Jose Rizal was a Filipino nationalist, writer, and reformist who advocated for peaceful reforms in the Spanish colonial government of the Philippines. He is widely regarded as the national hero of the Philippines for his contributions to the Filipino culture, literature, and history. But how did Jose Rizal die? What was the cause of his death? In this article, we will explore the events that led to his execution by a firing squad on December 30, 1896.
## The Trial of Jose Rizal
Jose Rizal was arrested by the Spanish authorities in 1896, after being implicated in the Katipunan revolution, a secret society that aimed to overthrow the colonial rule. Rizal was accused of sedition, rebellion, and conspiracy for his writings and activities that criticized the Spanish government and the Catholic Church. He was also charged with being the leader of the Katipunan, although he denied any involvement with the group.
Rizal was tried by a military court, presided by Colonel Francisco Olive, a Spanish officer who was sympathetic to his cause. Rizal was defended by Luis Taviel de Andrade, a young lawyer who was assigned to him by the governor-general. Rizal pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and presented evidence and witnesses to prove his innocence. He also wrote a manifesto, addressed to the Filipino people, explaining his views and motives.
However, the trial was a sham, and the verdict was already decided by the Spanish authorities. Rizal was found guilty of all the charges, and sentenced to death by firing squad. He was also ordered to be excommunicated by the Catholic Church, and his property to be confiscated by the state.
## The Execution of Jose Rizal
Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan Field (now Rizal Park) in Manila. He was escorted by a battalion of soldiers, led by Lieutenant Luis Taviel de Andrade, his former lawyer and friend. He was dressed in a black suit, and carried a book and a rosary in his hands. He was calm and composed, and showed no signs of fear or regret.
Before his execution, Rizal requested to face the firing squad, but his request was denied. He was forced to face the opposite direction, as a sign of dishonor. He also asked for a Catholic priest to hear his confession, but he was given a Jesuit priest, Father Federico Faura, who was his former professor and mentor. Rizal forgave his enemies, and prayed for his country.
At 7:03 a.m., the firing squad, composed of Filipino soldiers, fired at Rizal. Rizal twisted his body at the last moment, and fell to the ground facing the sky. He died with a smile on his face, and uttered his final words: “Consummatum est.” (It is finished.)
## The Legacy of Jose Rizal
The execution of Jose Rizal sparked a wave of outrage and indignation among the Filipino people. It also inspired more Filipinos to join the revolution against the Spanish colonial rule. Rizal became a martyr and a symbol of the Filipino struggle for freedom and independence.
Today, Jose Rizal is honored and revered as the national hero of the Philippines. His life and works are taught in schools, and his novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, are considered as classics of Philippine literature. His statues and monuments are erected in various places, and his birthday, June 19, and his death anniversary, December 30, are celebrated as national holidays. His remains are enshrined in the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, where he was executed.
Jose Rizal cause of death was a tragic and unjust event, but it also marked a turning point in the history of the Philippines. His death was not in vain, as it paved the way for the birth of a new nation.
