“There is one past, but many histories.

”
Jose Montero y Vidal Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera Gov. Gen. Rafael De Izquierdo

The Three (3) Versions of the Cavite

Mutiny of 1872
 • “Two major events happened in 1872:
first was the 1872 Cavite Mutiny and
the other was the martyrdom of the
three martyr priests in the persons of
Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos
• National Historical Commission of the Philippines Retrieved
from http://nhcp.gov.ph/the-two-faces-of-the-1872-cavite- and Jacinto Zamora (GOMBURZA).
mutiny/
However, not all of us knew that there
were different accounts in reference to
the said event. All Filipinos must know
the different sides of the story—since
this event led to another tragic yet
meaningful part of our history—the
execution of GOMBURZA which in effect
was a major factor in the awakening of
nationalism among the Filipinos.”
Historical Background
•On January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino
troops and workers of Fort San Felipe
Arsenal in Cavite, Philippines staged a
mutiny against the Spanish Government.
This is commonly known as “THE CAVITE
MUTINY.”
Historical Background
• The 1872 Cavite Mutiny was an outcome of the
removal of the personal benefits of the workers
such as tribute (the payment of taxes) and polo
(the forced labor) exemptions - an order from
the Governor General Rafael de Izquierdo. At
the early stage, the mutiny was crushed by the
Spanish authorities under governor Rafael de
Izquierdo.
Historical Background
• In 1871, Izquierdo replaced Governor General
Carlos Maria de la Torre. He imposed his iron-fist
rule over the Filipino troops and workers. He was
remembered for his cruelty to the Filipinos and the
barbaric execution of the three martyr-priests
blamed for the mutiny: Fathers Mariano Gomez,
Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora known as the
“GOMBURZA.” The death of the three priests
ignited the fire in the patriotic spirit of the Filipino
and led the way to the Philippine Revolution in
1896.
Presentation of the analysis
Two arguments:
1. Cavite Mutiny is a grand conspiracy

2. Cavite Mutiny is not a grand

conspiracy but merely a labor issue.
Affirmative Side

Cavite Mutiny is a grand conspiracy.

Synthesis (Affirmative)
Vidal:
The Spanish revolution which overthrew
a secular throne gave rise among certain
Filipinos to the idea of attaining their
independence.
Synthesis (Affirmative)
According to Vidal, this is an
insurrection and conspiracy influenced by
the following:
- Spanish revolution which overthrew a secular throne
- Propaganda against Monarchial principles
- Democratic and Republican books and pamphlets
- Speeches and preachings of new ideas
- American publicists and criminal policy
Synthesis (Affirmative)
These influences triggered certain
Filipinos to develop an idea of attaining
independence.

To attain the goal of becoming

independent, they started to work with the
powerful assistance of the native clergy.
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Vidal:
Based on the anonymous
communication, there would be an outbreak
of a great uprising.
(assassination of all Spaniards/ friars)
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Vidal:
The conspiracy had been going on since
the days of La Torre with utmost secrecy.
Example of these are the Secret Meetings in the
house of D. Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, Jacinto Zamora
and D. Mariano Gomez.
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Vidal:
According to him, it is a conspiracy
which involved native soldiers as well as
multitude of civilians.
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo: There were Instigators of the
insurrection.
As quoted:
“It was seem definite that the INSURRECTION
was MOTIVATED and PREPARED by the NATIVE
CLERGY, MESTIZOS, NATIVE LAWYERS, and
ABOGADILLOS. Some were residents of Manila, Cavite
and nearby provinces”
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo:
According to him, Cavite Mutiny is a
CRIMINAL PROJECT and they use the
following inducements:
1. staged protests against injustice of the
government in bandala, usury, polo, and tribute.
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo: (Continuation)

2. seduced the native troops

3. offered wealth, employment, and rank
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo:
As quoted:
“This uprising has roots, and with them were
affiliated to a great extent the regiments of infantry and
artillery, many civilians and a large number of mestizos,
indios and some ilustrados from the provinces.”
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo:
PLAN: to establish a monarchy or republic
As quoted:
“The Indios have no word in their language to
describe this different form of government…. but it
turns out that they would place at the head of the
government priests, and there were great probabilities
… D. Jose Burgos or D. Jacinto Zamora.”
Synthesis (Affirmative)
• Izquierdo:
PLAN: Uprising(execution/confiscation/details)

As quoted:
“There existed in Manila a junta or center that sought
and found followers; and that as a pretext they had
established a society for the teaching of arts and trades… I
suspended it indirectly…”
Synthesis (Affirmative)
Izquierdo:

According to him, the instigators of Cavite Mutiny

were inspired by the following:
• Madrid
• Newspapers of advanced ideas (El Eco Filipino)
• Subscription
Negative Side

Cavite Mutiny is merely a labor issue.

Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:
Cavite Mutiny is not a grand conspiracy but
merely a labor issue.

According to him:
Gen. Izquierdo’s first official act to abolish the
exemption privilege particularly from forced labor and
tribute caused the dissatisfaction and discontent of the
workmen in the arsenal.
Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:

Government policy: CROSS & SWORD

- prohibition of the founding of school of
arts and trades
- personas sospechosas (person who
refused to servilely obey the whims of the
authorities)
 Synthesis (Negative)
According to Tavera:

“The peace of the colony was broken by a

certain incident, though unimportant in itself,
was probably the origin of the POLITICAL
AGITATION which was constantly growing for
30 years, and culminated in the overthrow of
the Spanish sovereignty in the Philippine
islands.”
Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:
Cavite Mutiny was a powerful lever by the
Spanish residents and the friars.
- colonial modus vivendi
- secession
- threat to Spanish sovereignty
Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:
REPRESSIVE MEASURES – STRICT AND SUDDEN
“No attempt has been made to ascertain whether or
not the innocent suffered with the guilty.”
“The punishments meted out were unjust and
unnecessary.”
Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:
According to him:

“Persecution served as a stimulus and an

educational force which nursed the rebellion in
secret and the passive resistance to the
abuses became greater day by day.”
Synthesis (Negative)
Tavera:

Persecuted & punished without distinction

• Condemned to death
• Life imprisonment
• Terrorized the Filipinos
Resolution

POSITION PAPER
Thank you!