The Role of Weather at the Start of the Philippine Revolution -1896

Heavy Rainfall

In the first week of July 1896, a storm lingered to the north of the Philippines. It originated in the Marianas and moved toward the Philippine Sea, drifting northward in the general direction of the Ilocos Region. This supports Katipunan accounts that, in the weeks—or even months—leading up to the Philippine Revolution, the rains were unusually heavy. A tropical depression had already been recorded as early as May, and it was said that a Katipunan meeting in Pasig took place during a downpour that same month.

According to an article in a Spanish newspaper, the Lieutenant of the Guardia Civil in Pasig had observed unusual gatherings of men late at night in the towns of Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Pasig. However, on July 5, 1896—the date in question—intense rainfall across Luzon, driven by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), hindered the lieutenant’s ability to conduct follow-up investigations or gather intelligence due to the severe weather.

Another newspaper account noted that news of these gatherings came directly from an official communiqué from Malacañang, which stated that the report had been forwarded to the palace and mentioned the name of Lieutenant Manuel Sityar. This suggests that even before the Katipunan was exposed through the denunciation and confession of Teodoro Patiño, there were already signs of an impending conspiracy—first detected in Pasig on July 5, 1896.

The monsoon season of 1896 in Luzon can best be described as “drenched.” Many areas were flooded, and waterways were swollen, making travel arduous—an even greater challenge when planning a revolution. It is important to remember that in the 19th century, well-maintained roads and highways were rare. Rivers and canals remained the most common modes of transport.

July 2-5 1896 --The storm the lingered in northern Luzon which induced rain brought about by the monsoon winds

 Father Juan Doyle SJ -- Tifones del Archipiélago Filipino y Mares Circunvecinos 1895 y 1896 (Typhoons in the Philippine Archipelago and Surrounding Waters)-- With detailed accounts of the prevailing weather conditions in the month leading up to the launch of the revolution.

Weather situation in Tuguegarao

The Storms of August 1–8, 1896

On July 29, 1896, a powerful storm entered Luzon through Samar Island. It moved swiftly toward the island’s northern regions, causing significant damage as it struck Southern Luzon. Manila and surrounding areas—including what is now the Province of Rizal—were battered by heavy flooding and widespread property damage. The storm exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on August 2.

Barely a week later, on August 6, another storm entered the Philippines. This system traversed Central Luzon, affecting Tayabas Province and continuing northward, eventually exiting near Pangasinan on August 8. During this time, Manila and its neighboring provinces experienced continuous rainfall, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

The storm of August 1-2 1896. Was characterized by its velocity entering and traversing the islands within 24 hours. But it was packed with strong winds and rain.

 

The storm of August 6-8 1896

Calm Before the Storm?

There was a lull before the storm—quite literally. After weeks of relentless typhoons and monsoon rains, the country experienced a brief respite, with only scattered showers lingering across the Philippines. It was, after all, still the monsoon season. A week later, on August 18, 1896, a storm approached the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Although it remained offshore, lurking ominously along the Pacific coast, it intensified the southwest monsoon, bringing renewed heavy rains.

On August 19, 1896, as heavy rains loomed over Manila, the Katipunan was exposed. The discovery led to the immediate arrest of several members, prompting the Supremo, Andrés Bonifacio, to call for a general assembly on August 21 in Caloocan. That day, hundreds of Katipuneros first gathered in Balintawak. It was a time fraught with fear, as Manila and its surrounding areas were placed on high alert by the colonial authorities. The following day, the group moved to Sitio Kangkong, Caloocan. General Santiago Álvarez, in his memoirs, recalled:

“We began our trek to Kangkong at around eleven that night. We trudged through the rain, crossing dark expanses of muddy meadows and fields. Our clothes were soaked, and our bodies were numbed by the cold wind as we pressed on in silence.”

