SPACES FOR

CONFLICT AND
CONTROVERSIES
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

MODULE 3
Topics

01 Making Sense
of 02 perspectivi 03 The First
Mas
the Past ty s

04 The Cavite Mutiny The

Retraction
06 The Cry
of
of Rizal Rebellion
Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end, you should be able to:

Cognitive Domain
Analyze the conflicting views in the Cavite Mutiny to
the present time.
Affective Domain
Expound the importance of Site of the First Mass from
other historical controversies in Philippine history.
Psychomotor Domain
React on the Site of the First Mass & Cavite Mutiny as
to its impact on our present political system.
1. MAKING
SENSE OF THE
PAST
INTRODUCTION
In this module, we will analyze four historiographical problems in
Philippine history in an attempt to apply what we have learned thus far
in the work of a historian and the process of historical inquiry.

Earlier. we have been introduced to history as a discipline. the

historical method, and the content and context analysis of primary
sources. Two key concepts that need to be defined before proceeding
to the historical analysis of problems in history are interpretation and
multi-perspectivity.
MAKING SENSE OF THE PAST
History is the study of the past, but a more contemporary definition is centered on how it
impacts the present through its consequences. torians utilize facts collected from primary
sources of history and then draw their own reading so that their intended audience may
understand historical events, a process that, in essence, "makes sense of the past."

The premise is that not all primary sources are accessible to a general audience, and without the
proper training and background, a non-historian interpreting a primary source may do more
harm than good—a primary source may even cause misunderstandings; sometimes, even
resulting to more problems. Interpretations. of the past, therefore, vary according to who reads
the primary source, when it was read, and how it was read..
MAKING SENSE OF THE PAST
As students of history, we must be well-equipped to recognize different types of interpretations, why
these may differ from each other, and how to critically sift these interpretations through historical
evaluation. Interpretations of historical events change over time; thus it is an important skill for a
student of history to track these changes in an attempt to understand the past.
Many of the things we accepted as "true" about the past might not be the case anymore; just
because these were taught to us as "facts" when we were younger does not mean that it is set in
stone—history is, after all, a construct. And as a construct, it is open for interpretation. There
might be conflicting and competing accounts of the past that need one's attention, and can impact
the way we view our country's history and identity. It is important to subject to evaluation not only the
primary source, but also the historical interpretation of the same, to ensure that the current
interpretation is reliable to support our acceptance of events of the past.
.
2. MULTI-
PERSPECTIVITY
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
MULTIPERSPECTIVITY
With several possibilities of interpreting the past, another important concept that we must note is multi- perspectivity.
This can be defined as a way of looking at historical events, personalities, developments, cultures, and societies from
different perspectives. This means that there is multitude of ways by which we can view the world. and each could be
equally valid. and at the same time. equally partial as well. Historical writing is, by definition, biased, partial, and
contains preconceptions. The historian decides on what sources to use, what interpretation to make more apparent,
depending on what his/her end is. Historians may misinterpret evidence. attending to those that suggest that a certain
event happened. and then ignore ones that go against the evidence.

Historians may omit significant facts about their subject, which makes the interpretation unbalanced. Historians may
impose a certain ideology to their subject, which may not be appropriate to the period the subject was from. Historians
may also provide a single cause for an event without considering other possible causal explanations of said event. These
are just many of the-ways a historian may fail in his or her historical inference, description, and interpretation. With
multi-perspectivity as an approach in history, we must understand that historical interpretations contain discrepancies,
contradictions. ambiguities, and are oftentimes the focus of dissent.
Exploring multiple perspectives in history requires incorporating source materials that reflect different views of an event in
history, because singular historical narratives do not provide for space to inquire and investigate. Different sources that
counter each Other may create space for more investigation and research, while providing evidence for those truths that
these sources agree on.

Different kinds of sources also provide different historical truths—an official document may note different aspects of the
past than. say, a memoir of an ordinary person on the same event. Different historical agents create different historical
truths." and while this may be n burdensome work for the historian, it also renders more validity to the historical
scholarship.
CASE STUDY ONE

THE FIRST MASS IN

THE PHILIPPINES
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
INTRODUCTION
Butuan has long been believed as the site of the First Mass, In fact, this has
been the case for three centuries, culmination in the erection of a
monument in 1872 near Agusan River, which commemorates the
expedition’s arrival and celebration of Mass on 8 April 1521. The Butuan
claim has been based on a rather elementary reading of primary sources
from the event.

Toward the end of the nineteenth century and the start of the twentieth
century, together with the increasing scholarship on the history of the
Philippines, a more nuanced reading of the available evidence was made,
which brought to light more considerations in going against the more
accepted interpretation of the First Mass in the Philippines, made both by
Spanish and Filipino scholars.

It must be noted that there are only two primary sources that historians
refer to in identifying the site of the First Mass. One is the log kept by
Francisco Albo, a pilot of one of Magellan’s ships, Trinidad. He was one of
the 18 survivors who returned with Sebastian Elcano on the ship Victoria after
they circumnavigated the world. The other, and the more complete, was the
account by Antonio Pigafetta, Primo viaggio intorno al mondo (First
Voyage Around the World).Pigafetta, like Albo, was a member of the
Magellan expedition and an eyewitness of the events, particularly, of the First
Mass.
THE FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The first ever Easter Mass in the Philippines – a landmark in the history of Philippine Christianity – was held in 1521
on the island of Mazaua, known today as Limasawa Island, Leyte. This was the conclusion drawn by Dr. Antonio
Sanchez de Mora, an expert on Spanish medieval history and head of the reference service at the Archivo
General de Indias in Seville, Spain, after combing over sources in the archive pertinent to the initial encounter and
first mass celebrated in an island called Mazaua and comparing them with other archival sources.

Mora grouped his sources into four: documents written during Ferdinand Magellan’s historic expedition
around the world; reports and testimonies of the survivors who managed to make it back to Europe; chronicles
and other primary sources by authors who interviewed the survivors and who consulted their documents as
well as maps and nautical charts; and secondary sources that years later interpreted the information provided
by the primary sources and the testimonies transmitted over time.

Mora said the documents, primary sources and maps from the 16th century confirm that the island of Mazaua
was the site of an Easter Sunday Mass on March 31, 1521 and that on a hill on this island a cross was raised to be
seen from afar. “The geographical description, the analysis of the directions, the revision of the maps and the
references to the island of Mazaua between 1521 and 1565 must identify it with [modern-day] Limasawa,” he
said.

