HIST 17 Did the Katipunan Frame Rizal?

November 21, 2011

It is a rather curious thing to ponder on. The circumstances do seem to agree to the possibility that the Katipunan framed Rizal. Its known that the Katipunan had framed several of the Filipino elite who refused to fund or support them by forging their signatures on false sponsorship letters. What would stop them from framing Rizal as well, who had openly been discouraging the KKKs planned revolution? Ive also read in a testimony by Pio Valenzuela that Bonifacio exclaimed Lintik! (which is similar to may you be struck by lightning!) after he heard that Rizal thought that the Katipunan needed to prepare more before they could start the revolution. Bonifacio also allegedly talked behind his back and went as far as calling him a coward. Of course, Ive also read that this was a false testimony in order to protect Rizal and make it seem that he and the Katipunan did not agree much. Valenzuela later admitted that Bonifacio actually respected Rizals wisdom and logic and ordered 2,000 bolos from Valenzuela after their conversation. Even so, the Spanish prosecutor during Rizals trial did not make my statement public a fact which showed the authorities were bent on liquidating Rizal at all cost (Valenzuela, 1896). This is where the history books seem to stop, since theres nothing that can definitely confirm nor deny the possibility. Not even Ocampo (who seems to be one of the biographers who have the most complete information on Rizal and his life, as far as I know) was able to come up with a solid conclusion. Here, we are left with nothing but the freedom of speculation of what really happened. Part of me believes that they did. With all the effort they put into the secrecy of their organization, it sounds a bit strange how Rizals image and name keep popping up in the affairs of the Katipunan even though he was not even a member nor their promoter. If I were a Guardia Civil at that time, I think Id be suspicious. Members of the KKK kept images of him in their pockets and in their hideouts. His name is the societys password. He was even their president. I mean of what use would a president be if he didnt even know that he was one? However, I mostly believe that they didnt. How could an organization turn against the very person who inspired it? The Katipunan was formed by Bonifacio immediately after he heard that Rizal was arrested and deported to Dapitan. Rizal had done a lot for them. He was the one who advised them to assure the allegiance (or at least the neutrality) of the wealthy Filipino tycoons like Antonio Luna first. This was because he saw that the KKK was composed of mostly the poor, with some members in the middle-class. With a lack of weapons, the rich Filipino would never grant their allegiance and might even turn to be their greatest enemies (like what happened with Francisco Roxas). Some Katipuneros even treated his images as if they were anting-anting. Rizal stated that the revolt should only happen when they either a) had enough arms, or b) were discoveredwhich did happen seven days before the revolt broke out, the Cry of Balintawak.