Cavite Mutiny:

Which is True, the Spanish Version or the Filipino Version?

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September 2018
 Spanish Version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872
by Jose Montero y Vidal

Many scholars believed that the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 was the beginning of Filipino
nationalism that would eventually lead to the Philippine Revolution of 1896. There were around
200 soldiers and laborers involved in the said uprising. However, the results of rebellion was
unsuccessful. It led to the execution of the participants and the government soldiers later on
started to put a halt on the rising national movement.

As mentioned, there was an execution of the participants in the said movement. Three of
which was the following Filipino priest; D. Jose Burgos, D. Jacinto Zamora, and D. Mariano
Gomez. The death of the GOMBURZA has a big role on the importance in identifying the Cavite
mutiny as one of the most unforgettable events that has made a mark on Philippine history. It
became an inspiration to it’s succeeding events which took part in the acquisition of the freedom
that we enjoy today. However, the intent of this uprising is still questioned. Two sides exist in
justifying on why did the Cavite Mutiny happen: the version of Jose Montero y Vidal and that of
Dr. T.H. Pardo de Taverna.

Through thorough research, this position paper is written because of the belief that the
rationale mentioned by Jose Montero y Vidal states what is true and more reliable than that
written by Dr. T.H. Pardo de Taverna.

The author, Jose Montero y Vidal, a prolific Spanish historian documented the event and
highlighted it as an attempt of the Indios to overthrow the Spanish government in the
Philippines. He was one of the most knowledgeable of the Spanish historians of the Philippines.
With his reputation, the credibility of what we wrote is irrefutable

It is said that the uprising happened due to the abolition if privileges of workers in
Cavite Arsenal, such as exemption from paying tribute and polo y servicios.In the Spanish
version, it also mentions that the GOMBURZA were part of the instigators for they had a
different motive which is to replace those who are in seat of power; “Due to the Spanish
revolution which overthrew a secular throne, new liberal ideas were being put into practice as is
reflected by the “criminal policy of a senseless Governor whom the revolutionary government
sent to govern the Philippines…which gave rise, among certain Filipinos in entertaining the idea
of attaining their independence..”” The Spanish version of the Cavite Mutiny was backed by an
official report of Governor Izquierdo on the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 saying that it the rebels
wanted to overthrow the Spanish gov't to install a new "hari: in the likes of Father Burgos and
Zamora.

During those time, There has been a proliferation of propagandas for secularization. In
Izquierdo’s official report, he mentions that Filipino’s were easily swayed by superstitions and
were convinced that the Chief of State (hari) would be ecclesiastic and the rest of the clergy who
backed the uprising would celebrate daily for its success. In addition, The guidance of the lord
was mentioned in order to secure that they would join the rebellion. Besides this they offered
wealth and opportunities for those who will take part in the uprising.

Through our research we conclude that the Spanish Version appears to be more reliable.
It was written by Montero y Vidal who was one of the most reliable Philippine historians
therefore saying that indeed the text has credibility. The text was backed by offical reports by
governor Izquierdo who was directly involved in the situation. This only shows that the Montero
y Vidal was able to acquire information of a primary source. Lastly, before the uprising
propagandas has been proliferating throughout the area. These propagandas were not created
for the mere purpose of information but also to serves as a means to persuade the people.

With this, we rest our case.