Exile, Trial, and Martyrdom of a Hero

Background Information:

The Steamer Cebu brought Rizal to Dapitan.

A letter from Father Pablo Pastells to Father Antonio Obach played a significant role.

Conditions for Rizal to Live at the Parish Convent:

Rizal needed to publicly retract his religious errors and express pro-Spanish sentiments against
revolution.

He was required to perform church rites and make a general confession of his past life.

Rizal had to conduct himself excellently as a Spanish subject and a man of religion going forward.

Rizal's Response and Admiration:

Rizal admired the kind and generous Spanish captain.

In appreciation, Rizal wrote a poem titled "A Don Ricardo Carnicero" on August 26, 1892, which was the
captain's birthday.

Event and Date:

On September 21, 1892, the town of Dapitan was filled with excitement.

Arrival of the Mail Boat Butuan:

The mail boat Butuan approached Dapitan.

It brought happy news: Lottery Ticket No. 9736, jointly owned by Captain Carnicero, Dr. Rizal, and
Francisco Equilior, won the second prize of P20,000 in the Government-owned Manila Lottery.

Rizal's Lottery Habits:

Rizal was a lottery addict.

He regularly allotted three pesetas each month for lottery tickets.

Details of Rizal's Share:

The total lottery prize was P20,000.

Rizal received P6,200 of his share.

He gave P2,000 to his father.

He gave P200 to Basa in Hong Kong.

The remaining amount was invested by purchasing agricultural lands from the coast of Talisay.

Initiation of the Debate:

The debate began when Father Pastells sent Rizal a book by Sarda.

Along with the book, Pastells advised Rizal to refrain from viewing religion with individual judgment and
self-esteem, referring to it as "majaderas" or foolishness.

Content of the Debate:

The debate is documented in four letters.

Rizal expressed bitterness towards the friars, accusing them of abusing their power under the guise of
religion.

Father Pastells attempted to bring Rizal back to Catholicism by emphasizing the limitations of human
intelligence and the need for divine guidance.

Friendship Amidst the Debate:

Despite the debate, Pastells and Rizal were friends.

Pastells gave Rizal a copy of "Imitacion de Cristo" by Father Thomas a Kempis.

In return, Rizal gave Pastells a bust of St. Paul that he had made.

Rizal's Continued Religious Practices:

Despite the debate and differences, Rizal continued to attend mass and celebrate religious events.
Quarrel with a French Acquaintance:

While still engaged in a debate with Father Pastells through letters, Rizal had a quarrel with a French
acquaintance in Dapitan.

The quarrel arose over the purchase of logs, some of which were of poor quality.

Rizal, angered by the situation, confronted the Frenchman, Lardet, and challenged him to a duel.

Father Pastells' Efforts:

Father Pastells, beyond personal efforts in the religious debate, instructed two Jesuits in Mindanao—
Father Obach and Father Jose Viclara—to bring Rizal back to the Catholic fold.

Additionally, Father Francisco de Paula Sanchez was assigned by Father Pastells.

Father Sanchez was the only Spanish priest to publicly defend Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere."

Theological Debates and Friendships:

The theological debates between Father Sanchez and Rizal were conducted in a friendly manner.

Despite efforts, all attempts by Father Sanchez to bring Rizal back to Catholicism were in vain.

Father Sanchez enjoyed Rizal's company and even assisted in beautifying the town plaza.

Birthday Gift to Father Sanchez:

On Father Sanchez's birthday, Rizal presented him with a precious gift—a manuscript titled "Estudio
sobre la lengua tagala" (Studies on the Tagalog Language).

Rizal's Life in Dapitan:

In Dapitan, Rizal led an exemplary life that was serene and idyllic.

Family Visits to Alleviate Loneliness:

In August 1893, members of Rizal's family took turns visiting him in Dapitan to alleviate his loneliness in
this isolated outpost of Spanish power in the Moroland.
Family Members Who Visited Rizal:

His mother visited him.

His sisters Trinidad, Maria, and Narcisa visited.

Nephews Teodosio, Estanislao, Mauricio, and Prudencio also came to see him.

Contributions to Dapitan:

Rizal built a house by the seashore of Talisay.

