Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, Jocinto Zamora
On February 17, 1872, in Bagumbayan (Luzon), three native Catholic priests—Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as Gomburza—were publicly executed by garrote, a brutal method of strangulation. The Spanish colonial government accused them of treason and sedition, falsely linking them to the 1872 Cavite Mutiny, a military uprising that was itself sparked by grievances over Spanish abuses and injustices. While the mutiny was led by soldiers, the priests were wrongfully implicated due to their outspoken advocacy for the rights of native clergy and their opposition to the exploitation and tyranny of Spanish friars. Gomburza’s tireless campaign for reform and equal treatment for native priests had earned them the ire of the colonial elite, and many believed this to be the true reason for their execution.
The martyrdom of Gomburza was a turning point in Philippine history. Their deaths ignited a spark that had long smoldered beneath the surface of Filipino society—a growing resentment against centuries of Spanish oppression, abuse, and forced servitude. The execution became a symbol of resistance and galvanized the native Filipino people (referred to as “Indios” by the Spanish) to demand justice, equality, and ultimately, independence. The martyrdom of these three priests became a rallying cry for Filipinos fighting for their rights and dignity.
One of the most prominent figures to honor their sacrifice was Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. In his second novel, El Filibusterismo (1891), Rizal dedicated the work to the memory of Fathers Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora, seeing them as martyrs who had given their lives for the cause of Filipino freedom. The novel is a poignant reflection on the state of the Philippines under Spanish rule and calls for reform and change, much in the same spirit that Gomburza had championed.
Gomburza’s death also deeply influenced the Rizal family. Paciano Rizal, the older brother of Jose Rizal, had close associations with Father Burgos and had witnessed firsthand the injustices suffered by the native clergy. In the wake of the executions, Paciano, fearing for the safety of his younger brother, advised Jose to adopt the surname “Rizal,” as a measure to protect him from potential persecution by the Spanish authorities. This name change, although modest, became a symbol of resilience and defiance against colonial tyranny.
The execution of Gomburza, far from quelling the desire for change, served as the catalyst for the Philippine revolution. Their martyrdom provided the moral foundation for the Filipino nationalist movement, inspiring subsequent generations of revolutionaries, intellectuals, and activists to continue the struggle for independence. Their legacy remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice.
Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jocinto Zamora (Gomburza) and El Filibusterismo (1891)
