J o s e R i z a l ’s l i f e :

exile, trial and death

ANDUYO, FRANCIS RODCEL

PAGALAN, MARK GIL
QUILATON, IVANDER
 Jose Rizal’s life

EXILE TRIAL DEATH

Jose Rizal's life as he was forced into Jose Rizal's trial, a critical juncture in his The somber events surrounding the death
exile, a period that shaped his art and life that ignited a powerful fusion of art of Jose Rizal, shedding light on its impact
ideals." and activism. on the world of art and historical
remembrance.
Rizal’s exile.
 Jose Rizal dwelled as exile in
Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte, a
far-removed town in Mindanao
from 1892 to 1896.
 Jose Rizal exile
Jose lived a content and fulfilling life in Dapitan, where
he was highly respected for his expertise in medicine. He
dedicated himself to helping the less fortunate, offering
free or reduced-cost services and accepting non-monetary
forms of payment. He treated patients from all
backgrounds without discrimination.
 With the help of Father Francisco Sanchez, his former
Jesuit teacher, Jose worked hard to improve the town
plaza and added a large relief map of Mindanao. One of
his notable achievements was the construction of a water
system to provide clean water to the people of Dapitan.
Despite a lack of funds, limited resources, and no
government support, he was able to build it using his
education from Ateneo, engineering books, determination,
and creativity. He also drained the marshes to reduce the
spread of malaria and used 500 pesos from an English
patient to install coconut oil lamps in glass protectors to
light up dark areas in the town.
Jose, who valued education from a young age, fulfilled his dream of
starting his own school. The school began with three students and
grew to 16 and then 21. Jose's curriculum included subjects like
reading, writing, languages, geography, history, math, industrial
work, nature studies, and morals. He also taught physical activities
like gymnastics, boxing, and swimming to promote discipline and
physical development.
\
Instead of charging his students, Jose encouraged them to help him
with his gardening, farming, and community construction projects.
Jose also conducted scientific studies in a fertile field and sent
specimens to a museum in Europe, receiving scientific books and
surgical instruments in return. His collection of shells included 346
from 203 different species, and some rare specimens were named
after him by European scientists.
 During his time in Dapitan, Jose Rizal studied various
languages and wrote a grammar book. He also wrote poems and
created drawings and sculptures. He acquired land and built
various structures, including a house, school, and hospital. He
planted a variety of crops and introduced modern farming
techniques. However, he was unable to fulfill his goal of turning
Dapitan into an agricultural colony due to government
restrictions.
Jose Rizal collaborated with Ramon Carreon to be successful in the
fishing, copra, and hemp industries in Dapitan. They formed a
cooperative association to compete with Chinese businesses. Jose
also invented a wooden cigarette lighter and a machine for making
bricks. Despite his achievements, he felt lonely and found solace in
Josephine Bracken.
 Rizal + Bracken
At a particular time, a person arrived in Dapitan and
brought joy to God. This person was Josephine Bracken,
an Irish girl who was young and attractive. She had a
happy and light-hearted demeanor. Josephine was born in
Hong Kong to Irish parents. Jose and Josephine fell in love
and decided to get married, but they were unable to find a
priest to marry them. Despite not having the church's
blessing, they happily lived together in Dapitan. Jose was
overjoyed when he learned that Josephine was pregnant,
but sadly their baby only lived for a short time. They
named the baby boy "Francisco" after Jose's father.
In 1876, Andres Bonifacio led a rebellion with his group, the
Katipunan. They asked Dr. Pio Valenzuela to inform Jose
Rizal about their plan, and to hide their true intentions, Dr.
Pio was accompanied by a blind man named Raymundo
Mata. However, Jose disagreed with the Katipuneros' bold
uprising, as he believed they were not prepared for a
revolution due to lack of resources. He also refused their
offer to rescue him. Before the Katipuneros contacted Jose,
his friend Blumentritt informed him about the dire health
situation in Cuba and suggested he volunteer as an army
doctor there to end his exile. Acting on this advice, Jose
wrote a letter to Governor General Ramon Blanco offering
his medical services in Cuba, but received no response for
months, causing him to lose hope.
 Jose Rizal's Farewell to
Dapitan:
However, on July 30, 1896, when he least expected it, a letter from
the Spanish Governor arrived informing him of his proposal. This
letter also expressed that he would be given a pass so that he could
travel in Manila, where he would given a safe-conduct to Spain and
subsequently to Cuba.
July 31, 1896 marked Jose Rizal’s emotionally charged departure
from a town he learned to love. Many teary-eyed Dapitan folks were
at the shore to bid goodbye to a person who unselfishly did all he can
for their town. With weeping heart brimming with tears of nostalgic
memories, Jose gestured his farewell salute to the town’s devoted and
friendly folks.
Rizal’s trial .
 Rizal’s Trial
On August 26, 1896, Andres Bonifacio and his fearless
Katipuneros initiated a rebellion in Balintawak. They later