He surrounded the house with fruit trees.

Rizal established a school for boys.

He also set up a hospital for his patients.

Letter to Blumentritt:

On December 19, 1893, Rizal wrote a letter to Blumentritt, describing his life in Dapitan.

Pablo Mercado - The Spy:

Pablo Mercado assumed the name of the spy who visited Rizal at his house.

The spy pretended to be a relative and showed a photo of Rizal along with a pair of buttons with the
initials P.M as evidence of kinship.

Offer of Assistance and Rizal's Response:

The spy offered to be Rizal's courier of letters for patriots in Manila.

Rizal became suspicious and, despite the late hour, considered his values and offered the spy to spend
the night at his house.

Subsequent Events:

The next day, Rizal sent the spy away.

The spy stayed in Dapitan and spread rumors among the people that he was a relative of Rizal.
Rizal's Action and Report to Captain Sitges:

Rizal went to the commandancia and reported the impostor to Captain Juan Sitges, who was the
successor of Carnicero.

Investigation and Arrest:

Captain Sitges ordered Pablo Mercado's arrest.

Anastacio Adriatico was instructed to investigate the matter immediately.

Nature of the Spy's Mission:

The secret mission of Pablo Mercado was not an assassination attempt; it was an espionage plot
concocted by the friars.

Dona Teodora and Maria Living with Rizal:

Dona Teodora and Maria, Rizal's mother and sister, lived with him for a year and a half.

Medical Operation on Dona Teodora:

Rizal operated on his mother's right eye during this period.

The operation was successful, but his mother developed a wound infection after removing the bandages
against Rizal's instructions.

Treatment of Wound Infection:

Despite the wound infection, it was promptly treated.

Wide Range of Patients:

Rizal had many patients who came from various regions including Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, Panay, Negros,
Mindanao, and even from Hong Kong.

Interest in Local Medicine:

During this time, Rizal became interested in local medicine.

Prescription of Medicinal Plants:

Rizal prescribed medicinal plants to his poor patients.

Rizal as a Perito Agrimensor:

Rizal served as a perito agrimensor, an expert surveyor.

Engineering Project - Waterworks:

Applying his engineering knowledge, Rizal constructed a system of waterworks.

The purpose of the waterworks was to provide clean water for the townspeople.

Praise from Mr. H.F. Cameron:

Mr. H.F. Cameron, an American engineer, praised Rizal for his engineering ingenuity.

Rizal's Objectives in Dapitan:

When Rizal arrived in Dapitan, he aimed to improve the town to the best of his abilities and awaken civic
consciousness among its people.

Anti-Malaria Efforts:

Rizal took steps to address the issue of malaria infesting Dapitan.

He drained the marshes in an effort to eliminate the malaria threat.

Town Lighting System:

Rizal used P500, payment from one of his patients, to equip the town with a lighting system.

The lighting system consisted of coconut oil lamps.

Beautification Projects:

Rizal contributed to the beautification of Dapitan.

He remodeled the town plaza, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Rizal created a huge relief map of Mindanao using earth, stones, and grass.
Establishment of School in Dapitan:

Rizal established a school in Dapitan.

Initial Number of Pupils:

The school began with 3 pupils.

Increase in Number of Pupils:

The number of pupils increased to 16 and eventually to 21.

Unique Tuition System:

Of the 16 pupils, none paid tuition fees.

Instead of charging fees, Rizal had them work in his gardens and construction projects.

Formal Class Schedule:

Formal classes were held between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Emperor System:

Rizal applied the "emperor" system, similar to that of Ateneo.

Activities During Recess and Outside Class Hours:

During recess, pupils engaged in activities like building fires to drive away insects, pruning fruit trees, and
manuring the soil.

Outside class hours, students participated in various activities such as gymnastics, boxing, wrestling,
stone throwing, swimming, and boat riding.

Location of Rizal's School:

Rizal conducted his school at his home in Talisay, near Dapitan.

Features at Talisay:

Talisay had Rizal's farm and hospital.

The place was named after these features.

Poem in Honor of Talisay:

Rizal wrote a poem in honor of Talisay.

He had his pupils sing this poem.

