Did the Katipunan Frame Rizal?

Maxel Abe Q. Damuag                                                            November 23, 2016

BSChE 2                                                                           Hist 17 (Rizal Course)

                                                                                  MW 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.

"Did the Katipunan frame Rizal?"

        Dr. Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda's arrest and exile in 1892 created a chain of events which lead to the armed insurrection for national independence. On the night of Rizal's arrest, Bonifacio founded the "Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galang ng Katipunan ng mga anak ng Bayan" (Katipunan). It was modeled after the Masonic order and was aiming  for independence through revolution. Rizal's influence was evident in the group, his name was used as a password by the higher ranking members.

        Rizal was not directly involved with the Katipunan. On the contrary, he still supported the group and agree with its cause. And was then the inspiration to its members and is considered as its honorary President.

        On June 21, 1896, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, an emissary of Andres Bonifacio, visited Dapitan to inform Rizal of the Katipunan's plan to launch a revolution. Rizal then objected the audacious project and called it a veritable suicide. Rizal's reasons are:

1. The people are not ready for a evolution.

2. Arms and fund must first be collected before raising the cry of revolution.

        - for the Katipunan has only quite number of middle class Filipinos and the                the rest are poor

        - no wealthy Filipinos

Hence, Rizal just advised the Katipunan to:

• Have the support of the wealthy and influential Filipinos to strengthen their cause.

• Have Antonio Luna, who is very intelligent man, has access to the homes of wealthy Filipinos, to be the director of the military operation for he had much knowledge and expertise in military tactics.

By then, when Bonifacio heard about Rizal's advice on the planned of the revolution, he exclaimed, "Lintik!" and still continued the revolution. And even he called Rizal an armchair revolutionary, among other things.

        Reading the context above, Is it possible that Rizal was also seen as "uncooperative"? Does the Katipunan did "neutralized" Rizal by setting those up without his consent? Did the Katipunan frame Rizal?

Reflection:

        From the book "Rizal Without the Overcoat" 2012 edition by Ambeth Ocampo, that I have read,  it is clearly stated that Jose Rizal only wants what's best for the organization, Katipunan, and to our nation. He just did foretell what really the truth is if the Katipuneros pursue their plan on having the revolution. And I believe he must not to be called "uncooperative".