attacked San Juan on August 30, but suffered heavy losses and

were unable to succeed. As a result of this battle, Governor

General Blanco declared a state of war in eight provinces,

including Manila, due to their insurgency against Spain.

Bonifacio was concerned about the potential consequences of

the uprising, including the immense suffering and destruction it

could cause, as well as the possibility of Spanish retaliation

against all Filipino patriots.
“From Hope to Captivity: Jose Rizal's Unexpected Journey
During the Uprising"
During the uprising, Jose received two letters from
Governor General Blanco that cleared him of any
involvement. Worried by the violence of the
Katipuneros, Jose left for Spain on September 3, 1896,
hoping to go to Cuba and work as a military physician.
However, he was unexpectedly arrested and held
prisoner on a Spanish steamer before reaching
Barcelona. He was then told he would be sent back to
Manila on the ship Colon. When he arrived in Manila
on November 3, 1896, he was taken to Fort Santiago
under heavy guard.
"Jose Rizal's Trial: Unveiling the
Evidence and Testimonies"

In 1896, a five-day investigation began against Jose Rizal.

He appeared before Colonel Francisco Olive, who

presented charges against him. The evidence against Rizal

included both documents and testimonies. Palma's book,

Pride of Malay Race, provides the translated documentary

evidence, consisting of fifteen exhibits, as follows.
1. A letter of Antonio Luna to Mariano Ponce, dated Madrid, October
16, 1888, showing Rizal's connection with the Filipino reform campaign
in Spain.
2. A letter of Rizal to his family, dated Madrid, August 20, 1890, stating
that the deportations are good for they will encourage the people to hate
tyranny.
3. A letter from Marcelo H. Del Pilar to Deodato
Arellano, dated Madrid, January 7, 1889, implicating Rizal in the
Propaganda campaign in Spain.
4. A poem entitled Kundiman, allegedly written by Rizal in Manila on September 12 1891.
This poem is as follows:
KUNDIMAN
In the Orient beautiful
Where the sun is born
In a land of beauty
Full of enchantments
But bound in chains.
Where the despot reigns,
The land clearest to me.
Ah! That is my country,
She is slave oppressed
Groaning in the tyrant's grips;
Lucky shall he be
Who can give her liberty!
5. A letter of Carlos Oliver to an unidentified person, dated Barcelona,
September 18, 1891, describe Rizal as the man to free the Philippines from
Spanish oppression.

6. A Masonic document, dated Manila, February, 9, 1892, honoring Rizal for

his patriotic services.

7. A letter signed Dimasalang (Rizal's pseudonym) to Ter:.luz (Juan Zulueta's

pseudonym), dated Hong Kong, May 24, 1892, stating 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 Hong Kong, June
1, 1892, soliciting the aid of the committee in the, "patriotic work."
9. An anonymous and undated letter to the Editor of the Hong Kong Telegraph,
censuring the banishment of Rizal to Dapitan.
10.A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated Manila, September 3, 1892,
saying that the Filipino people look up to him (Rizal) as their savior.
11. A letter of Ildefonso Laurel to Rizal, dated Manila, September 17, 1893,
informing an unidentified correspondent of the arrest and banishment of
Doroteo Cortes and Ambrasio Salvador.