Rizal's Exploration in Mindanao:

Rizal considered Mindanao a rich virgin field for collecting specimens.

Exploration Methods:

He used a baroto (sailboat) for exploration.

Rizal was accompanied by his pupils during these explorations.

Collection of Specimens:

Rizal explored jungles and coasts in search of specimens.

He sent the specimens he found, especially to the Dresden Museum in Europe.

Exchange for Scientific Books and Instruments:

In return for the specimens, Rizal received scientific books and surgical instruments.

Rich Collection of Concology:

Rizal built up a rich collection of concology, consisting of 346 shells from 203 species.
Discovery of Rare Specimens:

Rizal discovered rare specimens, including:

Draco - a flying dragon

Apogonia rizali - a small beetle

Rhacophorus - a rare frog

Diverse Studies Conducted:

Rizal conducted various studies, including anthropological, ethnographical, archaeological, geological,

and geographical studies.

Continuation of Language Studies:

Rizal continued his study of languages during his time in Dapitan.

Languages Rizal Knew:

By that time, he had learned a total of 22 languages, including:

Tagalog|Malay|English|Ilokano|French|Hebrew|Dutch|Spanish|Catalan|Latin|Italian|Greek|Chinese|
Swedish|Russian

Artistic Activities in Dapitan:

Rizal engaged in artistic activities during his time in Dapitan.

Contributions to the Sisters of Charity:

Rizal contributed paintings to the Sisters of Charity who were preparing the sanctuary of the Holy Virgin.

Sketches of Dapitan:

He made sketches of people and things that attracted his attention in Dapitan.

Statuette - "The Mother's Revenge":

Rizal modeled a statuette called "The Mother's Revenge" to emphasize the moral of an incident where a
puppy of his dog, Syria, was eaten by a crocodile.
Statue - "The Dapitan Girl":

He constructed a statue called "The Dapitan Girl."

Woodcarving of Josephine Bracken:

Rizal created a woodcarving of Josephine Bracken.

Bust of St. Paul for Father Pastells:

He made a bust of St. Paul as a gift for Father Pastells.

Agricultural Activities in Dapitan:

In Dapitan, Rizal dedicated a significant amount of time to agriculture.

Land Purchase and Development in Talisay:

Rizal bought 16 hectares of land in Talisay.

On this land, he constructed his home, school, and hospital.

He planted various crops including cacao, coffee, sugarcane, coconuts, and other fruit trees.

Total Holdings and Variety of Crops:

Rizal acquired a total of 70 hectares of land.

The land featured 6,000 hemp plants, 1,000 coconut trees, and numerous fruit trees.

He cultivated sugarcane, corn, coffee, and cacao on the property.

Plan for Agricultural Colony in Sitio Ponot:

Rizal had plans to establish an agricultural colony in Sitio Ponot.

The location was deemed ideal for raising cacao, coffee, coconuts, and cattle.
Obstacles to the Plan:

Unfortunately, the plan to establish the agricultural colony in Sitio Ponot did not materialize.

The lack of support from the government was cited as the reason for this outcome.

Ramon Carreon:

Ramon Carreon was Rizal's business partner in Dapitan.

Business Ventures:

They engaged in profitable business ventures in the fishing, copra, and hemp industries.

Hemp Industry - Most Profitable Business:

The hemp industry was Rizal's most profitable business.

Details of Hemp Business:

Rizal shipped 150 bales of hemp to Manila.

He purchased hemp in Dapitan at P7 and 4 reales per pisul.

Rizal sold the hemp in Manila at P10 and 4 reales.

Rizal also participated in lime manufacturing with a capacity of more than 400 bags of lime.

Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers:

On January 1, 1895, Rizal organized the Cooperative Association of Dapitan Farmers to break the Chinese
monopoly.

Rizal drafted the constitution of the association.

The association's purposes included improving farm products, obtaining better outlets, collecting funds
for purchases, and helping producers and workers by establishing a store with affordable prices for prime
commodities.
Cigarette Lighter Invention - "Sulpukan":

Rizal invented a cigarette lighter called "sulpukan."

He sent it as a gift to Blumentritt.

