 Many of those who had associated with the Cristeros took up arms again as independent rebels and were followed by some other Catholics, but unarmed public school teachers were now among the main targets of independent atrocities association with the rebels.Government supporters blamed the atrocities on the Cristeros in general.Rural teachers did not take up arms, but some of them refused to leave their schools and communities, and many had their ears were cut off by the Cristeros.