Up until 1921, it was believed that the event was held somewhere near the mouth of the Agusan River in what is today
the municipality of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. The shift to the Limasawa tradition happened following the
publication of a transcription of a logbook from a pilot of the ship Victoria (one of the vessels in the Magellan
expedition), stating that the crew placed a cross on an island called “Mazaua” whose location is closer to Cebu.
PRIMARY SOURCE: ALBO’S LOG
 On the 16th of March (1521) as they sailed in the westerly course from ladrones, they law saw land towards the northwest; but
owing to many shallow places they did not approach it. They found later that its name Yunagan.
 They went instead that same day southward to another small Island name Suluan, and there they anchored. There they saw
some canoes but these fled at Spaniards’ approach. This Island was at 9 and two-thirds degrees North Latitude.
 Departing from those two Islands, they sailed westward to an uninhabited island of “Gada” where took in a supply of wood
and water.
 From the Island they sailed towards a large Island names Seilani “Ceylon” that was inhabited and was known to have gold.
 Sailing southwards along the coast of that large island of Seilani, they turned southwest to a small island called "Mazava," That
island is also at a latitude of 9 and two-thirds degrees North.
 The people of that island of Mazava were very good. The Spaniards planted a cross upon a mountain-top. and from there they
were shown three islands to the west and southwest. where they were told there was much gold. They showed us how the gold
was gathered, which came in small pieces like peas and lentils."
 From Mazava they sailed northwards again towards Seilani. They followed the coast of Seilani in a northwesterly direction,
ascending up to 10 degrees of latitude where they grew three small islands.
 From there they sailed westward some ten leagues. and there they saw three islets, where they (hopped anchor for the night.
In the morning, they sailed southwest some 12 leagues. down to a latitude of 10 and one-third degree. There they entered
channel between two islands, one of which was called "Matan" and the other "Subu."
 They sailed down that channel and then turned westward and anchored at the town (la villa) of Subu where they stayed many
days and obtained provisions and entered into a peace-pact with the local king.
 The town of Subu was on an east-west direction with the islands of Suluan and Mazava. But between Masava and Subu, there
where so many shallows that the boats could not go westward directly but has to go in a round-about way.

It must be noted that in Albo's account, the location of Mazava fits the location of the island of Limasawa, at the southern tip of
Leyte, 9° 54 N. Also, Albo does not mention the first Mass, but only the planting of the cross upon a mountain-top from which
could be seen three islands to the west and southwest, which also fits the southern end of Limasawa.
PRIMARY SOURCE: ALBO’S LOG
 On the 16th of March (1521) as they sailed in the westerly course from ladrones, they law saw land towards the northwest; but
owing to many shallow places they did not approach it. They found later that its name Yunagan.
 They went instead that same day southward to another small Island name Suluan, and there they anchored. There they saw
some canoes but these fled at Spaniards’ approach. This Island was at 9 and two-thirds degrees North Latitude.
 Departing from those two Islands, they sailed westward to an uninhabited island of “Gada” where took in a supply of wood
and water.
 From the Island they sailed towards a large Island names Seilani “Ceylon” that was inhabited and was known to have gold.
 Sailing southwards along the coast of that large island of Seilani, they turned southwest to a small island called "Mazava," That
island is also at a latitude of 9 and two-thirds degrees North.
 The people of that island of Mazava were very good. The Spaniards planted a cross upon a mountain-top. and from there they
were shown three islands to the west and southwest. where they were told there was much gold. They showed us how the gold
was gathered, which came in small pieces like peas and lentils."
 From Mazava they sailed northwards again towards Seilani. They followed the coast of Seilani in a northwesterly direction,
ascending up to 10 degrees of latitude where they grew three small islands.
 From there they sailed westward some ten leagues. and there they saw three islets, where they (hopped anchor for the night.
In the morning, they sailed southwest some 12 leagues. down to a latitude of 10 and one-third degree. There they entered
channel between two islands, one of which was called "Matan" and the other "Subu."
 They sailed down that channel and then turned westward and anchored at the town (la villa) of Subu where they stayed many
days and obtained provisions and entered into a peace-pact with the local king.
 The town of Subu was on an east-west direction with the islands of Suluan and Mazava. But between Masava and Subu, there
where so many shallows that the boats could not go westward directly but has to go in a round-about way.

It must be noted that in Albo's account, the location of Mazava fits the location of the island of Limasawa, at the southern tip of
Leyte, 9° 54 N. Also, Albo does not mention the first Mass, but only the planting of the cross upon a mountain-top from which
could be seen three islands to the west and southwest, which also fits the southern end of Limasawa.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
Magellan set sail from Spain in 1519 to find a western sea route to the Spice Islands. After navigating through South
America and losing ships along the way, Magellan discovered the Strait of Magellan in 1520. Only one ship, the
Victoria, completed the first circumnavigation of the world, returning to Spain in 1522 after suffering great hardship, with
only 18 survivors. The expedition proved the existence of a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

 Saturday, 16TH March 1521- Magellan's expedition sighted a "high land" named "Zamal" which was some
300 leagues westward of Landrones (now the Marianas) Island.
 Sunday, March 17-"the following day" after sighting Zamal Island, they landed on ''another island which was
uninhabited'' and which lay "to the right" of the above mention island of "Zamal". There they set up two tents
for the sick members of the crew and had a sow killed for them. The name of this island was "Humunu'"
(Homonhon). This island was located at 10 degrees North latitude.
 On the same day, Magellan named the entire archipelago of the "Islands of Saint Lazarus" the reason being
that it was Sunday in the Lenten season when the Gospel assigned for the Mass and the liturgical Office was
the eleventh chapter of St. John, which tells of the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
 March 18 1521- in the afternoon of their second day on that island, they saw boat coming towards them with
nine men in it. An exchange of gifts was effected. Magellan asked for food supplies, and the men went away
promising to bring rice and other supplies in "four days"
 There were two springs of water on that island of Homonhon. Also they saw there some indication that there
was gold in these islands. Consequently, Magellan renamed the island and called it the Watering Place of
Good Omen (Acquada la di bouni segnialli).
 Friday. March 22 — At noon the natives returned. This time they were in two boats, and they brought food
supplies.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
 Magellan's expedition stayed eight days at Homonhon: from Sunday,March
17. to the Monday of the following week, March 25.
 Monday, March 25 — In the afternoon, the expedition weighed anchor and left
the island of Homonhon. In the ecclesiastical calendar. this day (March 25) was
the feast-day of the Incarnation, also called the feast of the Annunciation
and therefore "Our Lady's Day." On this day, as they were about to weigh
anchor, an accident happened to Pigafetta: he fell into the water but was
rescued. He attributed his narrow escape from death as grace obtained
through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary on her feast-day.

Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan
or Limasawa: The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of
Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta account, a crucial
aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement,
situated On the Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is
a curious omission in the account of the river, which makes part of a distinct
characteristic ofButuan's geography that seemed to be too important to be
missed.

