The Beginning of the Philippine Revolution Notes

Jose Rizal's Stance: Jose Rizal declined the invitation to lead the revolution and strongly opposed its initiation at that time.
Reasons for Opposition: Rizal believed the Katipunan was not yet prepared for an armed struggle due to organized deficiencies:
- Lacked a capable military leader to guide the forces.
- Lacked support from the wealthy Filipinos (the elite class).
- Lacked sufficient weapons to combat the Spanish forces.
Antonio Luna: Rizal recommended Antonio Luna for a leadership role; however, Luna also declined the invitation because he was not convinced that an armed revolution was the correct course of action.
Weapon Acquisition: Two individuals, Tito Miguel and Roman Ramos, were responsible for smuggling weapons from Spanish arsenals to assist the Katipunan.

The Catalyst: The secret organization was discovered following a personal argument between Teodoro Patio and Apolonio de la Cruz.
The Information Leak: Teodoro Patio revealed the existence and secrets of the Katipunan to Father Mariano Gil.
Consequences of Discovery: Following the leak, those accused of being affiliated with the Katipunan were subjected to arrest, imprisonment, and execution.

The Assembly: After the discovery of the organization, members of the Katipunan gathered at Pugad Lawin.
Formal Declaration: Andres Bonifacio formally declared the Katipunan’s revolt against the Spanish colonial government.
Symbolic Act of Defiance: As a sign of their commitment to the revolt and their defiance of Spanish authority, the Katipuneros tore their "cedula personal" (community tax certificate).

Strategic Attack Plans: The Katipuneros specifically planned to attack and secure two vital locations:
- Polvorin: A weapons depot.
- El Deposito: A reservoir for clean water that provided the supply for Intramuros.
Strategic Rationale: Securing these locations was intended to provide the Katipunan with necessary weaponry and allow them to facilitate an assault on Intramuros by controlling the city's water supply.
Martial Law: In response to the growing revolution, Governor General Ramon Blanco declared martial law.
The First Eight Provinces: There were $8$ provinces that first rose in revolt against Spain:
- Manila
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Batangas
- Bulacan
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Nueve Ecija

Arrest and Return: While Rizal was en route to Cuba to work as a volunteer doctor, Spanish authorities arrested him in Barcelona, Spain. He was subsequently sent back to Manila and detained in Fort Santiago.
Allegations: Rizal was accused of being the primary leader and the instigator behind the revolution.
Sentence: Despite his vehement denials of the charges, he was sentenced to death for alleged actions against the Spanish state and the Church.
Execution: Rizal was executed by firing squad in Bagumbayan on December $30, 1896$ .

Factional Conflict: The Katipunan split into two rival factions:
- Magdalo: Led by Baldomero Aguinaldo; this faction sided with and supported Emilio Aguinaldo.
- Magdiwang: Led by Mariano Alvarez; this faction sided with and supported Andres Bonifacio.

The Objective: A revolutionary government was established during the Tejeros Convention to elect leaders who would oversee the revolution.
Election Results:
- President: Emilio Aguinaldo won the presidency.
- Director of the Interior: Andres Bonifacio was elected to this position.
The Dispute: Daniel Tirona publicly questioned Bonifacio’s capability for the position, alleging a lack of formal education.
Bonifacio’s Reaction: Enraged by Tirona's remarks and asserting his authority as the Supremo of the Katipunan, Bonifacio declared the entire election null and void.

Arrest by Aguinaldo: Emilio Aguinaldo ordered the arrest of Andres Bonifacio because Bonifacio refused to recognize the legitimacy of the government established by the Magdalo faction in Tejeros.
Military Trial: Bonifacio was put on trial before a military council.
Verdict: Andres Bonifacio and his brother, Procopio, were found guilty of treason.
Execution: Both brothers were taken to the Maragondon mountains and executed.

Retreat to Bulacan: As the strength of the revolutionary movement waned, Aguinaldo’s forces moved to San Miguel, Bulacan, where they established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato.
Constitution: This republic featured its own constitution which formally declared independence from Spain.
The Pact of Biak-na-Bato: A ceasefire agreement meant to end hostilities between the Filipinos and the Spaniards.
The Negotiator: Pedro Paterno acted as the volunteer negotiator for the pact.
Terms and Remuneration: The agreement stipulated that Aguinaldo would depart the Philippines in exchange for a total sum of $₱800,000$ .
The Departure: Aguinaldo left for Hong Kong after receiving $₱400,000$ (half of the agreed remuneration for the revolutionary forces). In accordance with the pact, the revolutionaries also surrendered their weapons.

Gregoria de Jesus: Known as the "Muse of the Katipunan," she served as the official custodian of the organization’s secret documents.
Marina Dizon: Played a significant role in expanding the movement by increasing the number of female members.
Melchora Aquino: Frequently referred to as "Tandang Sora" and the "Mother of the Katipunan," she hosted Katipuneros in her home and provided medical care for the sick and wounded.
Teresa Magbanua: Known as the "Joan of Arc of Visayas," she was a military leader who conducted several successful attacks in Panay.
Trinidad Tecson: Known as the "Mother of Biak-na-Bato," she led combat attacks on Biak-na-Bato and served as a nurse, treating the wounded on the battlefield.