The lighter was made of wood and operated on the principle of compressed air.

Brick-Making Machine Invention:

Rizal invented a machine for making bricks.

This machine had the capability to manufacture about 6,000 bricks daily.

Rizal's Retreat:

In February 1895, Doña Teodora, with her eyesight fully restored, returned to Manila.

Observing Rizal's busy life, she regretted neglecting her muses.

She requested Rizal to write poetry in response to her request.

Poetry Response - "Mi Retiro":

As a response, Rizal wrote "Mi Retiro" on October 22, 1895.

The poem narrates his serene life as an exile in Dapitan during his retreat.

Leonor Rivera's Death:

The death of Leonor Rivera left a poignant void in Rizal's heart.

Meeting Josephine Bracken:

In his loneliness, Rizal met Josephine Bracken, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Jane Bracken.

Josephine, an Irish girl of sweet eighteen, was born in Hong Kong.

Josephine's Adoption and Encounter with Rizal:

Josephine was adopted by Mr. George Taufer after her mother died during childbirth, and Mr. Taufer
became blind.

Seeking an ophthalmic specialist for Mr. Taufer, Rizal and Josephine met.
Decision to Marry:

Rizal and Josephine decided to get married.

Obstacle and Suicide Attempt:

Father Obach refused to wed them without the permission of the Bishop of Cebu.

Mr. Taufer, unable to endure the thought of losing Josephine, attempted suicide by cutting his throat
with a razor. Rizal prevented this.

Accompanying Mr. Taufer to Hong Kong:

To avoid tragedy, Josephine accompanied Mr. Taufer to Hong Kong alone.

Marriage Without Priest:

Josephine stayed with Rizal in Manila.

With no priests available to bless them, Rizal and Josephine wed themselves before the eyes of God.

Prank on Josephine and Loss of Their Baby:

Rizal played a prank on Josephine, making her give birth to an eight-month baby boy.

The baby lived for only 3 hours and was named "Francisco" in honor of Rizal's father.

Poem - "Josephine, Josephine":

Rizal wrote a poem entitled "Josephine, Josephine."

Rizal's Mourning and Revolutionary Clouds:

While mourning the loss of his son, ominous clouds of revolution began to darken the Philippine skies.

Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan:

Andres Bonifacio, the Great Plebeian, was sowing the seeds of an armed uprising.

Bonifacio founded the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society, on July 7, 1892.

Growing Adherents to Katipunan:

The Katipunan was gaining more and more adherents.

Pio Valenzuela's Role:

Pio Valenzuela boarded the steamer Valenzuela to reach Dapitan.

He sent an emissary to inform Rizal of the plan of Katipunan during a meeting at a river called Bitukang
Manok.

Raymundo Mata's Involvement:

Raymundo Mata, a blind man, accompanied Valenzuela to camouflage his mission.

Rizal's Objections to Bonifacio's Project:

Rizal objected to Bonifacio's project for the following reasons:

The people were not ready for a revolution.

Arms and funds must be collected first before raising the cry for revolution.

Disapproval of Katipunan's Plan to Rescue Him:

Rizal also disapproved of another plan of the Katipunan to rescue him.

This was because he had given his word of honor to the Spanish authorities, and he did not want to
break it.

Rizal's Offer to Serve in Cuba:

During the revolution in Cuba and the raging yellow fever epidemic, Rizal wrote to Governor General
Ramon Blanco.

In the letter, he offered his services as a military doctor in Cuba.

Acceptance of Rizal's Offer:

On July 1, 1896, Governor Blanco notified Rizal of the acceptance of his offer.
Pass for Manila:

Along with the acceptance notification, Rizal acquired a pass for Manila.

The pass was obtained from the politico-military commander of Dapitan.

The Song of the Traveler:

Upon receiving the acceptance of his offer to go to Europe and then to Cuba to help cure patients
suffering from yellow fever, Rizal wrote a poem titled "El Canto del Viajero" (The Song of the Traveler).

Adios Dapitan:

On July 31, 1896, Rizal's four-year exile in Dapitan came to an end.

The steamer Espania brought Rizal to Manila from Dapitan.

