Bonifacio Trial House - Cavite

Located in Col. C. Riel Street in the town proper of Maragondon in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Trial House is a historical establishment where the controversial trial of Andres Bonifacio took place.

Bonifacio Trial House

Bonifacio Trial House History

To know more of the significance of this establishment to the history of the Filipino people, I think it would be beneficial for us to have a quick history lesson first.

Bonifacio Trial House - Maragondon, Cavite

Museo ng Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio

Bonifacio Trial House NHI History Markers

It all began a year after the discovery of the Katipunan. A proposal to unite all the factions into one leadership brought its Supremo -Andres Bonifacio to San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias) to settle the leadership issue on March 22, 1897. This meeting between the two biggest factions of the Katipunan came to be known as the Tejeros Convention.

The Philippine Flag waves proudly outside the Bonifacio Trial House

During the election at the Tejeros Convention, Aguinaldo (the Magdalo faction's bet) became the president of the revolutionary government while Bonifacio (the Magdiwang faction's bet) ended up as the minister of the interior. He accepted this outcome until Daniel Tirona (a Magdalo) questioned his qualifications which gravely insulted the Supremo (Lucky for Tirona he got to leave with his head intact). Due to the raging emotions, Bonifacio declared the proceedings null and void and then went on to establish his own government in Naic, Cavite.

We got to watch an intro video before we toured the Trial House

Some of the panels on the ground floor

Some more panels showing the history of the province

Before Bonifacio could even gather his forces and call for back up, Aguinaldo had him arrested in Barrio Limbon in Indang, Cavite. During his arrest, a brief but intense struggle ensued resulting in the death of his brother Ciriaco. Andres on the other hand was injured due to a stab wound near his throat. He, along with his wife Gregoria and brother Procopio, was brought back to Naic for a pre-trial hearing.

A bust of Andres Bonifacio

The only surviving original part of the old house is its staircase.

Now, this is where the Bonifacio Trial House comes in... according to some, the Magdalo faction was so scared of Bonifacio that they saw it beneficial to remove him from the picture. A military court was quickly convened in a house in Maragondon, Cavite on May 4. The following day, the Bonifacio brothers were charged with treason and sedition by the said court. Then on May 6, they were sentenced to death while Andres' wife was imprisoned. A few days later the Bonifacio brothers were executed and the rest was history.

Paintings portraying Bonifacio's life

A skull replica which is a symbol for the Katipunan

The different flags of the Katipunan hang in one of the rooms on the 2nd floor

Historical panels also tell of the history of the KKK

Going back to the Bonifacio Trial House, it survived the dark times of Philippines history from the Spanish era to the American occupation and even the Second World War. Today, the trial house has been turned into a museum commemorating the controversial trial that had us asking a lot of "what ifs" decades later. 

Can you spot Andres Bonifacio in this Lights and Sounds presentation?

Here are the conspirators

My co-teacher and I learned a lot by listening to the presentation.

After the presentation, you would be ushered to a room dedicated to Bonifacio's wife.

The museum has storyboards depicting the history of Bonifacio and the Katipunan until his eventual execution. The museum also holds some artifacts from the revolutionary era. The centerpiece of the museum, however, is the life-size diorama recreating the trial house. 

The Backpack Adventures visits Bonifacio Trial House

During our recent visit to the Bonifacio Trial House, I was amazed to discover that the museum has been renovated and the life-size diorama has been upgraded into a more appealing light and sounds diorama. Overall, history buffs and Bonifacio fans should never miss this historical site in their list of places to visit. It is a good way to connect with the past and learn about it first hand.

Bonifacio Trial House Entrance Fee:

It's FREE to enter and explore the Bonifacio Trial House. 

Bonifacio Trial House Opening Hours:

Bonifacio Trial House is open from 8AM - 4PM except for Mondays.

Why visit the Bonifacio Trial House?

If you're familiar with the Philippine Revolutionary period, then learning about the life and death of one of its prominent figures is a must. Andres Bonifacio's courage and love for the country have been followed by many so visiting the house where he was tried is a must. Here, you'd discover the last few days of his life.

Getting to Bonifacio Trial House:

From Manila, ride a bus to Ternate or Maragondon in the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx). Inform the driver to drop you off at Maragondon. Once you reach the town proper, the Bonifacio Trial House is just a few blocks away from the town hall.

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