Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutiérrez

Who was Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutiérrez?

Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutiérrez was a Spanish Military Officer, Political Leader and Statesman who became Governor-General of the Philippines from April 4, 1871 to January 8, 1873. He was famous for his use of "Iron Fist" type of government, contradicting the liberal government of his predecessor, Cárlos María de la Torre y Nava Cerrada. He was the Governor-General during the 1872 Cavite mutiny which led to execution of 41 of the mutineers, including the Gomburza martyrs. Prior to being Governor-General of the Philippines, Izquierdo also acted as Governor-General of Puerto Rico from March 1862 to April 1862.