Accompanying Rizal were Josephine, Narcisa, Angelica (Narcisa's daughter), his three nephews, and six
pupils.

Farewell Scene in Dapitan:

As a farewell gesture, the town brass of Dapitan played the dolorous Funeral March of Chapin.

Rizal had stayed in Dapitan for 4 years, 13 days, and a few hours.

August 1, 1896 - Arrival in Dumaguete:

On August 1, 1896, Rizal anchored at Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental.

Visit to Herrero Regidor and Rufina Family:

Rizal visited a friend and former classmate, Herrero Regidor, and the Rufina Family, a judge in the
province.

Afternoon Operation:

In the afternoon, Rizal operated on a Spanish captain of the guardia civil.

Dumaguete to Cebu Journey:

Rizal traveled from Dumaguete to Cebu.

Fascination with the Entrance to Cebu:

Rizal was fascinated by the entrance to Cebu, which he considered beautiful.

Stereotomy Operations in Cebu:

In Cebu, Rizal performed two operations of stereotomy.

The operations included one on the ears and another for a tumor.

August 3, 1896 - Voyage Details:

"The voyage was fine."

They saw Mactan, an island famous for Magellan's fate.

The whole afternoon was magnificent, passing many islands along the way.

The next day, in the morning, they entered Iloilo.

Iloilo Visit:

In Iloilo, Rizal went shopping in the city.

He visited Molo and the Molo church.

Commenting on the church, he noted its pretty exterior and an interior painted by a lad.

Most of the paintings were copies of biblical scenes by Gustave Dore.

From Iloilo to Capiz and Romblon:

From Iloilo, Rizal's ship sailed to Capiz.

After a brief stopover, it proceeded to Romblon before heading to Manila.

Missed Steamer Isla de Luzon:

Rizal missed the regular steamer Isla de Luzon, which sailed to Spain the day before he arrived in Manila
Bay.
Stay on the Spanish Cruiser Castilla:

While waiting for the next ship to Spain, Rizal was kept as a "guest" on board the Spanish cruiser Castilla.

He stayed there for a month, awaiting another steamer to bring him to Spain.

Fr. Mariano Gil's Discovery of Katipunan:

Fr. Mariano Gil discovered the secret society (Katipunan).

He reported the discovery to the Spanish authorities.

August 26, 1896 - Katipunan's Cry of Revolution:

On August 26, 1896, Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan raised the cry of revolution in the hills of
Balintawak.

This event led to the discovery of their cedulas (identification certificates) and aggravated the situation.

August 30, 1896 - Proclamation of State of War:

On August 30, 1896, the state of war was proclaimed in eight provinces.

Rizal's Letters from Governor General Blanco:

On the same day as the proclamation of the state of war (August 30, 1896), Rizal received two letters
from Governor General Blanco.

These letters were introductions to the Minister of War and Minister of Colonies.

Rizal's Correspondence with His Mother:

The day before his departure, Rizal wrote to his mother.

September 2, 1896 - Transfer to Steamer Isla de Panay:

On September 2, 1896, Rizal transferred to the steamer Isla de Panay, which was sailing for Barcelona,
Spain.
September 3, 1896 - Departure from Manila Bay:

On September 3, 1896, the steamer left Manila Bay.

This marked the beginning of Rizal's last trip to Spain.

Fellow Passengers:

Among Rizal's fellow passengers were Don Pedro Roxas, a rich Manila Creole industrialist, and his friend,
along with his son named Periquin.

September 7, 1896 - Arrival in Singapore:

On September 7, 1896, the Isla de Panay arrived in Singapore.

The following morning, Rizal and other passengers went ashore for sightseeing and shopping for
souvenirs.

Observations in Singapore:

Rizal observed changes in Singapore, noting more Chinese merchants and fewer Indians.

He bought a Chinese gown, remarking on the changes since his first visit in 1882.

Advice from Don Pedro Roxas:

Don Pedro Roxas advised Rizal to stay behind and take advantage of the protection of British law.

Rizal ignored this advice, believing in the word of honor of the Governor General.

Efforts to Save Rizal's Life:

Don Manuel Camus and several Filipino residents of Singapore tried to persuade Rizal to stay behind to
save his life.

