Table of Contents

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The Causes of the Philippine Revolution The Founding of the Katipunan Rizal and the Katipunan Revelation of the Secret Cry of Pugadlawin Balintawak Skirmish Battle of San Juan del Monte Rizals Arrest The Trial of Rizal
Objectives of the Katipunan Katipunan Warning

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The Causes of the Philippine Revolution

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Clergical Point-of-view
The bad influence of the peninsulares on the Filipinos particularly the bad Castilla. These bad Castilla were mostly Liberals and Masons who came and governed the Philippines. The clergy mistrust these bad Castilla as they incessantly attack the abuses and wrongdoings of the clergy in the Philippines. The clergy also branded the Jesuits as bad Castilla because of their theocratic communism, their massive wealth, and progressive education.

The clergy also blamed the divisiveness of the peninsulares due to their personal differences such as political, and economic interests. The rise of the Propaganda movement, and the La Liga Filipina, were also to be blamed since they were influenced by liberalism and freemasonry. Also, they are driven by their revolutionary agenda with the support of anti-Spanish nationalities who painted Spain as a weak country.

The bishops have been protecting the native Filipinos against oppressive colonial policies such as taxation, polo y servicio, land grabbing, massacres and other acts of violence against the natives. The clergy was also responsible in building several institutions for the natives such as schools, hospitals, churches etc. They also fostered agriculture, commerce, and industries and promote cultural and scientific knowledge. The clergy was, according to many, are staunch nationalists and are always in the service of Spain and the Church.

Laymans Point-of-view
Both the government and the Church should be blamed for causing the Revolution. According to Wenceslao Retana, the law reforms pertaining to the Philippines weakened Spanish authorities in their governance and made natives insolent and abused the provisions of the new laws. The Municipal Reform Law or Maura Law unwittingly made the local leaders more powerful and displaced the curates in local policies. The creation of the Ministerio de Ultramar (Ministry of Colonies) provided an opportunity for the natives and mestizos to foster separatism.

La Vanguardia, a liberal newspaper, stated the bad Castilla were the abusive officials sent by Spain to the Philippines, most of them were ignorant and illiterate. Instead, they brought in the culture of corruption and incompetence in the government, not to mention they were opportunist in amassing wealth for their personal gain. The feud between the peninsulares and the insulares was so intense it created division in the Philippines.

Felipe Trigo, a military physician, journalist, and writer, stated it was the friars to be blamed in causing the revolution. Trigo also added that the refusal to teach the Spanish language aggravated many natives who wants to study Spanish. The friars were also accused by Fernando Primo de Rivera for abusing their powers such as maltreatment of the natives, displacement of the native priests, having mistresses, and hefty sums for church services.

The Founding of the Katipunan

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Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme and Venerable Society of the Children of the Nation) Founded in July 7, 1892, four days after the deportation of Rizal. It advocated independence through armed revolt against Spain, was influenced by Freemasonry through its rituals and organization. The Supremos of the Katipunan were Deodato Arellano, Roman Basa and Andres Bonifacio.

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Membership is of pyramid-style a potential member must get in touch with a Katipunero to become a member. As the Katipunan membership grew in numbers, membership became lenient. Its members are subjected to utmost secrecy and are expected to abide with the rules established by the society. At first, only male are allowed but later on, a women chapter was established. The Katipuneras rendered valuable services to the Katipunan. They guarded the secret papers and documents of the society.

Objectives of the Katipunan

To develop a strong alliance with each and every Katipuneros. y To unite Filipinos into one solid nation. y To protect the poor and oppressed. y To foster good manners and deed to correct what is wrong. y To win Philippine independence by means of an armed conflict or revolution. y To establish a republic after independence.
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Katipunan Warning
If you have strength and valour, you can proceed! If what has brought you here is only curiositygo away! If you cannot control your passions, retire. Never shall the doors of the Supreme and Venerable Society of the Sons of the People be opened to you.

Pacto de Sangre

The First Flag of the Katipunan

Rizal and the Katipunan

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With increasing membership to the Katipunan, Bonifacio needs the endorsement of Jose Rizal. Bonifacio send Dr. Pio Valenzuela to Dapitan to seek the approval of Rizal to the Katipunan. June 21, 1896
Valenzuela, accompanied by Raymundo Mata, a blind man posing as a patient, arrived in Dapitan. Rizal graciously accepted Valenzuela and Valenzuela gave a letter from Bonifacio to Rizal.

Rizal, by now fostering a revolutionary thinking, was concerned about starting a revolution as Valenzuela told him the plans of the Katipunan. Rizal stated the possible flaws of the planned revolution to Valenzuela:
The plan is premature and it needs more preparation. There are no support of the well-to-do families. The Katipunan lacks funds and money. They need a support of the foreign country in order for the revolution to be a success.