It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of
his expedition went to Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this
instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note that this account
Already happened after Magellan's death
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
which makes part of a distinct characteristic ofButuan's geography that seemed to be too important to be
missed.

It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
CASE STUDY 2 CCC

THE CAVITE MUTINY

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
I TRODUCTION
NTRODUC TI

N ON

Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
Cavite Mutiny,
account, a (Jan.aspect
crucial 20, 1872),
of a brief
Butuan was uprising
not of 200 Filipino
mentioned—the river. troopsisand
Butuan a workers
riverine settlement, situated On the
at the Cavite
Agusan River.
arsenal,
The beach
which became the
of Masao ismovement.
excuse
in the delta of
for Spanish
said river. It
repression
is aharsh
of
curiousreaction
the
omission in the account of the river,
embryonic Philippine nationalist Ironically, the of
thewhich makes
Spanish
missed.
part of a served
authorities distinct ultimately
characteristic
to ofButuan's
promote geography
the that seemed
nationalist cause. to be too important to be

TheIt Cavite mutiny

must also of 1872
be pointed was
out thatanlater
uprising of Filipino
on. after military
Magellan's death,personnel of Fort
the survivors Of his expedition went to
SanMindanao.
Felipe, the Spanish arsenal in Cavite,
and seemingly went to Butuan. In t Philippine Islands (then also known as a trip up a river. But
tta vividly describes
part of the
note that Spanish EastAlready
this account Indies)happened
on January
after23,
M 1872. Around 200 locally recruited
colonial troops and laborers rose up in the belief histhat it would
instance, elevate to a national
Pigafe
uprising. The mutiny was unsuccessful, and government soldiers executed many
agellan's death.
of the participants and began to crack down on a burgeoning Philippines
nationalist movement. Many scholars believe that the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 was
the beginning of Filipino nationalism that would eventually lead to the Philippine
Revolution of 1896

The mutiny was quickly crushed, but the Spanish regime under the
reactionary governor Rafael de Izquierdo magnified the incident and used it as
an excuse to clamp down on those Filipinos who had been calling for
governmental reform. A number of Filipino intellectuals were seized and
accused of complicity with the mutineers. After a brief trial, three priests—José
Burgos, Jacinto Zamora, and Mariano Gómez—were publicly executed. The
three subsequently became martyrs to the cause of Philippine independence.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
The year 1872 is a historic year of two events: the Cavite Mutiny and
the martyrdom of the three priests. Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and
Jacinto
UsingZamora, later
the primary on immortalized
sources available, Jesuit as GOMBURZA.
priest These
Miguel A. Bernad events
in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
areFirst
very important
Mass milestones
in the Philippines: in Philippine history
A Reexamination and(1981)
of Evidence have lays
causeddown the argument that in the Pigafetta
ripples throughout
account, time. directly
a crucial aspect of Butuaninfluencing the decisive river.
was not mentioned—the events of the
Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Philippine Revolution
Agusan River. The beachtoward
of Masaotheis in
endthe of
deltathe century.
of said river. ItWhile the omission in the account of the river,
is a curious
significance
which makes is unquestioned, what
part of a distinct made this ofButuan's
characteristic year controversial
geographyisthatthe seemed to be too important to be
different
missed.sides to the story. a battle of perspectives supported by
primary sources. In this case study. we zoom in to the events of the
Cavite Mutiny,
It must also abemajor
pointedfactor in the
out that awakening
later on. after of nationalism
Magellan's among
death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
theMindanao.
Filipinos of that
and time. went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
seemingly
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
Spanish Account of the Cavite Mutiny
The documentation of Spanish historian Jose Montero y Vidal
centered on how the event was an attempt in overthrowing the
Spanish government in the Philippines. Although regarded as a
historian, his account of the mutiny was criticized as woefully
biased and rabid for a scholar.

Another account from the official report written by then Governor

General Rafael Izquierdo implicated the native clergy, who were
then, active in their movement toward secularization of parishes.
These two accounts corroborated each other
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTRRODUCTION
PRIMARYINTSOURCE: ODUCTION
MONTERO’S ACCOUNT
Excerpts
Using thefrom Montero's
primary sourcesAccount of the
available, Cavite
Jesuit priestMutiny
Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First abolition
The Mass in theof Philippines:
privileges Aenjoyed
Reexamination
by theoflaborers
Evidenceof(1981) lays down
the Cavite the argument
arsenal that in from
of exemption the Pigafetta
the tribute
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a
was, according to some, the cause of the insurrection. There were. however, other causes. Theriverine settlement, situated On Spanish
the
Agusan River.
revolution The overthrew
which beach of Masao is in thethrone;
a secular delta of the
saidpropaganda
river. It is a curious
carried omission
on byinanthe account ofpress
unbridled the river,
against
which makes principles,
monarchical part of a distinct characteristic
attenuation of theofButuan's
most sacred geography that towards
respects seemed to bedethroned
the too important to be the
majesty;
missed.
democratic and republican books and pamphlets; the speeches and preaching of the apostles of
these new ideas in Spain; the outbursts of the American publicists and the criminal policy of the
senseless
It must also Governor
be pointed whom the Revolutionary
out that government
later on. after Magellan's sent
death, theto survivors
govern the Philippines,
Of his expeditionand wentwhoto put
into practice
Mindanao. these ideas
and seemingly went were the Indetermining
to Butuan. circumstances
this instance, Pigafetta which gave
vividly describes a trip uprise. among
a river. certain
But note
Filipinos, to theAlready
that this account idea of attaining
happened their
after independence.
Magellan's death. It was towards this goal that they started to
work, with the powerful assistance of a certain section of the native clergy, who out of spite toward
friars, made common cause with the enemies of the mother country.

