Chapter LXI of Noli Me Tangere written by Doctor Jose Rizal entitled, “Pursuit on the

Lake”, or “Ang Barilan sa Lawa” in Filipino narrates the events that occurred during the
escape of Crisostomo Ibarra from the civil guards hunting him down because of the
attack and war that broke out in the town of San Diego and the alleged plan of killing
Father Salvi and the Spanish people. In this part of the novel occurred the leaving of
Ibarra from San Diego because of the threats to his life, safety, and security, with the
help of Elias. Elias told him he will bring Ibarra to his friend living in Mandaluyong in the
meantime to hide him using the money that Elias kept under the Balete tree before
Ibarra leaves the country once again. Ibarra offered Elias to come with him, which Elias
rejected. The two men got past through the palace as Ibarra hides under the grass that
Elias brought. Not long after, during their boat ride in the Pasig River, the civil guards
spotted and chased them while shooting them. Elias made Ibarra lie down the boat to
hide as he jumped to the river so that the guards would run after him thinking he is
Crisostomo Ibarra. Upon seeing blood at the shore, the civil guards announced Ibarra is
already dead.
This chapter symbolizes the impending revolution of the Filipino people against
Spain. In one specific instance, Elias opposes Ibarra’s plan of rebellion as he believes
that the town of San Diego is not yet ready and it would be the poor people who shall
suffer and die. This reflects the unpreparedness of the Philippines to fight against the
Spanish colonizers during the period Rizal wrote the novel. The chapter suggests
Crisostomo Ibarra’s change of identity as he leaves and flees the country once again.
Elias sacrificed his life to save Ibarra, as he believes that doing so is for the common
good of San Diego. Likewise, the deaths of Filipino people and national heroes were all
dedicated to the freedom and reform of the country. The pursuit in the lake rather shows
Elias and Ibarra’s desire for sovereignty, like how the Filipino people's thirst for
independence from the Spanish government during the Spanish invasion.