BONIFACIO’S FAITH
Myth and spirituality is deeply infused in Filipino psyche. According to the historian, Teodoro Agoncillo one of the distinct characteristics of early Filipino is being fatalistic and religious. We have a strong attachment to our creator even during the time that we are not yet converted to Christianity. There is a certain connection to us that even today we continue to do so. The Filipino is naturally fatalistic; we believe that whatever happens to us is a work of fate and destined by god. We tend to gamble on many things and let it be according to the will of higher being. And our belief became stronger when we were converted to Christianity and infused it to the beliefs and culture that we already have.
This kind of characteristics upholds the identity of Andres Bonifacio. He may be regarded in history as a fiery, volatile temper and restless rebel but underneath those character is the sense of sincerity and truthfulness in his heart.
In April 1895, Andres Bonifacio together with other Katipunan members seeks refuge in the Pamitinan Cave in San Mateo, Rizal as a secret meeting place. Inside the cave they planned their revolution against the colonizers and initiated new members of the society. They even wrote on the cave walls “Viva la Independecia de Filipinas” symbolizing the cry for independence. Modern historians regarded this event as the first cry for liberty.
But why is it that among the various places did they choose the cave as their clandestine for meeting place?
It is said that the Katipuneros met in Pamitinan Cave during Holy Week particularly on a Good Friday, which in Christian tradition remembered the crucifixion of Christ. Also according to Filipino beliefs and tradition this is the time to do penance by means of self-flagellation and real reenactments of Christ’s suffering. Filipino tends to believe that by means of those sacrifices we were able to lessen our sins. While the cave in Filipino culture is a ritual passageway, where successful emergence and survival signifies the purity and truthfulness of the devotee. The Katipuneros met in the cave not only to talk about their plan of uprisings but also to undergo a spiritual purification. Bonifacio and others believed that you must have a clean heart and honest motive. You must know what you are fighting for and it is for the common good. Filipino also believed that cave is a sacred sanctuary inhabited by spirits that will direct and defend them. And according to the myth, the Pamitinan Cave is the site where Bernardo Carpio, the legendary hero of the Tagalogs is struggling to break free from the repression. Bonifacio apparently telling the Filipinos and Katipuneros that they should be ready to face sufferings if they want to be the liberator of the people from Iberian rule. He immortalized Bernardo Carpio in the presence of the Katipuneros.
Even the various writings of Andres Bonifacio mirrored his strong faith in the power and righteousness of the Lord. In his Decalogue of the Katipunan for instance, he exhorts his fellowmen to love God as the most important similar to what the Lord commanded us to do. You must also show compassion and concern for the others especially for the needy. While in his manifesto, “What the Filipinos should know” he made mentioned of Christ’s words “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Bonifacio said: “this is now the time to begin spreading the noble and great gospel that will tear apart the thick curtain that obfuscates our minds”. In his poem “Tapunan ng Lingap” Bonifacio expresses his favor for God’s guidance in their quest for victory. He said: “Ay! Ang lingap mo po, na nunungong langit, Dios na poon ko’y huwag ipagkait, sa mga anak mong napatangkilik nahuwag lumagos sa masamang hilig”. It is quite surprising that a man of war could also express himself in such an engaging and candid manner.
Indeed, the power of his conviction in fighting for our freedom is a will of the Lord. Bonifacio uphold his dignity and sincerity of his heart. He believed that the aims of the Katipunan are God-given for the will of the people is also the will of God.
As Claro M. Recto mentioned before “the battle for the redemption of the Motherland was begun by Rizal in the field of thought. It cannot be denied that Rizal was the greatest in his field. But he stopped there. He did not want to be drenched with the blood of his compatriots…But Bonifacio the idealist, in his implicit faith that God will not forsake our country…went down into the arena of rebellion and drenched it with blood…and because God willed it, the freedom of the Philippines shone brightly at the same time with first dawn.”