Refusal to Break Word of Honor in Singapore:

Rizal refused to break his word of honor in Singapore.

This decision would later have significant consequences for him.

Governor Blanco's Secret Conspiracy:

Unbeknownst to Rizal, Governor Blanco was secretly conspiring with the Ministers of War and the
Colonies.

The conspiracy was for the hidden destruction of Rizal.

Rizal's Mistaken Belief:

Despite his wonderful talents, Rizal made a mistake in believing that Governor General Blanco was a man
of honor and a friend.

Blanco allowed him to go as a free man to Spain to become a physician-surgeon in Cuba, where a bloody
revolution was raging.

Blanco provided Rizal with two nice letters of introduction addressed to the Spanish Ministers of War
and the Colonies.

Secret Surveillance and Deportation Plans:

Governor General Blanco, along with the Ministers of Colonies and War, exchanged telegrams and
confidential messages.

These communications were for the arrest of Rizal upon reaching Barcelona.

Rizal was labeled a deportee and was being secretly kept under surveillance.

September 8, 1896 - Departure from Singapore:

The Isla de Panay, with Rizal onboard, left Singapore.

Unaware of Spanish duplicity, particularly Governor General Blanco's deceit, Rizal happily continued the
voyage towards Barcelona.

September 25, 1896 - Observation of Isla de Luzon:

Rizal saw the steamer Isla de Luzon leaving the Suez Canal with Spanish troops.

September 26, 1896 - News of Executions:

Rizal heard from fellow passengers that a telegram arrived from Manila reporting the execution of
Francisco Roxas Genato and Osorio.
September 28, 1896 - Warning of Arrest:

A passenger warned Rizal that he would be arrested by order of Governor General Blanco.

The passenger informed Rizal that he would be sent to prison in Cueta (Spanish Morocco), opposite
Gibraltar.

September 30, 1896 - Official Notification:

Captain Alemany officially notified Rizal that he should stay in his cabin until further orders from Manila.

Rizal obeyed the orders.

October 3, 1896 - Arrival in Barcelona as a Prisoner:

The Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona with Rizal onboard as a prisoner.

Rizal was confined to his cabin.

He was arrested by former Governor General Eulogio Despujol, the man who had placed him in exile in
Dapitan and was now serving as the Military Commander of Barcelona.

September 8, 1896 - Departure from Singapore:

The Isla de Panay, with Rizal onboard, left Singapore.

Unaware of Spanish duplicity, particularly Governor General Blanco's deceit, Rizal happily continued the
voyage towards Barcelona.

September 25, 1896 - Observation of Isla de Luzon:

Rizal saw the steamer Isla de Luzon leaving the Suez Canal with Spanish troops.

September 26, 1896 - News of Executions:

Rizal heard from fellow passengers that a telegram arrived from Manila reporting the execution of
Francisco Roxas Genato and Osorio.

September 28, 1896 - Warning of Arrest:

A passenger warned Rizal that he would be arrested by order of Governor General Blanco.

Rizal was informed that he would be sent to prison in Cueta (Spanish Morocco), opposite Gibraltar.
September 30, 1896 - Official Notification and Obedience:

Captain Alemany officially notified Rizal that he should stay in his cabin until further orders from Manila.

Rizal obeyed the orders.

October 3, 1896 - Arrival in Barcelona as a Prisoner:

The Isla de Panay arrived in Barcelona with Rizal onboard as a prisoner.

Rizal was confined to his cabin.

He was arrested by former Governor General Eulogio Despujol, the man who had placed him in exile in
Dapitan and was now serving as the Military Commander of Barcelona.

October 4, 1896 - City Celebration:

Rizal noticed the city’s celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

October 6, 1896 - Transfer to Monjuich and Aboard Colon:

Rizal was escorted to the prison-fortress named Monjuich, an infamous fortress in Madrid.

After his stay at Monjuich, he was transferred to a ship named Colon.

Rizal was aboard the Colon, which was full of soldiers and officers.

At 8:00 pm, the ship left Barcelona.

Last Homecoming and Sacrifice:

This marks the last homecoming of Rizal and is considered the saddest return to his beloved native land.

