LESSON 1.
FINALS
The Death of José Rizal at Bagumbayan
I. Rizal’s Detention and Return to the Philippines (1892)
On June 26, 1892, Dr. José Rizal returned to Manila from Europe after years of advocating peaceful reforms for the Philippines. Shortly
after his arrival, he founded La Liga Filipina on July 3, 1892, a civic organization aimed at uniting Filipinos, promoting education,
mutual aid, and peaceful resistance to injustice.
Spanish authorities viewed La Liga Filipina as a threat to colonial rule. Only four days later, on July 7, 1892, Rizal was arrested on
charges of subversion and exiled to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, without formal trial.
II. Exile in Dapitan (1892–1896)
Rizal spent four productive years in exile in Dapitan. During this time, he:
Practiced medicine and treated patients for free
Established a school for boys
Conducted scientific research
Engaged in agriculture and community projects
Despite his isolation, Rizal remained under strict surveillance. He maintained correspondence with family and friends but avoided
involvement in revolutionary activities.
III. Voluntary Departure and Arrest (1896)
In 1896, Rizal volunteered to serve as a physician in Cuba, where Spain was facing a yellow fever epidemic. Spanish authorities
approved his request, seeing it as a way to remove him from the Philippines.
On July 31, 1896, Rizal left Dapitan aboard the steamer España and traveled to Manila. He departed for Spain on September 3, 1896,
aboard the Isla de Panay.
However, while Rizal was en route, the Philippine Revolution led by the Katipunan erupted in August 1896. Although Rizal opposed
violent revolution, Spanish authorities associated him with the uprising.
On October 6, 1896, Rizal was arrested in Barcelona on orders from Manila. He was sent back to the Philippines aboard the Colón
under heavy guard.
IV. Imprisonment at Fort Santiago
Rizal arrived in Manila on November 3, 1896, and was immediately imprisoned at Fort Santiago. He was kept in a damp and isolated
cell, guarded at all times.
During his imprisonment, Rizal:
Wrote letters to his family
Prepared for his defense
Deeply reflected on his fate
He was charged with:
1. Rebellion
2. Sedition
3. Illegal association
These charges stemmed from his alleged involvement with the Katipunan, despite lack of concrete evidence.
José Rizal was charged with rebellion, sedition, and illegal association by the Spanish colonial government not because he led
an armed uprising, but because his ideas and influence were seen as a serious threat to Spanish rule.
Why Rizal was charged with these crimes
1. Rebellion
Rizal was accused of rebellion because the Spanish authorities linked him to the Philippine Revolution, even though he never took
up arms.
Why Spain blamed him:
His novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed abuses of Spanish officials and friars.
Revolutionaries were inspired by his writings.
Spain claimed he was the “intellectual author” of the revolution.
Reality:
Rizal consistently advocated peaceful reforms, not violent overthrow.
2. Sedition
Rizal was charged with sedition because his works allegedly incited hatred against Spanish authorities, especially the friars and
colonial officials.
Why Spain used this charge:
His novels criticized corruption, injustice, and abuse of power.
His essays and speeches awakened Filipino nationalism.
Authorities feared his ideas would encourage public unrest.
Reality:
Rizal promoted education, equality, and reform, not chaos or violence
3. Illegal Association
Rizal was accused of illegal association because of his connection to La Liga Filipina, a civic organization he founded.
Why Spain considered it illegal:
La Liga sought unity, reforms, and Filipino participation in governance.
Spanish authorities suspected it of being a cover for revolutionary activities.
Some members later joined the Katipunan.
Reality:
La Liga Filipina was peaceful and reformist, not a revolutionary group.
The real reason behind the charges (big picture)
The Spanish government:
Feared Rizal’s intellectual influence
Wanted to silence nationalist ideas
Used legal charges to justify his execution
VI. Rizal’s Final Hours (December 29–30, 1896)
On December 29, 1896, Rizal was informed of his execution scheduled for the following day.
During his final hours, Rizal:
Calmly accepted his fate
Wrote farewell letters to his family and friends
Penned his final poem, “Mi Último Adiós”, which he hid inside an alcohol lamp
Married Josephine Bracken in a religious ceremony
Forgave his enemies and expressed love for the Filipino people
Witnesses described Rizal as serene, composed, and dignified.
VII. Execution at Bagumbayan (December 30, 1896)
At early dawn on December 30, 1896, Rizal was awakened in Fort Santiago. He was dressed in a black suit, hat, and shoes. His
hands were tied behind his back.
At around 6:30 a.m., Rizal was escorted by Spanish soldiers from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan Field (now Rizal Park). Along the
route, thousands of Filipinos silently watched, forbidden from showing emotion.
Upon reaching Bagumbayan, Rizal requested to face the firing squad, but this was denied. He was ordered to face away, toward the
sea.
As the shots rang out, Rizal twisted his body, allowing himself to fall face-up, symbolizing his resistance and dignity.
He died instantly at the age of 35.
VIII. Aftermath and Historical Significance
Rizal’s execution shocked the Filipino people and awakened widespread anger and nationalism. His death:
Strengthened the Philippine Revolution
United Filipinos across social classes
Cemented Rizal as the national hero of the Philippines
Rather than silencing him, Spain transformed Rizal into a martyr of freedom.
Conclusion
José Rizal’s death at Bagumbayan was not merely an execution—it was a turning point in Philippine history. Through his calm
acceptance of death and unwavering love for his country, Rizal demonstrated that ideas are more powerful than bullets.
“To die for one’s country is the highest form of love.”
V. The Trial of José Rizal
Rizal’s trial began on December 26, 1896, before a Spanish military court. The proceedings were deeply flawed:
The verdict was decided in advance
Rizal was denied a fair opportunity to defend himself
Evidence presented was weak and circumstantial
Despite Rizal’s calm and reasoned defense, the military court found him guilty
.
On December 28, 1896, Governor-General Camilo de Polavieja signed the order sentencing Rizal to death by firing squad.
José Rizall was charged with rebellion, sedition, and illegal association by the Spanish colonial government not because he led
an armed uprising, but because his ideas and influence were seen as a serious threat to Spanish rule.
ASSIGNMENT: In a 1 whole sheet of yellow pad, write your answers in NOT more than 5 sentences each
10 points each question to be credited in your requirement/participation which is 20% of your final grade.
1. If Rizal was a patient under your care, what physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs would you prioritize?
2. How can Rizal’s courage and calmness inspire nurses/midwives working in high-stress environments such as emergency rooms or
critical care units?
[Link] aspects of Rizal’s character should be emulated by nurses/midwives in patient care?