12. A letter of Marcelo Del Pilar to Don Juan A Tenluz (Juan Zulueta), dated
Madrid, June l, 1893 recommending to establishment of a special
organization, independent of Masonry, to help the cause of the Filipino
people.
13. Transcript of a speech of Pingkian (Emilio Jacinto), in a reunion of the
Katipunan on July 23, 1893, in which the following cry was uttered "Long
Live the Philippines! Long Live Liberty! Long Live Doctor Rizal! Unity!"
14. Transcript of a speech of Tik-Tik (Jose Turiano Santiago) in the same
Katipunan reunion, where in the katipuneros shouted: "Long live the eminent
Doctor Rizal! Death to the oppressor nation!''

15. A poem by Laong Laan (Rizal), entitled A Talisay, in which the author
makes the Dapitan schoolboys sing that they know how to fight for their
rights.
 " Witnesses against Jose Rizal: Testimonies that
shaped his Trial"

Several individuals, including Martin Constantino, Aguedo de Rosario, Jose Reyes, Moises Salvador, Jose Dizon,
Domingo Franco, Deodato Arellano, Ambrosio Salvador, Pedro Serrano Laktaw, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Antonio
Salazar, Francisco Quison, and Timoteo Paez, provided oral testimonies as evidence against Jose.
 "Witnesses against Jose Rizal: Testimonies that
shaped his Trial"
On November 26, 1896, Judge Advocate, Colonel Francisco Olive forwarded the records of the case
to Governor General Ramon Blanco, who designated Captain Rafael Dominguez as special Judge
Advocate to initiate proceeding against Jose. Captain Dominguez submitted a summary of the action
to Governor General Ramon Blanco who thereupon, send it to the Judge Advocate General, Don
Nicolas De la Pena.

After studying the papers, Pena submitted the following recommendations: (1) the accused be
immediately brought to trial; (2) he should be kept in prison; (3) an order of attachment be issued
against his property to the amount of one million pesos as indemnity; and (4) he should be defended
in the court by an army officer, not by a civilian lawyer (Zaide and Zaide, 2014).
 "Witnesses against Jose Rizal: Testimonies that
shaped his Trial"

With his counsel by his side, charges were read to Jose in his prison cell on December 1, 1896. He
was accused, Medina ( 1998) disclosed, of being "the principal organizer and the living soul of the
Filipino insurrection, the founder of societies, periodicals and books dedicated to fomenting and
propagating ideas of rebellion."

Jose was not against the jurisdiction of the court, but asserted that he was not guilty of revolution.
 " Witnesses against Jose Rizal: Testimonies that
shaped his Trial"

He acknowledged that he authored the Constitution of the Liga Filipina and empliasized that it was
simply a civic alliance. He reiterated that he had no political involvement si11 his exile to Dapitan.
Or: December 13, 1896, Captain Dominguez transmitted Jose's case to the new Governor General of
the Philippines, General Camilo G. de Polavieja who replaced General Ramon Blanco.
"Witnesses against Jose Rizal: Testimonies that
shaped his Trial"
During the time Jose was in prison cell at Fort
Santiago, he penned a manifesto seriously asking the
Filipino people to cease the needless anct tumultuous
war. He encouraged them to attain freedom through
education and habit of working hard and steadily. Palma
(1964) promulgated this manifesto as follows:
 My Countrymen ( summarized ):

In this passage, Jose Rizal expresses his deep concern and disappointment regarding the misuse of his name
as a war cry during a rebellion. He clarifies that he had always opposed such uprisings, believing they would
bring suffering and was convinced of their impracticality. Rizal had offered his services, life, and name to
suppress the rebellion and prevent unnecessary misfortunes.

He emphasizes his commitment to the Philippines' quest for freedom but insists that true liberty should be
achieved through education and labor, not violent uprisings. Rizal condemns the rebellion as savage and
disavows any involvement in it, feeling sorry for those who were deceived into participating.

Rizal also criticizes his own trial, describing it as unjust and biased. He highlights the lack of fairness in the
proceedings, the composition of the military court, and the prejudiced nature of the trial.

