PMA superintendent: Rizal’s martyrdom was about fighting oppressors

Philippine Military Academy cadets participate in Baguio City’s Rizal Day ceremony on Monday (Dec. 30). INQUIRER / Vincent Cabreza

BAGUIO CITY – Jose Rizal’s continuing relevance 123 years after his execution is his pursuit of non-violent change, although his works and deeds have ended in launching the 1896 Philippine Revolution, said Vice Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi, superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, during the Baguio leg of this year’s Rizal Day commemoration.

“Hindi na maipagkakaila na ang mga sulatin ni Dr. Jose Rizal ay nagambag sa pagsiklab ng rebolusyon ng pagbabago… Sa mga panahong labag sa batas ang lumaban sa may kapangyarihan, matapang na isiniwalat ni Dr. Jose Rizal ang katotohanan upang palakasain ang loob ng kanyang mga kababayan na kalasin ang kadenang 300 taon nang gumagapos sa kanila (It cannot be denied that Dr. Jose Rizal’s writings sparked the revolution… In the days when defying the powerful was unlawful, Rizal bravely gave Filipinos the truth in order to strengthen their resolve to break the chains that have enslaved them for 300 years),” said Cusi, who was the city’s guest speaker.

Cusi said Rizal’s works, including his crusade for reforms, show current generations that freedom can be achieved through peaceful means.

Rizal was eventually executed by the Spanish colonial government for sedition and rebellion, he said. “Ngunit huli na alng lahat para sa kanyang mga kaaway… Napasiklab [na niya] sa isipan ng Pilipino ang hangaring maging malaya (But it was too late for his enemies… He has ignited the desire in many Filipinos’ minds for freedom),” Cusi said.

The debate over Rizal’s selection as a national hero has not subsided, as some scholars still cite accounts about revolutionaries who accused Rizal of cowardice for not backing the uprising, said Baguio Rep. Marquez Go, who spoke earlier.

But many of his writings suggest he merely counseled the Katipunan to be more prepared before launching a war against Spain, he said.

Cusi said the national hero proved that Filipinos needed courage “to fight for their rights,” integrity, and loyalty to the country.

Courage, integrity, and loyalty are values in the Honor Code, which guides the behavior of the PMA Corps of Cadets, and its alumni.

Edited by MUF