"Bakit ako matatakot kung nagsasabi ako ng totoo?" These haunting words, uttered by the Godfather of Philippine Revolution, Padre Pedro Pelaez, resonate through the records of Philippine history. 

In a country where the voices of its people are often silenced and truths are obscured by the shadows of power, Padre Pelaez's question cuts to the heart of our struggle for freedom and justice. It challenges us to confront the forces that seek to suppress the truth and to stand firm in our convictions, no matter the consequences.

GomBurZa, a historical drama directed by Pepe Diokno, is an award-winning Filipino film that probes into a traumatic period in the history of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. The film was part of the Metro Manila Film Festival and highlights the existence of the lives of three martyred priests – Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora – and their pivotal role in the fight for freedom against oppressive Spanish rule. GomBurZa illustrates how the priests resisted oppression and fought injustice while their memory soon fueled the fire in others to continue the fight for freedom.

Led by an ensemble cast featuring Dante Rivero as Mariano Gomez, Cedrick Juan as Jose Burgos, and Enchong Dee as Jacinto Zamora; GomBurZa paints a vivid portrait of a nation grappling with the shackles of colonialism. Set against the backdrop of the 19th century, viewers are transported to a time when the Philippines was fighting with the oppressive forces under Spanish colonial rule. The film seamlessly recreates the historical context that sheds light on the societal structures and the growing calls for reform across the archipelago.

Their path to becoming martyrs started with a desire for fairness and respect for Filipinos under Spanish rule. During their time, the Catholic Church held a lot of control in the country, closely linked with the colonial government. But GomBurZa bravely stood up to this power, fighting for the rights of local priests and all Filipinos. However, their boldness caught the attention of the colonial authorities, who saw them as a threat to the established order made by the Spanish government. In 1872, they were accused of sedition and complicity in the Cavite Mutiny, a rebellion that they had no part in. Despite their innocence, they were swiftly condemned in a fake trial and sentenced to death by garrote, a gruesome form of execution.

With these challenges they faced, it cast a long shadow over the struggle for justice and freedom in the Philippines. Just like the rebellion in Cavite in 1872 that tried to fight against the unfair government, but it ended up helping the Governor-General crush the beginning of the nationalist movement. The execution of GomBurZa, the detention and exile of intellectuals, and the widespread fear instilled among Filipinos served as a stark reminder of the brutal consequences of daring to challenge the status quo during Spanish rule.

However, amidst the time of fear and oppression, the Spaniards did not succeed in silencing the voices of those who wanted freedom. As a result, the sacrifice of GomBurZa became a rallying cry for those who desired for freedom and equality. Their courage and resilience inspired others to carry on the struggle, including our national hero, Jose Rizal, who dedicated his novel "El Filibusterismo" to honor the memory of the three priests. Through their bravery and sacrifice, GomBurZa planted the seeds of resistance that would eventually blossom into the fight for Philippine independence.

We still possess the courage to challenge the status quo today, much like GomBurZa did in their time. For instance, the journalists in the Philippines that continue to risk their lives and livelihoods in pursuit of truth and accountability. Yet, like their predecessors, they face relentless opposition from those who seek to silence the truth and maintain control over the flow of information. The parallels between the suppression of GomBurZa and the oppression faced by journalists in the Philippines are striking. Both are targeted for their involvement in exposing corruption, abuse of power, and injustice. Both are subjected to intimidation, harassment, and even violence in an attempt to silence their voices and undermine their credibility. Similarly, as GomBurZa's sacrifice inspired a new generation of freedom fighters, the perseverance of journalists amidst adversity serves as a beacon of hope. Despite the risks, they persist in exposing corruption and injustice, amplifying the voices of the marginalized, and holding the powerful accountable. At the end of the day, the legacy of GomBurZa serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our democracy and promoting social justice. Their story reminds us to remain vigilant in the face of oppression and to stand in solidarity with those who risk everything to speak truth to power.

Source: https://amaranth.vsu.edu.ph/feature/28-entertainment/662-gomburza-a-too-realistic-depiction-of-an-unjust-system