Overall, Rizal passionately advocates for a peaceful path to liberty, denouncing the rebellion and the flawed
justice system that condemned him.
"The Trial of Jose Rizal : A Confrontation of Fates in the
Cuartel de España"
The trial of Jose commenced in the Cuartel de Espana, a military building, on December 26,
1896, at eight o'clock in the morning. Present in the trial were seven members of the military
court: Lt. Col. Jose Togores Arjona (President), Capt. Ricardo Munoz Arias, Capt. Manuel
Reguerra, Capt. Santiago Izquierdo Osorio, Capt. Braulio Rodriguez Nunez, Capt. Manuel Diaz
Escribano, and Capt. Fermin Perez Rodriguez. Also in the military court were Lt. Don LuisTaviel
de Andrade (Jose's defense counsel) Capt. Rafael Dominguez (Judge Advocate) Lt. Enrique de
Alconcer (Prosecuting Attorney) and observers which included Josephine Bracken, a sister of
Jose, newspapermen, and other Spaniards.
"The Trial of Jose Rizal: A Confrontation of Fates in
the Cuartel de España"

Captain Rafael Dominguez, a judge advocate, began the trial against Jose and
explained the charges of rebellion, sedition, and illegal association. Lieutenant
Enrique de Alconcer, the prosecuting lawyer, passionately detailed the accusations
against Jose and urged the military court to sentence him to death. Lieutenant Don
Luis Taviel de Andrade, Jose's defense counsel, made a strong effort to provide a
convincing defense, reminding the judges to be fair and avoid vindictiveness in
their judgment. After the defense, the court allowed Jose to speak, and he
confidently read a supplement to his defense. This supplement is outlined by De
Viana et al (2011).
• He could not be guilty of rebellion, for he advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in revolution.
• He did not correspond with the radical, revolutionary elements.
• The revolutionists used his name without his knowledge. If he were guilty he could have escaped in
Singapore.
• If he had a hand in the revolution, he could have escaped in a Moro vinta and would not have built a
home, a hospital, and bought lands in Dapitan .
• If he were the chief of the revolution. Why has not he consulted by the revolutionists?
• It was true he wrote the by-laws of the Liga Filipina, on this a civic association --- not a evolutionary
society.
• The Liga Filipina did not live long, for after the first meeting he was banished to Dapitan and it died out.
• If the Liga was reorganized nine months later, he did not know about it.
• The Liga did not serve the purpose of the revolutionists, othenvise they would not have supplanted it
with the Katipunan.
• If it were true that there were some bitter comments in Rizal's letters, it was because they were written in
1890 when his family was being persecuted, being dispossessed of houses, warehouses, lands, etc. and
his brother and all his brother-in-law were deported.
• His life in Dapitan had been exemplary as the politico-military commanders and missionary priests could
arrest.
• It was not true that the revolution was inspired by his one speech at the house of Dorotea Ongjunco, as
alleged by witnesses whom he would like to confront. His friends knew his opposition to armed
rebellion. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to Dapitan who was unknown to him? Because those
who knew him were aware that he would never sanction any violent movement.
 "The Trial of Jose Rizal: A Confrontation of Fates in
the Cuartel de España"

The biased military court was apathetic to Jose's appeal. After a brief deliberation, the members of the military court agreed
to convict Jose and sentenced him to death. On December 26, 1896, the unjust military court decision was given to Governor
General Camilo G. de Polavieja who asked the judgment of judge advocate General Nicolas de la Pena who confirmed the
death verdict. On December 28, 1896, Governor General Camilo G. de Polavieja signed the court-martial's decision to
execute Jose Rizal. Medina (1998) presented this decree as follows:

Manila, December 28, 1896:

Conformably to the foregoing opm10n. I approve the sentence dictated by the Court Martial in the present case, by virtue of
which the death penalty is imposed on the accused Jose Rizal Mercado, which shall be executed by shooting him at 7:00
o'clock in the morning of the 30th of this month in the field of Bagumbayan.
For compliance and the rest may correspond, let this be returned to the Judge Advocate, Captain Don Rafael Dominguez.