According to one account, on the morning of August 23, 1896, the Katipuneros—whose numbers had swelled to nearly a thousand—left Kangkong and assembled in Pugad Lawin. There, under an overcast, threatening sky, they tore up their cédulas, initiating the first cry for independence. It was then decided that the revolution would be launched on August 29.

The storm August 18-22 1896. It did not hit any island in the Philippines but its position intensified the Southwest monsoon dumping Luzon with rains. Rains brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) continued until August 28, 1896.

August 29, 1896

On August 29, 1896, a curious twist of fate brought unexpectedly fair weather on a day long anticipated with tension. Lieutenant Manuel B. Sityar, commander of the Guardia Civil in Pasig, had been preparing for an uprising in the town for days. That morning, Sityar awoke later than usual—around eight o'clock—to find the sun shining brightly in a clear blue sky. In his memoir Memorias Íntimas, he described the scene:

“That day, I woke up later than usual, nearly at eight in the morning. The majestic sun had already cast its intense rays across the clear blue horizon, with not a trace of clouds in sight, bringing a gentle warmth typical of the spring season. It seemed as if nature itself wished to adorn the surroundings in luxurious attire, eager to banish the dreary and overcast days that had lingered due to the relentless rain.”

Despite earlier warnings of suspicious gatherings in the area, Sityar was unaware that the uprising had already begun. By dusk, it was clear: the Pasig Katipuneros had launched an assault on the Spanish detachment, marking the start of the revolt in Pasig.

In nearby towns such as Mandaluyong, Pateros, and Taguig, local Katipunan chapters had also begun their uprisings. Meanwhile, the Supremo, Andrés Bonifacio, was near Santolan and San Juan, directing his forces.

As evening wore on, most of the Pasig Katipuneros advanced toward Santolan, crossing the swollen San Mateo (Marikina) River to join Bonifacio’s forces near San Juan. Before leaving Pasig, they had seized 17 firearms from the local cuartel.

Bonifacio’s planned assault on San Juan del Monte targeted strategic sites: El Deposito, the city’s water reservoir, and the nearby powder magazine. The Katipuneros also intended to signal towns in Cavite—either by launching sky lanterns or firing cannons—to initiate a coordinated attack on Manila. However, by 4:00 a.m. on August 30, the anticipated signal had not been sent—a critical delay of four hours with disastrous consequences. The Katipuneros in Cavite, awaiting the go-ahead from Manila, were left disoriented and disappointed when no message arrived.

As a result, Bonifacio’s planned assault on Manila was abandoned. Facing overwhelming Spanish reinforcements, he and his forces retreated to the hills of Balara. Some accounts suggest that the Katipuneros in Cavite waited in vain for the signal before returning home. The overcast sky and persistent rains likely hindered visibility, making it difficult to send or receive visual signals such as lanterns—further complicating efforts to coordinate the revolution.

Here is a wire report from a Spanish newspaper , Oct 6 1896 --It mentions the Spanish fear that the Katipuneros would bomb and burn Manila. However, in the final paragraph, it also notes that the heavy rains experienced in the country at that time helped alleviate the public's fear of the city being set on fire.

Manila in Panic

In the days and months that followed, Manila was gripped by fear. Spanish residents inside Intramuros feared that the Katipuneros might bomb or burn the city. However, newspaper reports from the period indicated that the heavy rains across the country helped to ease those anxieties. The unrelenting downpours mitigated the threat of fire, providing a misleading sense of security. Ironically, the same rains that hampered revolutionary coordination also comforted the city’s Spanish residents, dulling their fears of widespread destruction.

Conclusion

Did the inclement weather influence the direction or outcome of the early days of the revolution? All indications suggest that it had a profound impact on the overall character of the uprising. The monsoon rains not only shaped the conditions of the struggle but also underscored the resilience and determination of the Filipino people. Despite harsh weather, men, women, and even the youth fought with remarkable endurance—often with limited firearms, scarce resources, and under severe conditions.

The purpose of this article is not only to highlight the difficult circumstances of that time but also to honor the fervent spirit of a people determined to fight for change.