantly, he was the principal moving force behind, and apparent author of, the memorial
drawn up by the Filipino clergy, asking for the revocation of the decree of 1861 providing for
the compensation to the Recollect friars for the parishes they gave up to the Jesuits in
Mindanao with parishes of the Filipino clergy in the archdiocese of Manila. From time to time
he informed Burgos of the slow movement of the memorial through the bureaucracy and the
intercessions he had made use of. Tragically, Burgos was already dead, though the news was
not yet known to the public in Madrid. But what is significant here is that Burgos was putting
forth herculean efforts to work within the processes of the Spanish government at a time
when he was accused of being the key figure in a separatist revolt. This argument is
further supported by the fact that he was simultaneously engaged, likewise through the
mediation of Manuel Regidor, in seeking a canonry within the Manila Cathedral chapter.

IIIa. 2nd RRL

But it was that budding nationalism that made him dangerous. In the eyes of the
Spanish elite, he was a young upstart trying to upend the established system. That’s why in
1872, he was implicated in the Cavite mutiny—the mutineers were calling out for Burgos,
 proclaiming him “Rey indio,” native King. Burgos’ death was solidified the nascent nationalism
felt by so many. The concept of “Filipino” and what is “Philippine” only grew from there.
Besides Rizal, the Katipunan also grew emboldened by the liberal ideas which propelled their
inadvertent martyrdom, even going so far as using Gomburza as a password. (Umali, 2020)

IIIb. 2nd RRL Interpretation/Analysis/Discuss

Indeed, they led the secularization campaign, which helped Filipino priests by insisting
on the filipino secular clergy having priority in parish assignments over the friars who had
recently arrived from Spain. Burgos, the youngest and brightest of the three, was especially
prone because he was the synod examiner of parish priests. In this sense, he had several
disagreements with then-Archbishop of Manila Gregorio Martinez.

IV. General Conclusion

Hence, the death of Burgos was necessary in the build-up towards the revolution. His
innocents is also a consistent theme in the history of the world that helped empower people
and fuel the greatest minds to think and pursue changes in the way we do things. The
innocence of the priests decided whether they were to live or die. But sometimes innocence is
not a matter of truth. Then, as in now, it was a matter for the law to decide. During the time of
Gomburza, the priests were virtually powerless after being accused and convicted of a crime
they did not commit because they were under the whims of the all-powerful Spanish Empire.
Suppose it happened today, would the Gomburza have withstood trial and remain innocent in
the eyes of the law? If they had lived, what things in our history would have changed?

V. Closing Statement

The Cavite mutiny inspired a more determined push for reforms in the Spanish colonial
government among conservative Filipino leaders; and for total independence from colonial
power among the more radical segments of the oppressed population, such as the
Katipuneros. Jose Rizal, who would become the country’s national hero, dedicated his second
novel, El Filibusterismo, to the memory of GomBurZa. To some extent, GomBurZa had
influenced the contextual framing of my political questions. Overall, this happenings made a
big impact to the history of the Philippines, it strengthened up the confidence of the Filipinos to
fight for their country, especially in their basic rights. However, this munity ended up
unsuccessful, it served as an eye opener in each and every one and it was the start of the
Filipino Nationalism. Indeed, the journey for us to acquire our freedom from the Spaniards is
not easy, it was rough and bloody. Our heroes sped their bloods just to obtain the
independence of our country. So, we should appreciate and let’s not forget the history of ours.
We earn victory and experience freedom because of them.

VI. References

Guerrero, M. L. (1998). The Philippine Revolution, by Apolinario Mabini | Presidential Museum

 and Library. Malacañan Palace: Presidential Museum and Library.
http://malacanang.gov.ph/8143-the-philippine-revolution-by-apolinario-mabini/

Umali, J. (2020). How the Death of Gomburza Led to a Wholly Filipino Church.
Esquiremag.Ph.https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/death-of-gomburza-
church-a2212-20200217-lfrm