Cavite mutiny and the execution of Gómez, Burgos and Zamora

Background. The mutiny began when Cavite arsenal laborers discovered taxes and fines for forced labor had been deducted from their pay, following orders by General Izquierdo. This dissatisfaction coincided with the Glorious Revolution in Spain, which fueled native determination to challenge colonial governance. Friars reported the incident to the Spanish government as a broad conspiracy aimed at abolishing Spanish sovereignty.

Accusations and Trials. Spanish historian José Montero y Vidal interpreted the mutiny as an attempt to overthrow colonizers. Authorities viewed the event as a well-planned conspiracy. On February 15, 1872, the priests were judged guilty of treason as instigators. A witness willing to implicate them emerged, leading to their summary trial and sentencing to death by garrote.

Execution. The three priests were executed by garrote in Bagumbayan, Manila, on February 17, 1872. An estimated 40,000 Filipinos gathered around the platforms. The event was labeled the Terror of 1872 and is recognized as pivotal for the later Philippine Revolution. Rizal later dedicated work to them as victims of evil, noting the mystery surrounding their trials.