Rizal was aware that he would be facing the supreme test, the sacrifice of his life, but he faced it
unafraid.

He welcomed this sacrifice gladly, believing that his blood would water the seeds of Filipino freedom.

Recording Events in Diary:

Since leaving Barcelona on Tuesday, October 6, 1896, Rizal recorded the events of his journey in his diary.

Despite the circumstances, he maintained a record of the events.

Accommodations and Treatment:

Rizal was given a good cabin in the second class.

Although strictly guarded, he was courteously treated by the officer in charge.

News of Bloody Revolution:

On October 8, a friendly officer informed Rizal that the Madrid newspaper was full of stories about the
bloody revolution in the Philippines.

Rizal was being blamed for the events unfolding in the homeland.

Spanish Authorities and Rizal's Diary:

The Spanish authorities on board the ship Colon were aware that Rizal had been keeping track of daily
events on the ship in his diary.

They were curious and suspicious, fearing that Rizal might be writing something seditious or treasonable.

Confiscation of Diary:

On October 11, before reaching Port Said, Rizal's diary was confiscated by the Spanish authorities.

Critical Scrutiny:

The authorities critically scrutinized the content of Rizal's diary, examining it closely for any incriminating
information.

No Incriminating Content Found:

After thorough scrutiny, the authorities did not find anything incriminating in Rizal's diary.

Return of the Diary:

The diary was then returned to Rizal on the 2nd of November.

News of Rizal's Predicament:

The news of Rizal's predicament reached his friends in Singapore and Europe.
Telegrams for Help:

Dr. Antonio Ma. Regidor and Sixto Lopez dispatched telegrams to an English lawyer in Singapore named
Hugh Fort.

Plan for Rescue:

The plan was to rescue Rizal by means of a Writ of Habeas Corpus.

Denied Writ by Chief Justice Lionel Cox:

Chief Justice Lionel Cox denied the Writ.

The grounds for denial were that the Colon was a warship of a foreign power, which was beyond the
jurisdiction of Singapore authorities.

Arrival in Manila:

On November 3, the ship Colon reached Manila.

Transfer to Fort Santiago:

Upon arrival, Rizal was transported to Fort Santiago.

Heavy Guard and Spanish Troops:

Rizal was placed under heavy guard of Spanish troops during his transfer to Fort Santiago.

Fishing for Evidence:

While Rizal was in Fort Santiago, the Spanish authorities were actively searching for evidence against Dr.
Jose Rizal.

Arrests and Brutal Torture:

Many Filipino patriots, including Deodato Arellano, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Moises Salvador, Temoteo Paez,
and even Rizal's brother Paciano, were arrested.

These individuals were brutally tortured to implicate Rizal.

Paciano's Suffering:

Paciano, Rizal's brother, suffered many injuries, including broken bones, such as in his left hand, due to
the brutal torture.

Preliminary Investigation:

On November 20, the preliminary investigation took place before Judge Advocate, Colonel Francisco
Olive.

Two types of evidence were presented: Documentary and Testimonial.

Documentary evidence included fifteen exhibits, while testimonial evidence consisted of oral
testimonies.

Reading of Information of Charges:

On December 11, the information of charges was formally announced in Rizal's prison cell.

Rizal was accused of being the principal organizer and the living soul of the Filipino insurrection.

He was labeled as the founder of societies, periodicals, and books dedicated to fomenting and
propagating ideas of rebellion.

Rizal's Manifesto to His People:

On December 15, Rizal wrote a manifesto to his people.

The manifesto appealed to them to stop the unnecessary shedding of blood and to achieve their liberties
through education and industry.

Unfortunately, Judge Advocate de la Pena suppressed the release of this manifesto.

Start of Court-Martial:

On December 26, at 8:00 am, the court-martial of Rizal commenced.

The court-martial took place in a building called Cuartel de Espana.

Composition of Military Court:

Seven members of the military court were seated behind the table.

The officers present, in their army uniforms, were: Lt. Col. Arjona, Capt. Munoz, Capt. Reguera, Capt.
Osorio, Capt. Nunez, Capt. Escribrano, and Capt. Rodriguez.
Trial Proceedings:

The trial was opened by Judge Dominguez, who explained the case against Rizal.

