MODULE 1

Rizal’s Death
http://malacanang.gov.ph/last-days-of-rizal-and-his-burial

On December 30, 2012, the nation will commemorate the centennial of the re-
interment of Rizal’s remains in Rizal Park. A hundred years ago, on December 30, 1912,
Jose Rizal’s remains were transferred from his family’s custody to the base of the
monument during which, a ceremony was conducted. A year after the transfer, Rizal’s
monument was unveiled. This was the 17th anniversary of his death.

The map above depicts the locations of the events starting from the verdict of Rizal’s trial
to the exhumation of his remains. The numbers on the map indicate the places where the
incidents happened. Below are narratives for the events indicated in the map.
1
December 26, 1896 – A Spanish court martial found Jose Rizal guilty for sedition and
sentenced him to death.
2
December 28, 1896 – It was decided that Rizal will be executed by musketry, Governor-
General Camillo Polavieja confirmed the sentence.
3
December 28, 1896 – Teodora Alonzo wrote the Governor-General asking for clemency
for her son.
4
December 28, 1896 – At Malacañan Palace, Rizal’s sisters pleaded to Governor-General
Polavieja: stay Rizal’s execution.
5
December 29, 1896 – Rizal was read his death sentence.

Rizal’s iconic photograph circa 1890 (Spain). The photo on the right is an early attempt
by the PCDSPO to add color to black and white historic photographs.
6
December 29, 1896 – Rizal was visited by several priests including Fr. Faura, S.J.
7
Decemeber 29, 1896 – Rizal wrote his last letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt which read:
“My dear Brother, when you receive this letter, I shall be dead by then. Tomorrow at
seven, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion. I am going to die with a
tranquil conscience. Adieu, my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of me! Fort
 Santiago, 29 December 1896 José Rizal Regards to the whole family, to Sra. Rosa,
Loleng, Conradito, and Federico. I leave a book for you as my remembrance.”
8
December 29, 1896 – Teodora Alonzo paid her final visit to Rizal. She was accompanied
by her daughter, Trinidad Mercado.
9
December 29, 1896 – Rizal’s sisters were allowed to pay him visits. He gave them his
worldly possessions:
• Narcisa – Wicker Chair
• Angelica, niece – Handkerchief
• Mauricio, nephew – Belt, watch, and chain
• Trinidad – Alcohol Burner with Mi Ultimo Adios
10
December 30, 1896, 6:30am – Rizal was brought to the execution site from Fort Santiago.
11
December 30, 1896, 7:03 a.m. – Rizal was executed by musketry.
12
December 30, 1896 – After the execution, Rizal’s body was brought to San Juan de Dios
Hospital.
13
December 30, 1896 – Rizal’s remains were buried in the Paco Cemetery in an unmarked
grave.
14
Rizal’s sister, Narcisa, searched suburban graveyards for where Jose Rizal was buried.
She eventually discovered that he was buried in Paco Park. She marked the plot with the
letters R.P.J. (Rizal’s initials in reverse)
15
August 17, 1898 – Rizal’s remains were exhumed and brought to the Rizal family house
in Binondo.

RIZAL’S RE-INTERMENT
The remains of Rizal, after exhumation on August 17, 1898, were kept in the Rizal family
house in Binondo until they were brought to their final resting place in Luneta. On
December 30, 1912, a solemn ceremony was held to finally bury the remains in the base
of the monument dedicated in memory of Rizal. The following map shows the route of the
funeral cortege from the Rizal family house in Binondo to the Ayuntamiento on December
29 and finally on December 30 to Luneta.