The Execution of Gomburza: A Call for Justice

This was the topic that we discussed and resonated with me the most.The execution of Gomburza, an acronym
for Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, has left a significant mark on Philippine history. This
February 17, 1872, incident serves as a reminder of the Filipino people's colonial oppression as well as the
value of standing up for one's rights and pursuing justice.

Ambeth Ocampo is one of the authors who has studied Gomburza's execution in great detail. Ocampo explores
the lives of the three priests in "Gomburza: The Execution Years," revealing the truth behind their execution.
According to Ocampo, Gomburza's martyrdom sparked the nationalist movement in the Philippines, which in
turn sparked the independence movement. Ocampo humanizes the suffering of these priests by bringing
attention to the injustices they endure, which makes it simpler for readers to sympathize with their cause.

Reynaldo Ileto is another academic who sheds light on Gomburza's execution. In "Pasyon and Revolution,"
Ileto concentrates on the event's religious and cultural facets. He contends that Gomburza's execution served as
a symbolic challenge to the authority of the Filipino Catholic Church in addition to being a political act. Ileto
highlights that the martyrdom of Gomburza had a profound impact on the masses of Filipinos, who saw it as an
attack on their spiritual leaders due to their deeply held religious beliefs. This viewpoint emphasizes how
important the incident was in forming the collective consciousness of the Filipino people and their resistance to
Spanish colonial rule.

Resil Mojares is another scholar who investigated Gomburza's execution. In "The Priest as National Hero: The
Making of Jose Burgos," Mojares focuses on the life of the last of the three priests to be put to death, Jose
Burgos. He explores Burgos' background and his journey from a traditionalist friar to a patriot defending the
rights of the Filipino people. In addition to highlighting the injustices Burgos endured, Mojares contends that
Burgos' execution was a turning point in Philippine history because it demonstrated that the people of the
Philippines were capable of exercising critical thought and standing up for their rights. Mojares tells the story of
Gomburza's life by emphasizing Burgos's personal journey, which makes it interesting and relatable for readers.

Gomburza's execution is still remembered as a pivotal moment in Philippine history because it symbolizes the
struggle for justice and the dark days of colonial oppression. The research on this subject by Ocampo, Ileto, and
Mojares gives us a thorough grasp of what happened and helps us to put the three priests' lives and struggles
into perspective.

Gomburza's execution marks a significant turning point in Philippine history. These three priests' martyrdom
ignited the nationalist movement and exposed the abuses committed during Spanish colonial rule. The lives and
tribulations of Gomburza are given a human face thanks to the research of Ocampo, Ileto, and Mojares; this
makes their narrative more approachable and relatable. The incident acts as a timeless reminder that, despite
oppression, it is worthwhile to fight for justice and freedom.

References:
Ocampo, A. (1988). Gomburza: The Execution Years.
Ileto, R. (1979). Pasyon and Revolution.
Mojares, R. (2012). The Priest as National Hero: The Making of Jose Burgos.
Project in “Readings in
The Philippines History”

Submitted by: Alcaide, Railey I.

Submitted to: Mr. Jerry Donato