At various times but especially in the beginning of year 1872, the authorities received anonymous
communications with the information that a great uprising would break out against the Spaniards, the
minute the fleet at Cavite left for the South. and that all would be assassinated, including the friars.
But nobody gave importance to these notices. The conspiracy had been going on since the days of La
Torre with utmost secrecy. At times, the principal leaders met either in the house of Filipino Spaniard,
D. Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, or in that of the native priest, Jacinto Zamora, and these meetings were
usually attended by the curate of Bacoor, the soul of the movement, whose energetic character and
immense wealth enabled him to exercise a strong influence,
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTRRODUCTION
PRIMARYINTSOURCE: ODUCTION
MONTERO’S ACCOUNT
Excerpts
Using thefrom Montero's
primary sourcesAccount of the
available, Cavite
Jesuit priestMutiny
Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First abolition
The Mass in theof Philippines:
privileges Aenjoyed
Reexamination
by theoflaborers
Evidenceof(1981) lays down
the Cavite the argument
arsenal that in from
of exemption the Pigafetta
the tribute
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a
was, according to some, the cause of the insurrection. There were. however, other causes. Theriverine settlement, situated On Spanish
the
Agusan River.
revolution The overthrew
which beach of Masao is in thethrone;
a secular delta of the
saidpropaganda
river. It is a curious
carried omission
on byinanthe account ofpress
unbridled the river,
against
which makes principles,
monarchical part of a distinct characteristic
attenuation of theofButuan's
most sacred geography that towards
respects seemed to bedethroned
the too important to be the
majesty;
missed.
democratic and republican books and pamphlets; the speeches and preaching of the apostles of
these new ideas in Spain; the outbursts of the American publicists and the criminal policy of the
senseless
It must also Governor
be pointed whom the Revolutionary
out that government
later on. after Magellan's sent
death, theto survivors
govern the Philippines,
Of his expeditionand wentwhoto put
into practice
Mindanao. these ideas
and seemingly went were the Indetermining
to Butuan. circumstances
this instance, Pigafetta which gave
vividly describes a trip uprise. among
a river. certain
But note
Filipinos, to theAlready
that this account idea of attaining
happened their
after independence.
Magellan's death. It was towards this goal that they started to
work, with the powerful assistance of a certain section of the native clergy, who out of spite toward
friars, made common cause with the enemies of the mother country.

At various times but especially in the beginning of year 1872, the authorities received anonymous
communications with the information that a great uprising would break out against the Spaniards, the
minute the fleet at Cavite left for the South. and that all would be assassinated, including the friars.
But nobody gave importance to these notices. The conspiracy had been going on since the days of La
Torre with utmost secrecy. At times, the principal leaders met either in the house of Filipino Spaniard,
D. Joaquin Pardo de Tavera, or in that of the native priest, Jacinto Zamora, and these meetings were
usually attended by the curate of Bacoor, the soul of the movement, whose energetic character and
immense wealth enabled him to exercise a strong influence,
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S
PRIMARY SOURCE: IZQUIERDO OFFICIAL REPORT
ACCOUNT
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Excerpts from the Official Report of Governor Izquierdo on the Cavite Mutiny of 1872
TheUsing the primary
instigators, sources
to carry available,
out Jesuit priest
their criminal Miguelprotested
project. A. Bernadagainst
in his work
theButuan or Limasawa:
injustice The Site of the
of the government in not
First Mass
paying in the Philippines:
the provinces A Reexamination
for their tobacco crop, of and
Evidence (1981)
against thelays down that
usury the argument that in the
some practice Pigafetta
in documents
thataccount, a crucialdepartment
the Finance aspect of Butuan
gives was not owners
crop mentioned—the
who haveriver.toButuan is a riverine
sell them at a settlement,
loss. They situated
encouragedOn thethe
Agusan by
rebellion River. The beach
protesting of Masao
what is in thethe
they called delta of said of
injustice river. It is aobliged
having curious the
omission in the
workers in account of the
the Cavite river, to
arsenal
paywhich makes
tribute part January
starting of a distinct
1 andcharacteristic ofButuan's
to render personal geography
service, fromthat seemed
which they to be too
were important
formerly to be
exempted...
missed.
Up to now it has not been clearly determined if they planned to establish a monarchy or a republic,
It mustthe
because alsoIndios
be pointed outword
have no that in
later on. language
their after Magellan's death,this
to describe the different
survivors form
Of hisofexpedition
government, wentwhose
to
Mindanao.
head in Tagalogand would
seemingly went tohari:
be called Butuan.
but In this instance,
it turns out thatPigafetta vividly
they would describes
place at thea trip
head upof
a the
river.government
But note
that thisthat
a priest... account
the Already happened
head selected after be
would Magellan's
D. Josedeath.
Burgos, Or D. Jacinto Zamora...Such is... the plan of the
rebels. those who guided them. and the means they counted upon for its realization.

It is apparent that the accounts underscore the reason for the "revolution": the abolition of privileges
enjoyed by the workers of the Cavite arsenal such as exemption from payment of tribute and being
employed in Polos y Servicios. or force labor. They also identified other reasons which seemingly
made the issue a lot more serious, which included the presence of the native clergy, who, out of spite
against the Spanish friars. "conspired and supported" the rebels. Izquierdo, in an obviously biased
report, highlighted that attempt to overthrow the Spanish government in the Philippines, to install a
new "hari" in the persons Of Fathers Burgos and Zamora. According to him, native clergy attracted
supporters by giving them charismatic assurance that their fight will not fail because they have God's
support. aside from promises of lofty rewards such as employment, wealth. and ranks in the army.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
In the Spaniard's INTR
INT ODUCTION
RODUCTION
accounts. the event of 1872 was premeditated, and is part of a big
conspiracy among the educated leaders, mestizos. lawyers. and residents of Manila and
Cavite.
Using theThey allegedly
primary plan to liquidate
sources available, Jesuit priesthigh-
Miguelranking Spanish
A. Bernad officers,
in his work Butuan then kill the The
or Limasawa: friars.
Site The
of the
signal
First they
Mass identify
in the among
Philippines: these conspirators
A Reexamination of Manila
of Evidence (1981)and
lays Cavite
down thewas the rockets
argument that infired from
the Pigafetta
Intramuros.
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
which makes part
The accounts of athat
detail distinct
on characteristic ofButuan's
20 January 1872. the geography
district of that seemedcelebrated
Sampaloc to be too important
the feasttoofbe
missed.
the Virgin of Loreto, and came with it were some fireworks display. The Cavitenios allegedly
mistook this as the signal to commence with the attack. The 200-men contingent led by
Sergeant
It must alsoLamadrid
be pointedattacked
out thatSpanish
later on.officers at sight death,
after Magellan's and seized the arsenal.
the survivors Of his Izquierdo, upon to
expedition went
learning of
Mindanao. the
and attack. went
seemingly ordered the reinforcement
to Butuan. In this instance, of the Spanish
Pigafetta forces ina Cavite
vividly describes trip up ato quell
river. Butthe
note
revolt.
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.

The "revolution" was easily crushed, when the Manilefios who were expected to nid the C,nvitefios
did not arrive. Leaders of the plot. were killed in the resulting skirmish, while Fathers Gomez.
Burgos, and Zamora were tried by a court rnartial and sentenced to be executed. Others who
were implicated such as Joaquin Pardo de Tavern, Antonio Ma, Regidor, Jose and Pio Basa. and
other Filipino lawyers were suspended from the practice of law. arrested, and sentenced to life
imprisonment at the Marianas Island. Izquierdo dissolved the native regiments of artillery and
ordered the creation of an artillery force composed exclusively by Peninsulares.