Following Judge Dominguez, Attorney Alcocer rose and delivered a long speech summarizing all charges
against Rizal.

Attorney Alcocer urged the court to give Rizal a death sentence.

Audience Response:

The spectators applauded the petition for Rizal's death.

Date of Rizal's Last Christmas:

December 25, 1896, marked Rizal's last and saddest Christmas.

Tradition of Celebrating Christmas:

Rizal was accustomed to celebrating Christmas with his family or beloved friends.

Loneliness on Last Christmas:

On his last Christmas, he found himself alone and depressed.

He was in a diary prison cell, adding to his sense of isolation.

Despair and Realization:

Rizal was in despair during this particular Christmas.

He had no illusions about his fate and understood the gravity of his situation.

Wish to See Lt. Andrade:

Rizal expressed a wish to see Lt. Andrade before making an appearance in court.

Decision Approval by Polavieja:

On the 28th of December, Polavieja, the authority, approved the decision of the court-martial.
Execution Order:

Polavieja ordered that Rizal be shot at 7:00 AM on December 30.

The execution was to take place at Bagumbayan Field (Luneta).

Compliance Order to Capt. Dominguez:

Polavieja's approval for the death penalty was forwarded to Judge Advocate Capt. Don Rafael Dominguez
for compliance.

Document Sealing Rizal's Fate:

The document signed by Capt. Dominguez sealed the fate of Dr. Jose Rizal Mercado.

Return to Fort Santiago:

After being court-martialed, Rizal returned to his cell in Fort Santiago.

Last 24 Hours:

From 6:00 AM of December 29 to December 30, 1896, Rizal spent his last 24 hours on earth.

Activities During Last Day:

Rizal was busy meeting visitors, including family and friends.

He wrote his last poem during this time, his final contribution to the emancipation of the Filipino people.

December 29, 1896 - Timeline:

6:00 AM: Capt. Rafael Dominguez read Rizal's Death Sentence, assigned by Gov. Gen. Camilo Polavieja.

7:00 AM: Rizal moved to the prison chapel for his last moments.

8:00 AM: Rizal invited Fr. Antonio Rosell for breakfast.

9:00 AM: Fr. Federico Faura arrived.

10:00 AM: Fr. Jose Villaclara & Fr. Vincente Balaguer visited.

Santiago Mataix, a Spanish journalist, followed.

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Rizal stayed in his cell, busy writing poems in letters.
4:00 PM: Rizal's mom arrived; Rizal knelt down before her, kissed her hands, and begged for forgiveness.

6:00 AM: Don Salvino Tunon, the Dean of the Manila Cathedral, visited Rizal.

Death March to Bagumbayan:

At about 6:30 AM, a trumpet sounded at Fort Santiago, signaling the beginning of the death march to
Bagumbayan.

Rizal's Attire:

Rizal walked calmly with his defense counsel and two Jesuit priests at his sides.

He was dressed in a hat, black shoes, white shirt, and a black tie.

His arms were tied behind from elbow to elbow.

Observations During the March:

Spectators lined the street from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan.

Passing through the narrow Postigo Gate, Rizal admired the beauty of the morning sky.

Farewell to Fathers and Defender:

Rizal bid farewell to Fathers March and Villaclara and his defender, Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade.

Despite his tied arms, he firmly clasped their hands in parting.

One of the priests blessed him and offered a crucifix to kiss.

Execution Details:

Rizal requested to be shot facing the firing squad, but his request was denied.

Dr. Felipe Ruiz Castilio, a Spanish military physician, asked for permission to feel Rizal's pulse and found it
normal.

The drums beat, followed by the sharp command "Fire," and the guns of the firing squad barked.
Rizal's Last Moments:

With a supreme effort, Rizal turned his bullet-riddled body to the right and fell to the ground dead.

He faced upward, looking at the morning sun.

The time of his death was exactly 7:03 in the morning.

Rizal was 35 years, 5 months, and 11 days old.

Prediction of Death:

Interestingly, 14 years before his death, Rizal predicted that he would die on December 30th when he
was a medical student in Madrid, Spain.