Camilo G. de Polavieja
Jose Rizal's Death.
 "Jose Rizal's Final Hours: Love, Faith, and
Letters from Death Row"

After finding out about the unfair decision from the

court martial, Jose spent the next 24 hours of his life
talking and spending time with his loved ones, including
his wife Josephine Bracken whom he married officially
on December 30, 1896 with the help of Fr. Balaguer.
After the death penalty was announced, Jose chose to
spend his remaining time in the prison chapel, where he
turned to writing. He wrote letters to his brother Paciano,
his best friend Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt, and his
parents. It is also believed that he signed a document
renouncing Masonry, although some scholars have
questioned this.
 "Jose Rizal's Final Hours: Love, Faith, and
Letters from Death Row"

It is commonly believed that on December 29, 1896,

Jose composed his last poem, Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last
Farewell). He was able to thrust it inside an alcoh0I
cooking stove which he gave to his sister Trinidad to
whom, he divulged 'There is something in it.' Jose's last
poem, composed without a title and unsigned was
translated in English by Charles E. Derbyshire, which
runs below:
"Jose Rizal's Final Hours: Love, Faith, and Letters from Death Row"

My Last Farewell (Summarized)

It was written one night before his execution in Luneta Park in Fort Santiago.
That is why the poem, which literally means My Last Goodbye, is entitled "Mi Ultimo
Adios." Because of the given social condition, this popular literary piece was written in
which he experienced slavery, cruelty and aggression against his beloved fellow men.
Rizal expresses his wish to die for his motherland and bids farewell to his loved ones,
his homeland and all the people he cared for. He hopes that today's youth will continue
what he had just begun for the freedom for which he had fought and he is also grateful
to those Filipinos who had just dedicated their lives for their motherland's affection.
He never resented putting his life in danger and was successfully executed
because of his determination and strong willingness to reform the political aspect of
equality between the Spaniards and the Filipinos, his destiny to die for his country. He
freed those words in his poem just to convey what he had felt during the time he was in
the cell and knowing that it was his last moment to devote his life to his country, but his
cry-laden agenda had not yet been fulfilled.
The wisdom and insight of Rizal upon writing his last poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" is
mirrored in the present on many edges. His love for the nation and many activists is still
formed today to fight for the country, to have freedom of speech and criticism. We are
fighting for our country, just as Rizal and many national heroes are fighting for our
country.
 "Jose Rizal's Final Hours: Love, Faith, and Letters from Death
Row"
The advance guard of four soldiers with bayoneted rifles moved. A few meters behind, Rizal walked
calmly, with his defense counsel (Lt Luis Taviel de Andrade) on one side and two Jesuit priests (Fathers
March and Vilaclara) on the other. More well­armed soldiers marched behind him.

Rizal was dressed elegantly in a black suit, black derby hat, black shoes, white shirt and a black tie.
His arms were tied behind from elbow to elbow, but the rope was quite loose to give his arms freedom
of movement.

To the muffled sounds of the drums, the cavalcade somnolently marched slowly. There was a handful
of spectators lining the street from Fort Santiago to the Plaza de! Palacio in front of the Manila
Cathedral. Everybody seemed to be out at Bagumbayan where a vast crowd gathered to see how a
martyr dies.
 “Jose Rizal's Last Walk:"
As Jose calmly made his way to Bagumbayan, he remarked about the beauty and serenity
of the morning, uttered a few observations about Corregidor, the mountains or Cavite and
the Ateneo College. Upon reaching the place of execution, Jose noticed the very large
number of prying persons and soldiers waiting for them. After final blessings were
bestowed on him he said his adieu to Fr. March, Fr. Villaclara and Lt. Taviel de Andrade.

Jose's request that he be shot facing the firing squad was denied because there was an
order to shoot him in the back. The normal pulse of Jose, felt by Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castillo,
a Spanish military doctor, proved that he did not fear death. Above the beating of the
drums that filled the air was the cold-blooded command "Fuego" (Fire) which ended
Jose's life. He fell to the ground three minutes past seven o'clock in the morning and was
declared dead.

Expectedly, the passing away of Jose Rizal's was greeted with joy by his enemies. On the
contrary, those who love, respected and supported him were brokenhearted and painfully
inflamed. For them, he died a hero and martyr to Philippine freedom.
Thank You .