Kathlene M.

Cagas

BSBA-HRDM 1

NARRATIVE REPORT: THREE ACCOUNTS OF THE CAVITE MUTINY

FILIPINO VERSION

Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera narrates the Filipino version. According to him, the so-called

Cavite Mutiny was merely a mutiny orchestrated by native soldiers and laborers in response to the

harsh policy of the new governor-general, Rafael de Izquierdo, who whimsically terminated old-time

privileges such as exempting them from paying annual tribute and from performing forced labor or

polo. As accounted, the mutiny was blown up into a revolution by Spanish authorities and friars as a

way for Filipinos to win independence from the Spanish crown.

Official Report of Governor Izquierdo on the Cavite Mutiny of 1872

Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutiérrez was born on September 30, 1820, in Madrid, Spain. From

March to April 1862, he served as Governor-General of Puerto Rico as a Spanish military officer,

political leader, and statesman. On instruction from Governor General Rafael de Izquierdo, he

depicted the 1872 Cavite Mutiny as being sparked by the loss of long-standing personal advantages to

workers, such as tax (tribute) and compulsory labor exemptions.

General Izquierdo observed and assisted in the following events in the Philippines: On his first

inspection visit, he discovered a judge in Albay selling the government. He attempted to secularize the

Philippine educational system. He wanted the boys' school to be separate from the girls', and he made

it mandatory for children to attend primary school. He also established Naga's first normal school for

teachers. There were just 280 registered teachers when Izquierdo came, but that number grew to 624
throughout his tenure. He also emphasized the need of vocational and technical schools. To restore

the Philippines, General Izquierdo instituted such rules.

Spanish Version

Jose Montero y Vidal narrates the Spanish version of the Cavite Mutiny of 1872. His account

is based on the idea that the catastrophic incident of January 20, 1872, occurred as a result of a

deliberate attempt by unhappy native troops and employees of Cavite Arsenal who wilfully revolted

to overturn Spanish power, and therefore were guilty of rebellion and sedition. The execution of

famous Spaniards and friars by Spanish officials is justified by such deeds, and the punishment of life

imprisonment and deportation of those locals critical of their incongruent authority is unquestionably

legal, if morally ambiguous.