On 17 February 1872. the GOMBURZA were executed to serve as a threat to Filipinos never to
attempt to fight the Spaniards again.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
In the Spaniard's INTR
INT ODUCTION
RODUCTION
accounts. the event of 1872 was premeditated, and is part of a big
conspiracy among the educated leaders, mestizos. lawyers. and residents of Manila and
Cavite.
Using theThey allegedly
primary plan to liquidate
sources available, Jesuit priesthigh-
Miguelranking Spanish
A. Bernad officers,
in his work Butuan then kill the The
or Limasawa: friars.
Site The
of the
signal
First they
Mass identify
in the among
Philippines: these conspirators
A Reexamination of Manila
of Evidence (1981)and
lays Cavite
down thewas the rockets
argument that infired from
the Pigafetta
Intramuros.
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
which makes part
The accounts of athat
detail distinct
on characteristic ofButuan's
20 January 1872. the geography
district of that seemedcelebrated
Sampaloc to be too important
the feasttoofbe
missed.
the Virgin of Loreto, and came with it were some fireworks display. The Cavitenios allegedly
mistook this as the signal to commence with the attack. The 200-men contingent led by
Sergeant
It must alsoLamadrid
be pointedattacked
out thatSpanish
later on.officers at sight death,
after Magellan's and seized the arsenal.
the survivors Of his Izquierdo, upon to
expedition went
learning of
Mindanao. the
and attack. went
seemingly ordered the reinforcement
to Butuan. In this instance, of the Spanish
Pigafetta forces ina Cavite
vividly describes trip up ato quell
river. Butthe
note
revolt.
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.

The "revolution" was easily crushed, when the Manilefios who were expected to nid the C,nvitefios
did not arrive. Leaders of the plot. were killed in the resulting skirmish, while Fathers Gomez.
Burgos, and Zamora were tried by a court rnartial and sentenced to be executed. Others who
were implicated such as Joaquin Pardo de Tavern, Antonio Ma, Regidor, Jose and Pio Basa. and
other Filipino lawyers were suspended from the practice of law. arrested, and sentenced to life
imprisonment at the Marianas Island. Izquierdo dissolved the native regiments of artillery and
ordered the creation of an artillery force composed exclusively by Peninsulares.

On 17 February 1872. the GOMBURZA were executed to serve as a threat to Filipinos never to
attempt to fight the Spaniards again.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTINTR
PRIMARY RODUCTIONODUCTION
SOURCE: PARDO DE TAVERA ACCOUNT
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass into
According the Philippines:
this account,A theReexamination
incident was of Evidence
merely (1981)
a mutiny laysby
down the argument
Filipino soldiers that
andinlaborers
the Pigafetta
of
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine
the Cavite arsenal. Soldiers and laborers of the arsenal to the dissatisfaction arising from the settlement, situated On the
Agusan River.
draconian The beach
policies of of Masao is in
Izquierdo, the delta
such of said
as the river. It of
abolition is aprivileges
curious omission in the
and the account of of
prohibition thethe
river,
which makes
founding of part
theof school
a distinct
of characteristic ofButuan's
arts and trades forgeography
Filipinos,that seemed
which theto General
be too important
saw asto abe
missed.
smokescreen creating a political club.
It must also
Tavera is ofbethe
pointed out that
opinion that the
laterSpanish
on. afterfriars
Magellan's death, theused
and Izquierdo survivors
CaviteOf Mutiny
his expedition
as a waywenttoto
Mindanao. and seemingly
address other issues by went to Butuan.
blowing In this instance,
out of proportion Pigafetta mutiny
the isolated vividly describes
attempt.aDuring
trip up this
a river. Butthe
time, note
that this account
Central Already
Government happened
Madrid wasafter Magellan's
planning death. the friars of all the powers of intervention in
to deprive
matters of civil government and management educational institutions. The friars needed
something to justify their continued dominance in the country, and the mutiny provided such
Opportunity.

However, the Central Spanish Government introduced an education decree fusing sectarian
schools run by the friars into a school called Philippine Institute. The decree aimed to improve
the standard of education in the Philippines by requiring teaching positions in schools to be
by competitive examinations. an improvement welcomed by most Filipinos.

Another account, this time by French writer Edmund Plauchut complemented Tavedra's
account and analyzed the motivations of the Cavite Mutiny.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTINTR
PRIMARY RODUCTIONODUCTION
SOURCE: PARDO DE TAVERA ACCOUNT
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass into
According the Philippines:
this account,A theReexamination
incident was of Evidence
merely (1981)
a mutiny laysby
down the argument
Filipino soldiers that
andinlaborers
the Pigafetta
of
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine
the Cavite arsenal. Soldiers and laborers of the arsenal to the dissatisfaction arising from the settlement, situated On the
Agusan River.
draconian The beach
policies of of Masao is in
Izquierdo, the delta
such of said
as the river. It of
abolition is aprivileges
curious omission in the
and the account of of
prohibition thethe
river,
which makes
founding of part
theof school
a distinct
of characteristic ofButuan's
arts and trades forgeography
Filipinos,that seemed
which theto General
be too important
saw asto abe
missed.
smokescreen creating a political club.
It must also
Tavera is ofbethe
pointed out that
opinion that the
laterSpanish
on. afterfriars
Magellan's death, theused
and Izquierdo survivors
CaviteOf Mutiny
his expedition
as a waywenttoto
Mindanao. and seemingly
address other issues by went to Butuan.
blowing In this instance,
out of proportion Pigafetta mutiny
the isolated vividly describes
attempt.aDuring
trip up this
a river. Butthe
time, note
that this account
Central Already
Government happened
Madrid wasafter Magellan's
planning death. the friars of all the powers of intervention in
to deprive
matters of civil government and management educational institutions. The friars needed
something to justify their continued dominance in the country, and the mutiny provided such
Opportunity.

However, the Central Spanish Government introduced an education decree fusing sectarian
schools run by the friars into a school called Philippine Institute. The decree aimed to improve
the standard of education in the Philippines by requiring teaching positions in schools to be
by competitive examinations. an improvement welcomed by most Filipinos.

