Benavides, Lana Lorraine S.

BSN 1-6

The Cavity Mutiny 1892

In 1871, the Philippines found itself under the rule of Governor Izquierdo. On April 4th of that
year, he assumed control of the government, unknowingly stepping into a turbulent period that
would shape the course of history in the archipelago.

Governor Izquierdo's tenure faced a significant challenge in 1872—the Cavite Mutiny. This
rebellion was a complex tapestry of grievances woven by various factions within the Filipino
society, each document providing a unique thread that, when combined, reveals a story of unrest,
discontent, and conflicting perspectives.

The spark that ignited the mutiny was, according to Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera, Governor
Izquierdo's prohibition of a school of arts and trades. This move sowed the seeds of
dissatisfaction among the native population, signaling a clash between the Spanish authorities
and the aspirations of the Filipino people for education and economic betterment.
The flame of dissent found fuel in the Cavite arsenal, where workers, disillusioned by the
abolition of privileges, including exemption from tribute, decided to voice their discontent
through strikes. This action was not a mere isolated incident, as Governor Izquierdo might have
believed, but rather a localized manifestation of a deeper dissatisfaction among the Filipino
workforce.

As tensions simmered in Cavite, the native clergy, mestizos, native lawyers, and abogadillos,
fueled the flames of rebellion. They saw an opportunity to address economic grievances and
protest against government injustice, usury, and the imposition of tribute on Cavite arsenal
workers. The mutiny, as seen by Jose Montero y Vidal, was part of a broader wave influenced by
the Spanish revolution, characterized by an unbridled press against monarchical principles and
the propagation of democratic and republican ideas.

The rebels, a diverse coalition of regiments of infantry and artillery, civilians, mestizos, indios,
and some ilustrados, crafted a plan that involved more than just economic reform. It was a vision
for a new order – one with native battalions, a priest at the helm of the government, and the
execution of Spaniards, excluding women. The rebels, cunningly using superstitions, claimed
divine support for their cause, attempting to sway native troops to join their ranks.

The uprising was not confined to Cavite alone. The rebels aimed to set fire to Tondo, seize Fort
Santiago in Manila, and coordinate their efforts with insurgents in Cavite. The Filipino version
by Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera sheds light on the fact that the mutiny, while not widespread, had
far-reaching consequences. The Spanish authorities, influenced by conservative elements and
friars, portrayed the incident as part of a grander conspiracy for independence, painting a broader
picture than the localized discontent described by Governor Izquierdo.

Swift and decisive action was taken by the Spanish forces, as portrayed in Jose Montero y Vidal's
version. The rebellion, which began on January 20, 1872, with native soldiers in Cavite, led to
the assassination of Spanish officers. The Manila authorities swiftly intervened, suppressing the
revolt and handing down death sentences to the leaders. This narrative emphasizes the
conspiracy angle, suggesting that the uprising was part of a larger movement against Spanish
rule.

The aftermath of the Cavite Mutiny saw a harsh Spanish response, including punishments and
persecution of Filipinos, intensifying discontent and fostering a spirit of resistance, as noted by
Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera. Paradoxically, this response strengthened the power of friars in the
Philippines, influencing Madrid to abandon plans for reducing their influence. The event marked
a turning point, adding racial and political dimensions to the already strained relationship
between Spaniards and Filipinos.

In the end, the Cavite Mutiny was more than a mere revolt; it was a multifaceted struggle
encompassing economic, political, and racial dimensions. Governor Izquierdo's report, Jose
Montero y Vidal's Spanish version, and Dr. T.H. Pardo de Tavera's Filipino perspective
contribute crucial elements to the narrative. It was a tale of a local uprising against perceived
injustices, intertwined with broader aspirations for freedom and independence. The echoes of the
Cavite Mutiny would resonate through the corridors of history, leaving an indelible mark on the
complex relationship between the Philippines and its Spanish colonizers.