If you were Camilo Polavieja what would be your response to this letter.?
Should Rizal be released?
Why?
December 28, 1896
Teodora Alonso de Rizal, a resident of Calamba and born in Santa Cruz, Manila. With all due respect and esteem has the honor to your Excellency:
Excellency,
I am certain and it is most evident that my unfortunate son, Jose Rizal, who suffered with humility and resignation the exile to which he was sent five years ago by order of the highest authority of this archipelago, is innocent of the serious offense of which he charges and for which he has been sentences to suffer the extreme penalty. It is not my intention, Excellency, to censure or question in any manner the legality of the decision of a just tribunal but due to unfortunate and fatal circumstances, it has apparently made my unhappy son responsible for the most infamous crimes, when he is in reality innocent.
In view of the foregoing, Your Excellency, I beg you to deign take pity on the grief of a poor mother, who in the most crucial moment of witnessing the death of the fruit of her womb, turns to Your Excellency in the name of our God, beseeching him with tears of sorrow in her eyes and her heart in pieces to grant to her unfortunate son the commutation of the death sentence to which he has been condemned.
Teodora Alonso, Manila 1896
Camilo Polavieja's response:
Dear Teodora Alonso de Rizal,
I have received your letter with deep sympathy for the pain you must be going through as a mother. I understand your plea for the commutation of the death sentence imposed on your son, Jose Rizal.
However, I must adhere to the decision made by the court and the law of the land. While I cannot change the verdict, I can assure you that your son's case will be reviewed with utmost care and diligence. I will personally ensure that all evidence and circumstances surrounding his case are thoroughly examined.
Please know that my duty is to uphold justice and maintain order in our society. I will do everything in my power to ensure that justice is served with fairness and compassion.
Sincerely,
Camilo Polavieja