Summary:
On his way to San Diego, a coachman is maltreated by the civil guards. He endures this abuse in silence. They hit him with a rifle after he tells them he has forgotten to bring his cedula. They beat him up again. Basilio walks to San Diego and arrives at Captain Tiago's house. He hears the news about Cabesang Tales's kidnapping.
Points of Note:
Basilio is Captain Tiago's confidante.
Crisostomo Ibarra's assets were taken by the church and the government, some of which were sold. Captain Tiago bought the forest owned by the Ibarras.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Why does Sinong the coachman say that there were no civil guards during the days of the saints?
Answer: Sinong says this after having suffered much abuse from the civil guards. He says that Matusalem could not have reached such a ripe old age if there were civil guards to make anyone plead death over such unjust painful treatment.
Question: Why is the legend of Bernardo Carpio a rather believable and convincing story to the Filipinos?
Answer: This story was spread by the Spaniards. Bernardo Carpio is a fictional character derived from a popular tale in Mexico, who came to the Philippines as a character in a song, and as the years went by became known as a local character and identified as king of the natives. The Spaniards trapped him under a huge mountain, and for years he has freed himself little by little. It is said that during the time of Sinong, only Carpio's right leg remained trapped. The moment Bernardo Carpio is finally free, the Filipinos believe that he will be the one to lead them in rebellion against the Spaniards. Because of this story that was engraved into the minds of the natives by the Spanish, the Filipinos lose their will to hope and fight for freedom because they believe that only until Bernardo Carpio is free can they stand a chance against the foreign rule.