CAVITE MUTINY OF 1872

On the night of January 20, 1872, a mutiny

broke out among Filipino soldiers in the
arsenal of Cavite under the leadership
of Sgt. La Madrid (Schumacher, 1991). This
mutiny was brought about by the abolition of
their exemption from tribute and forced labor
by Governor-General Izquierdo, previously
enjoyed by Filipino soldiers and workers in
the arsenal of Fort San Felipe.
 CAVITE MUTINY OF 1872

The Spanish authorities took advantage of the situation by arresting

liberal-minded Filipinos. Nine Filipino priests were deported to
Marians Islands, together with thirteen lawyers.
CAVITE MUTINY OF 1872
The incident was exaggerated by the
Spaniards, particularly the friars, to implicate
Fathers Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomez, and
Jacinto Zamora, due to their active
involvement in the campaign for the
secularization of parishes. These three Filipino
priests were executed by garrote for alleged
complicity in the rebellion.
CAVITE MUTINY OF 1872
The martyrdom of Gomburza was a
turning point in Philippine history
(Agoncillo, 1990). It ushered in an
era of peaceful campaign for
reforms to counter the evils of the
Spanish Regime, known in our
history as the Propaganda
Movement.
RIZAL AND THE CAVITE MUTINY OF 1872
Rizal at the time was only 11
years old. Originally his plan was
to take up priesthood and
become a Jesuit father (De
Ocampo, 1969). When he heard
of the martyrdom of Gomburza,
he changed his mind and swore
to dedicate his life to vindicate
the victims of Spanish
oppression.
IN HIS LETTER TO PONCE, DATED APRIL 18, 1889
(NATIONAL HEROES COMMISSION, 1963), HE SAID…

….Without 1872 there would not be now either a Plaridel, or Jaena, nor
Sanciano, or would there exist brave and generous Filipino colonies in Europe;
without 1872, Rizal would be a Jesuit now and instead of writing the Noli Me
Tangere, would have written the opposite. At the sight of those injustices and
cruelties, while still a child, my imagination was awakened and I swore to devote
myself to avenge one day so many victims, and with this idea in mind I have
been studying and this can be read in all my works and writings. God will
someday give me an opportunity to carry out my promise. Good! May they
commit abuses, let there be imprisonments, banishments, executions, good. Let
destiny be fulfilled! The day they martyrize innocent families for our fault,
goodbye friar government, and perhaps, goodbye Spanish government.