Sales, Jean Matthew L.

SSCI 113 – 7A September 18, 2019

“I’d rather die my way than live yours.” – Lauren Oliver

This might be what our courageous heroes think of during the colonization of the Spaniards in our own
land. 333 years was endured by our Filipino men, abused and harmed. All was sacrificed by them, for our
freedom. It is the time for us now to pause and ask ourselves, what I have done for this country to instill
and appreciate the act of our heroes fought for our freedom? Do I deserve their sacrifices?

One hundred and forty seven years ago, on January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino military personnel of
Fort San Felipe Arsenal in Cavite, conducted a mutiny. The said mutiny was done against the iron fist
ruling by General Rafael de Izquierdo and ofcourse the Spaniards to remove the abuses they made such
as polo y serbiscio (force labor) and tribute or tributo (tax). Izquierdo was opposed to any hint of
reformist and nationalistic movements in the Philippines. He will be remembered by the cruelty he
made. The mutineers were led by Sgt. Fernando La Madrid they seized the fort and killed Spanish
officers but about 1 hour later it was taken back by the Spanish government killing and punishing many
mutineers. Three priests Jose Burgos, Jacinto Zamora and Mariano Gomez (GOMBURZA) were
sentenced to death by garrote in Bagumbayan (now called Luneta Park) with wrong accusations and
false witness, to instill fear among the Filipinos so that they will never commit such thing again. This
awakened and led to the Phillipine Revolution of 1896.

According to what I have found/researched by John Schumacher it is stated that Cavite Mutiny was not
only to remove the taxes and force labor, they wanted to end and separate with the Spaniards and
declaration of independence during the mutiny but the rebellion failed because General Rafael de
Izquierdo received letters without signature or any marks from whom it came from stating the plans by
the rebellions. The true people behind the rebellion are not the three martyrs but the masons namely:
Maximo Inocencio, Crisanto Delos Reyes and Enrique Paraiso.

Whatever happened in the history will always be love and remember by our people. Everything
happened for a reason, the Cavite Mutiny was part of the stepping stone in reaching what we are
enjoying today, our independence. Give back by developing a sense of nationalism and patriotism.
Every small step counts. Begin within yourself. Always be kind to everyone. Like Mariano Gomez, he still
forgive and bless the one who will execute him. It is not a crazy act, you will be remembered by many
people, friends and many more. You will be love and not be hated.