Another account, this time by French writer Edmund Plauchut complemented Tavedra's
account and analyzed the motivations of the Cavite Mutiny.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTINTR
PRIMARY RODUCTIONODUCTION
SOURCE: PLAUCHUT ACCOUNT
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First
The Mass in the
arrival Philippines:
in Manila A Reexamination
of General Izquierdoof Evidence (1981) lays
put a sudden enddown thedreams
to all argumentofthat in the Pigafetta
reforms... the
account,
prosecutions instituted by the new Governor General were probably expected as n result of thethe
a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On
Agusan River. Thebetween
bitter disputes beach of Masao is in theclerics
the Filipino delta ofand
said the
river.friars.
It is a curious
Such aomission
policy in the account
must of theinriver,
really end a
which
strongmakes
desirepart of a part
on the distinct characteristic
of the ofButuan's
other to repress geography that seemed to be too important to be
cruelly.
missed.
In regard to schools. it was previously decreed that there should be in Manila a Society of Arts and
It must also
Trades be opened
to be pointed out that later
in March on. aftertoMagellan's
of 1871... repress death, the survivors
the growth Of his
of liberal expedition
teåchings, went to
General
Mindanao.
Izquierdo and seemingly went
suspended the to Butuan. In
opening of this
theinstance, Pigafetta
school... the vividly
day describes
previousa trip
to up
thea river. But note
scheduled
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
inauguration...
The Filipinos had a duty to render service on public roads construction and pay taxes every year.
But those who were employed at the maestranza Of the artillery, in the engineering shops and
arsenal Cavit.e, were exempted from this obligation from time immemorial. Without preliminaries
of any kind, a decree by the Governor withdrew from such old employees their retirement
privileges and declassified them into the ranks of those who work on public roads.

The friars used the incident as a part of a larger conspiracy to cement their dominance, which has
started to show cracks because of the discontent of the Filipinos. They showcased the mutiny as
part of a greater conspiracy in the Philippines by Filipinos to overthrow the Spanish Government
Unintentionally, and more so, prophetically, the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 resulted to the martyrdom of
GOMBURZA, and paved the way to the revolution culminating in 1898
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTINTR
PRIMARY RODUCTIONODUCTION
SOURCE: PLAUCHUT ACCOUNT
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First
The Mass in the
arrival Philippines:
in Manila A Reexamination
of General Izquierdoof Evidence (1981) lays
put a sudden enddown thedreams
to all argumentofthat in the Pigafetta
reforms... the
account,
prosecutions instituted by the new Governor General were probably expected as n result of thethe
a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On
Agusan River. Thebetween
bitter disputes beach of Masao is in theclerics
the Filipino delta ofand
said the
river.friars.
It is a curious
Such aomission
policy in the account
must of theinriver,
really end a
which
strongmakes
desirepart of a part
on the distinct characteristic
of the ofButuan's
other to repress geography that seemed to be too important to be
cruelly.
missed.
In regard to schools. it was previously decreed that there should be in Manila a Society of Arts and
It must also
Trades be opened
to be pointed out that later
in March on. aftertoMagellan's
of 1871... repress death, the survivors
the growth Of his
of liberal expedition
teåchings, went to
General
Mindanao.
Izquierdo and seemingly went
suspended the to Butuan. In
opening of this
theinstance, Pigafetta
school... the vividly
day describes
previousa trip
to up
thea river. But note
scheduled
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
inauguration...
The Filipinos had a duty to render service on public roads construction and pay taxes every year.
But those who were employed at the maestranza Of the artillery, in the engineering shops and
arsenal Cavit.e, were exempted from this obligation from time immemorial. Without preliminaries
of any kind, a decree by the Governor withdrew from such old employees their retirement
privileges and declassified them into the ranks of those who work on public roads.

The friars used the incident as a part of a larger conspiracy to cement their dominance, which has
started to show cracks because of the discontent of the Filipinos. They showcased the mutiny as
part of a greater conspiracy in the Philippines by Filipinos to overthrow the Spanish Government
Unintentionally, and more so, prophetically, the Cavite Mutiny of 1872 resulted to the martyrdom of
GOMBURZA, and paved the way to the revolution culminating in 1898
CASE STUDY FOUR

THE CRY OF
REBELLION
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTINTR
WHERE DID THERODUCTION
‘CRY ODUCTION
OF REBELLION’ HAPPEN?
Using the primary
Momentous events sources
swept available, Jesuit priest
the Spanish Miguel in
colonies A. Bernad
the late in his workcentury,
19th Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass
including in the
the Philippines:
Philippines. A Reexamination
Journalists of the oftime
Evidence (1981)
referred to lays
the down
phrasethe"El
argument that in the Pigafetta
account,
Grito de aRebelion"
crucial aspect
or of"Cry
Butuanof was not mentioned—the
Rebellion" to mark river.the Butuan
start isofa riverine
these settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. events.
revolutionary The beachidentifying
of Masao is in theplaces
the delta of where
said river.
it Ithappened.
is a curious omission
In the in the account of the river,
which makes
Philippines, thispart of a distinct
happened characteristic
in August 1896, ofButuan's
northeast geography
of Manila, that whereseemed
they to be too important to be
missed. rebellion against the Spanish colonial government. These events
declared
are important markers in the history of colonies that struggled for their
independence
It must also beagainst their
pointed outcolonizers.
that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that
The this accountregarding
controversy Already happened after
this event Magellan's
stems from death.
the identification of the date
and place where the Cry happened. Prominent Filipino historian Teodoro
Agoncillo emphasizes the event when Bonifacio tore the cedula or tax receipt
before the Katipuneros who also did the same.

Some writers identified the first military event with the Spaniards as the
moment of the Cry, for which, Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned a "Himno
de Balintawak" to inspire the renewed struggle after the Pact of the Biak
na Bato failed. A monument to the Heroes of 1896 was erected in what is
now the intersection of Epifanio de los Santos (EDSA) Avenue and Andres
Bonifacio Drive- North Diversion road, and from then on until 1962, the Cry of
Balintawak was celebrated every 26th of August. The site of the
monument was chosen for an unknown reason.
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE; PIGAFETTA’S
ACCOUNTS OF THE ‘CRY’ACCOUNT
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Source: Guillermo Masangkay, "Cry of Balintawak" in Gregorio Zaide and Sonia Zaide,
Documentary
Using the Sources
primary of Philippine
sources History,
available, Volume
Jesuit 8 Miguel
priest (Manila:A.National
Bernad Book
in hisStore,
work 1990). or Limasawa: The Site of the
Butuan
307— 309.
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
On August 26th, a big meeting was held in Balintawak, at the house of Apolonio Samson,
thenAgusan River.
the cabeza of The
thatbeach
barrio of
of Masao is inAmong
Caloocan. the delta
thoseof who
said attended,
river. It isI aremember,
curious omission
were in the account of the river,
which Emilio
Bonifacio, makes Jacinto,
part of Aguedo
a distinct
del characteristic
Rosario, Tomas ofButuan's
Remigio, geography
Briccio pantas. that Teodoro
seemed to be too important to be
missed.
Plata, Pio Valenzuela, Enrique Pacheco, and Francisco Carreon. They were all leaders of the
Katipunan and composed the board of directors of the organization. Delegates from Bulacan,
Cabanatuan, Cavite, and Morong were also present.
It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
Mindanao.
At about and seemingly
nine o'clock went to
in the morning of Butuan. In this
August 26. the instance, Pigafetta
meeting was openedvividly describes a trip up a river. But note
with Andres
that this
Bonifacio account
presiding Already
and Emiliohappened after as
Jacinto acting Magellan's death.
secretary. The purpose was to discuss
when the uprising was to take place. Teodoro Plata, Briccio Pantas, and Pio Valenzuela were
all opposed to starting the revolution too early... Andres Bonifacio, sensing that he would lose
in the discussion then, left the session hall and talked to the people, who were waiting
outside for the result of the meeting of the leaders. He told the people that the leaders were
arguing against starting the revolution early, and appealed to them in a fiery speech in
which he said: "You remember the fate of our countrymen who were shot in Bagumbayan.
Should we return now to the towns. the Spaniards will only shoot us. Our organization has
been discovered and we are all marked men. If we don't start the uprising, the Spaniards will
get us anyway. What then, do you say? "Revolt!" the people Shouted as one.

