During the peak of the Cuban revolution, Jose Rizal offered his services as a military doctor to compromise with the shortage of physicians because of the revolution that was going on that other Spanish Colony. It was his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt who informed him of the situation in Cuba and suggested that he volunteer himself as army doctor. On December 17, 1895, Rizal sent a letter to Governor-General Ramon Blanco rendering his service for Cuba. But for months Rizal awaited for the governor's reply, loss hope that his request will be granted, but on July 30, 1896, Rizal received a letter from Governor Blanco, dated July 2, 1896, accepting his offer. The letter also stated that Rizal will be given a pass so that he can go to Manila, then to Spain where its Minister of War will assign him to the Army of Operations in Cuba.
Governor-General Ramon Blanco letter to the Minister of War, stated that Rizal during his deportation in Dapitan his conduct was exemplary and he had no connection or involvement with the Philippine Revolution. Rizal was granted permission to travel to Cuba, to support in the medical efforts needed to suppress an outbreak of yellow fever and to treat wounded Spanish soldiers.
At midnight of July 31, 1896, Rizal left Dapitan on board the steamer "España" and on August 6, at dawn "España" entered Manila Bay. He was not able to depart immediately for Spain, because the ship "Isla de Luzon" which Rizal was supposed to board left the day before they arrived at Manila. For twenty-seven days, from Thursday, August 6, to Wednesday, September 2, Rizal was kept under arrest aboard the cruiser, Castilla, anchored off Cañacao, Cavite but was free to roam around and allowed to accept visitors. At 6:00 o’clock in the evening Rizal was transferred to the boat "Isla de Panay." He was met by the captain of the boat, Capt. Alemany and was given the best cabin. Later, he wrote a letter to his mother informing her of his good health on board the ship and of his departure for Cuba, comforting her that everybody is in the hands of the Divine Providence. To his sisters, he urged them to take good care and love their parents.
Following day, Rizal was given a new cabin, No. 22, with a divan. The boat anchored near Manila to load passengers, among whom were Pedro Roxas, Maria Tuason and Pedro A. Paterno the boat left Manila. Exactly 30 days of travel, the "Isla de Panay" arrived in Barcelona. The passengers were placed under quarantine for three days.
At three o’clock in the morning of October 6, 1896, a sergeant woke Rizal up in his cabin, ordering him to prepare his baggage. At four o’clock, Rizal was taken away from the boat by one military man and another in civilian clothes. Rizal arrived at the Catalan province of Montjuich, Barcelona at exactly five o’clock, after one-hour walk under heavy guard Rizal was imprisoned in a castle by Spanish authorities. "Castell de Montjuïc" is an old military fortress with a long history closely linked to the city is a municipal facility located on a rocky terrace on top of Montjuïc Mountain, a site where important Catalan dissidents or free thinkers were detained and executed.
At two o’clock in the afternoon, after staying in Castell de Montjuïc for about 8 hours, Rizal was notified by the same officer called Tudela to get his baggage ready in order to board the boat "S.S. Colon." Rizal had to do everything in a hurry under the threats and shouts of the captain. The boat packed with soldiers, departed at eight o’clock in the evening for the Philippines to face trial and his eventual execution.
Rizal condemned the Philippine Revolution by saying...
"On my return from Spain, I learned that my name had been used as a war cry among some who were in arms. From the beginning, when I had news of what was being planned, I opposed it, fought it, and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. this is the truth, and there are living witnesses of my words. I was convinced that the idea (the revolution) was highly absurd and what was worse, would bring suffering. I did more. When later, in spite of my counsels, the movement broke out. I spontaneously offered not only my services but my life and even my name to be used in any manner thought opportune in order to suppress the rebellion.
Holding this ideas, I cannot do less than to condemn, and I do condemn, this absurd and savage rebellion, plotted behind my back, which dishonors the Filipinos and discredits those who could can be our advocates. I abhor this criminal activities and reject any manner of participation in them, condoling with all heartfelt sadness with those who have been unwary enough to have been fooled. Return then, to your homes, and may God forgive those who have acted in bad faith."
Further on with his defense: "...I know nothing of the Katipunan and have had no relations or correspondence with them. I do not know Andres Bonifacio, even by name. I have absolutely nothing to do with politics from the 6th July 1892 until the 1st of July 1896 when I was informed by Pio Velenzuela that an uprising would be attempted, I advised against it and tried to reason him out of it."
...Rizal passionately defended himself from the charges that he was involved in or even sympathized with the revolution, hardly an attitude we would honor him for. My question is... Was he innocent or guilty? ...If innocent - why is he a hero? ...If guilty - how can he be a martyr?
- ka tony
- the 6th of October, '13
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