Dr. Pio Valenzuela

Revelation of the Secret

The Spanish authorities in Manila have been monitoring the conditions in Manila and to found out if the rumours about a secret organization is moving against the government. y Teodoro Patio, upon the advise of his sister, revealed to Fr. Mariano Gil about the Katipunan. y Fr. Gil, disturbed by this revelation, visited the office of the Diario de Manila and notified the Spanish authorities. y As a result, a mass arrest and imprisonment happened and many Filipinos were suspected of being a Katipunero.
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Cry of Pugadlawin
y August 24, 1896 Bonifacio now wants the Katipunan to come out of the open. At first, he wants to do the public revelation in Balintawak, but it was raining and too much risky. He and the Katipuneros went to Pugadlawin at the house of Jose Ramos, son of Melchora Aquino. The Katipuneros took their cedula and together they tore it off.

Cry of Pugadlawin Monument Bahay Toro, Quezon City

Balintawak Skirmish
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August 25, 1896

The Katipuneros and the Guardia Civil had a skirmish in Balintawak. It was quickly quelled by the Guardia Civil but this signalled that the Katipunan is now a revolutionary movement against Spain. The news of the skirmish spread throughout the surrounding areas and provinces thus increasing the Katipunan membership.

Original Monument in Balintawak Vinzons Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman

The Current Mounment in Balintawak By Guillermo Tolentino

Battle of San Juan del Monte

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August 29, 1896

It was in San Juan del Monte that became the first battle between the Katipuneros and the Spanish authorities. San Juan del Monte is the main armoury for Spanish arsenals, gunpowder, and ammunitions. The Spaniards, though outnumbered, was able to resist the attack and was able to muster reinforcement from Intramuros. The Katipuneros lost this battle and Bonifacio decided to seek refuge in Montalban.

Pinaglabanan Shrine San Juan City

Rizals Arrest
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Rizal, who did not supported Bonifacios revolution, was arrested while on his way to Cuba as a medical physician. Gov. - Gen. Ramon Blanco was lenient with Rizal and believes hes innocent of being involved in the revolution. He gave Rizal proper representation so he defend himself in court. Dec. 15, 1896
Rizal wrote his Manifesto to Certain Filipinos. Fortunately, this manifest of Rizal was not published. This can ruin Rizals reputation and demoralize the Katipuneros.

I was convinced that the very idea was wholly absurd -- worse than absurd -- it was disastrous. I did more than this. When later on, in spite of my urgings, the uprising broke out, I came forward voluntarily to offer not only my services but my life and even my good name in order that they may use me in any manner they may think opportune to smother the rebellion. For I was convinced of the evils which that rebellion would bring in its train, and so I considered it a privilege if at whatever sacrifice I could ward off so much useless suffering. This is also of record.

Thoroughly imbued with these ideas, I cannot do less than condemn, as I do condemn, this ridiculous and barbarous uprising, plotted behind my back, which both dishonors us Filipinos and discredits those who might have taken our part. I abominate the crimes for which it is responsible and I will have no part in it. With all my heart I am sorry for those who have rashly allowed themselves to be deceived. Let them, then, return to their homes, and may God pardon those who have acted in bad faith. - Jose Rizal Manifesto to Certain Filipinos

The Trial of Rizal

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Dec. 26, 1896 Rizals trial commenced and the prosecution presented the following evidences of Rizals involvement in the Katipunan. The statement of Katipuneros, most of them were tortured, said that Rizal was part of the revolution. He is the honorary president of the Katipunan and his name is the password of the Katipunan. His writings have incited the revolution. The La Liga Filipina was a front of this revolution. Despite Rizals denial of his involvement to the revolution and his lawyers defense, he was found guilty by the military court and sentenced to death by firing squad.

Dec. 28, 1898 Gov. Gen. Camilo Polavieja, who replaced Gov. Gen. Blanco shortly after Rizals arrest, signed the death warrant of Rizal.

Ramon Blanco

Camilo Polavieja

December 30, 1896 7:03 AM

And even my grave is remembered no more Unmarked by never a cross nor a stone Let the plow sweep through it, the spade turn it over That my ashes may carpet earthly floor, Before into nothingness at last they are blown. Then will oblivion bring to me no care As over thy vales and plains I sweep; Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air With colour and light, with song and lament I fare, Ever repeating the faith that I keep. My Fatherland adored, that sadness to my sorrow lends Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last goodbye! I give thee all: parents and kindred and friends For I go where no slave before the oppressor bends, Where faith can never kill, and God reigns ever on high! Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away, Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed! Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day! Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend that lightened my way; Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest!