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Jose Rizal, the quasi-Masonic KKK, and the birth of Philippine Republic

by J. Paul Gomez December 30, 2021

There is something about Freemasonry that attracts men who think differently. No wonder a lot of national heroes of various nations happened to be Freemasons. They fought for what they believed in even if it meant doing the ultimate sacrifice.

Every 30th of December, the Philippines celebrate Rizal Day, a national holiday commemorating the life and works of Brother Dr. José Rizal. He fought for religious and societal reformation with his pen. He was executed by the Spaniards via firing squad in 1896 125 years ago.

He served as the inspiration for the revolutionary quasi-Masonic organization named the "Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan" or simply "Katipunan" (Brotherhood). It was also known by its abbreviation KKK— not THAT KKK obviously. The Brotherhood's primary goal was to gain independence from Spain through a revolution.

Brother General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine republic declared, "The successful Revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led, and masonically executed, and I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic of which I was its humble President, was an achievement we owe largely to Masonry and the masons." Aguinaldo himself designed the Philippine flag making it as #Masonic as possible.

To this day, Filipino lodges remain to be one of the most active lodges all over the world. A testament to Freemasonry's lasting legacy.

J. Paul Gomez

Author

W. Bro. John Paul Gomez (aka Paul, JP, JPG) is an artist by trade and a full-time father-of-4. He currently serves as the W.M. for Doric Lodge No. 316 AF&AM in Ontario, Canada. He is a Senior DeMolay and an honorary member of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 F&AM in Buffalo, New York. He enjoys cooking, gardening, boxing and skateboarding.