Bonifacio then asked the people to give a pledge that they were to revolt. He told them
that the sign of slavery of the Filipinos were to tear the cedula tax charged each citizen. "If it
is true that you are ready to revolt... I want to see you destroy your cedulas. It will be a sign
that all of us have declared our severance from the Spaniards."
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
PIO VALENZUELA
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Source: Pio Valenzuela, "Cry of Pugad Lawin," in Gregorio Zaide and Sonia Zaide. Documentary
Sources
Using of
thePhilippine History,
primary sources Volume
available, 8 (Manila:
Jesuit National
priest Miguel BookinStore,
A. Bernad 1990).
his work 301—302.
Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
Theaccount, a crucial
first place of aspect
refugeofofButuan was Bonifacio.
Andres not mentioned—the river. Butuan
Emilio Jacinto. is a riverine
Procopio settlement,
Bonifacio. situated
Teodoro On the
Plata.
Agusan
Aguedo delRiver. The beach
Rosario, of Masao
and myself wasis in the delta of the
Balintawak, saidfirst
river.five
It isarriving
a curiousthere
omission in the account
on August 19, andof the
I, onriver,
which20.
August makes
1896.part of first
The a distinct
placecharacteristic
where some ofButuan's
500 members geography that Katipunan
of the seemed to metbe too
on important
August 22, to be
missed.
1896, was the house and yard of Apolonio Samson at Kangkong. Aside from the persons mentioned
above, among those who were there were Briccio Pantas, Alejandro Santiago, Ramon Bernardo,
Apolonio
It mustSamson,
also be and others.
pointed Here,
out that views
later on. were
after only exchanged,
Magellan's death, and no resolution
the survivors Of hiswas debated
expedition or to
went
adopted.
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
It was not Pugad Lawin, the house, store-house, and yard of Juan Ramos. son of Melchora Aquino,
where over 1,000 members of the Katipunan met and carried out considerable debate and
discussion on August 23, 1896. The discussion was on whether or not the revolution against the
Spanish government should be started on August 29, 1896... After the tumultuous meeting, many of
those present tore their cedula certificates and shouted "Long live the Philippines! lÅ)ng live the
Philippines!"

From the eyewitness accounts presented above, there is indeed, marked disagreement among
historical witnesses as to the place and time of the occurrence of the Cry. Using primary and
secondary sources, four places have been identified: Balintawak, Kangkong, Pugad Lawin, and Bahay
Toro, while the dates vary. 23, 24, 25, or 26 August 1896.
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa:
Valenzuela's account The Site ofbe
should theread with
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument
caution: He thatoncein the Pigafetta
told a Spanish
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement,
investigator that thesituated
"Cry'Onhappened
the in
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the
Balintawak on Wednesday, 26 August river,
which makes part of a distinct characteristic ofButuan's geography that seemed
1896. Muchto be too he
later, important
wrote in to his
be Memoirs
missed. of the Revolution that it happened at
Pugad Lawin on 23 August 1896. Such
It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, theinconsistencies
survivors Of his in
expedition
accountswent to always
should
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly
bedescribes
seen asa atrip
redup flag
a river.
whenBut note
dealing with
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death. primary sources.

According to Guerrero, Encarnacion, and

Villegas, all these places are in
Balintawak, then part of Caloocan, now, in
Quezon City.

As for the dates, Bonifacio and his troops

may have been moving from one place to
another to avoid being located by the
Spanish government, which could explain
why there are several accounts of the Cry.
CASE STUDY THREE

DID JOSE
RIZAL
RETRACT?
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
PRIMARY SOURCE:
DID JOSE RIZAL PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
RETRACT?
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTIONJose Rizal is identified as a hero of the revolution for his
writings that center on ending colonialism and
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguelliberating
A. Bernad in his workminds
Filipino Butuan to
or Limasawa: ThetoSite
contribute of the the
creating
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981)
Filipino lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
nation.
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
The great
which makes part of a distinct characteristic ofButuan's volume
geography thatofseemed
Rizal's lifework
to be toowas committed
important to beto this
missed. end, particularly the more influential ones, Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo. His essays vilify not the
Catholic religion. but the friars, the main agents of
It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's
injustice death, the survivors
in the Philippine Of his expedition went to
society.
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
It is understandable therefore, that any piece of writing
from Rizal that recants everything he has written
against the friars and the Catholic Church in the
Philippines could deal heavy damage to his image as a
prominent! Filipino revolutionary. Such document
purportedly exists, allegedly signer, by Rizal a few hours
before his execution.

This document, referred to The Retraction," declares

Rizal's belief in the Catholic faith, and retracte
everything he has written against the Church.
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE: JOSE PIGAFETTA’S ACCOUNT
RIZAL RETRACTION
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Source: Translated from the document found by Fr. Manuel Garcia C.M. on 18 May 1935
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
“I declare myself
account, a catholic
a crucial andof
aspect in Butuan
this Religion in which
was not I was born and
mentioned—the educated
river. ButuanI wish
is a to live and
riverine die.
settlement, situated On the
I retract withRiver.
Agusan all myThe
heart whatever
beach in myiswords.
of Masao in thewritings.
delta ofpublications
said river. Itand conduct
is a curioushas been contrary
omission to my character
in the account of the river,
as son of the
which Catholic
makes Church.
part I believecharacteristic
of a distinct and I confess whatever shegeography
ofButuan's teaches and I submit
that seemed to whatever
to be toosheimportant
demands. toI be
abominate
missed. Masonry. as the enemy which is of the Church, and as a Society prohibited by the Church. The Diocesan
Prelate may, as the Superior Ecclesiastical Authority, make public this spontaneous manifestation of mine in order to
repair
It the
mustscandal
also which my acts
be pointed may
out have
that caused
later on. and so Magellan's
after that God and peoplethe
death, maysurvivors
pardon me”.
Of his expedition went to
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
Manila
that29
thisofaccount
December of 1896
Already Jose after
happened RizalMagellan's death.

There are four iterations of the texts of this retraction: the first was published in La Voz Espanola
and Diario de Manila on the day of the execution, 30 December 1896. The second text appeared in
Barcelona. Spain, on the magazine La Juventud, a few months after the execution, 14 February
1897, from an anonymous writer who was later on revealed to be Fr. Vicente Balaguer. However,
the "original" text was only found in the archdiocesan archives on 18 May 1935, after almost four
decades of disappearance.

Doubts on the retraction document abound, especially because only one eyewitness account Of
the writing Of the document exist—that Of the Jesuit friar Fr. Vicente Balaguer. According to his
testimony, Rizal woke up several times, confessed four times, attended a mass, received
communion, and prayed the rosary, all Of which seem out Of character. But since it is the only
testimony of allegedly a "primary" account that Rizal ever wrote a retraction document, it has
been used to argue the authenticity of the document.
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S
THE LAST ACCOUNT
HOURS OF JOSE RIZAL
INTR
INT ODUCTION
RODUCTION
The Testimony of Cuerpo de Vigilancia
Another
Using eyewitness
the primary account
sources surfaced
available, inpriest
Jesuit 2016, through
Miguel A. the research
Bernad in his work of Professor
Butuan or Rene R.
Limasawa: Escalante.
The Site of the In his
research, documents
First Mass of the A
in the Philippines: Cuerpo de Vigilancia,
Reexamination included
of Evidence (1981)a lays
report
downonthethe last hours
argument that of Rizal,
in the written by
Pigafetta
Federico
account,Moreno.
a crucialThe report
aspect details
of Butuan wasthe
notstatement of theriver.
mentioned—the Cuerpo
ButuandeisVigilancia to Moreno.situated On the
a riverine settlement,
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
Primary
which Source: Eyewitness
makes part Account
of a distinct of the Last
characteristic Hours Ofgeography
ofButuan's Rizal that seemed to be too important to be
missed.
Source: Michael Charleston Chua. "Retraction ni Jose Rizal: Mga bagong dokumento at pananaw." GMA News
Online, published 29 December
It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
2016.
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
Most Illustrious Sir, the agent of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia stationed in Fort Santiago to report on the events
during the [illegible) day in prison of the accused José Rizal, informs me on this date of the following:

 At 7:50 yesterday morning, Jose Rizal entered death row accompanied by his counsel, Senor Taviel de
Andrade, and the Jesuit priest Vilaclara. At the urgings of the former and moments after entering, he
was served a light breakfast. At approximately 9, the Assistant of the Plaza. Senor Maure. asked Rizal if he
wanted anything. He replied that at the moment he only wanted a prayer book. which was brought to
him shortly by Father March.

 Senor Andrade left death row at 10 and Rizal spoke for a long while with the Jesuit fathers, March and
Villaclara, regarding religious matters, it seems. It appears that these two presented him with a prepared
retraction on his life and deeds that he refused to sign. They argued about the matter until 12:30 when
Rizal ate some poached egg and a little chicken. Afterwards he asked to leave to write and wrote for a
long time by himself.
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S
THE LAST ACCOUNT
HOURS OF JOSE RIZAL
INTRINT ODUCTION
RODUCTION
 Senor Andrade left death row at 10 and Rizal spoke for a long while with the Jesuit fathers, March and
Villaclara, regarding religious matters, it seems. It appears that these two presented him with a prepared
Using the primary
retraction on his sources
life and available, Jesuit he
deeds that priest Miguel to
refused A. sign.
BernadThey
in hisargued
work Butuan
about or the
Limasawa:
matterThe Site12:30
until of the when
First Mass
Rizal in the poached
ate some Philippines:egg
A Reexamination of Evidence
and a little chicken. (1981) lays
Afterwards hedown
asked theto
argument
leave tothat in the
write and Pigafetta
wrote for a
account,
long timea by
crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
himself.
Agusan
 At 3 in River. The beach ofFather
the afternoon, Masao March
is in theentered
delta of said
theriver. It is and
chapel a curious
Rizalomission
handed in him
the account
what he of the
had river,
written.
which makes part
Immediately the of a distinct
chief of thecharacteristic
firing squad. ofButuan's
Senior geography
del Fresno thatandseemed to be too of
the Assistant important to beSenor
the Plaza.
missed. were informed. They entered death row and together with Rizal signed the document that the
Maure,
accused had written.
 At 5 thisalso
It must morning of the
be pointed out30th. the lover
that later of Rizal
on. after arrived
Magellan's at the
death, the prison dressed
survivors in mourning.
Of his expedition wentOnly
to the
former
Mindanao.entered the chapel,
and seemingly wentfollowed
to Butuan.by In athis
military chaplain
instance, Pigafetta whose
vividlyname I cannot
describes ascertain.
a trip up Donning
a river. But note his
formal
that thisclothes
account and aided
Already by a after
happened soldier of the death.
Magellan's artillery, the nuptials of Rizal and the woman who had
been his lover were performed at the point of death (in articulo mortis). After embracing him she left.
flooded with tears.

This account corroborates the existence of the retraction document, giving it credence. However,
nowhere in the account was Fr. Balaguer mentioned, which makes the friar a mere secondary source to
the writing of the document.

The retraction of Rizal remains to this day, a controversy, many scholars, however, agree that the
document does not tarnish the heroism of Rizal. His relevance remained solidified to Filipinos and pushed
them to- continue the revolution, which eventually resulted to independence in 1898.

•
PRIMARY SOURCE: P IG AFETTA’S ACCOUNT
INTRODUC T IO N
INTRODUCTION

Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
which makes part of a distinct characteristic ofButuan's geography that seemed to be too important to be
missed.

It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
PRIMARY SOURCE:
PRIMARY SOURCE: PIGAFETTA’S
THE LAST ACCOUNT
HOURS OF JOSE RIZAL
INT INTR RODUCTION ODUCTION
Using the primary sources available, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence (1981) lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta
account, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not mentioned—the river. Butuan is a riverine settlement, situated On the
Agusan River. The beach of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is a curious omission in the account of the river,
which makes part of a distinct characteristic ofButuan's geography that seemed to be too important to be
missed.

It must also be pointed out that later on. after Magellan's death, the survivors Of his expedition went to
Mindanao. and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta vividly describes a trip up a river. But note
that this account Already happened after Magellan's death.
Thank
You!