Jose Rizal's Bomb Plot

Victorian lamp

The Plot

Even before international terrorists adopted the horrific tactics of suicide bombers and bomb couriers in their campaigns of vengeance, Philippine national hero José Rizal conceived a plot in his novel El Filibusterismo that involved a catastrophic explosion to ignite a revolution.

In Chapters 34 and 35, Simoun arrives at the wedding reception of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez bearing a seemingly innocuous gift – a lamp. However, concealed within it is a potent explosive: nitroglycerin.

The reception takes place at the former residence of the deceased Captain Tiago, which Simoun has meticulously rigged with explosives beforehand. According to his plan, the lamp will remain lit for only twenty minutes before flickering. If anyone attempts to adjust the wick, a catastrophic explosion will ensue, claiming the lives of all those gathered – a significant portion of Manila's elite, including prominent figures from both civil society and the church hierarchy. This devastating act would serve as the catalyst for a rebellion in the capital.

Rizal and the Specter of Spanish Anarchism

El Filibusterismo's portrayal of a violent uprising also invites us to explore the potential influence of Spanish anarchism on Rizal's thinking. The 1890s witnessed a surge of anarchist thought in Spain, particularly among intellectuals critical of the government's colonial policies. Rizal's exposure to these ideas during his European sojourn is well documented. He maintained close relationships with prominent Spanish figures like Francisco Pi y Margall, a leading advocate for federalism and social reform with anarchist leanings. While the extent of Rizal's personal alignment with anarchist ideology remains a subject of debate, the presence of these themes in El Filibusterismo suggests a deep engagement with the radical currents of his time.

Simoun's Lamp - Actor Pancho Magalona playing the role in the movie adaptation of El Filibusterismo.
(Photo courtesy of Video 48)

Echoes of Revolution: Fact and Fiction

Reading Chapters 34 and 35 of El Filibusterismo compels one to draw a parallel between Simoun's elaborate scheme and the Katipunan's planned attack on Manila in 1896. Both narratives hinge on a critical signal to ignite rebellion. In Rizal's novel, Simoun relies on a seemingly innocuous lamp containing a deadly explosive to spark chaos. The Katipuneros, according to some accounts, awaited a signal from Andres Bonifacio to commence a coordinated uprising throughout Manila.

However, this connection raises a intriguing question: Did Bonifacio consider employing a strategy similar to Simoun's cataclysmic plan? Bonifacio's attack on San Juan del Monte on August 29, 1896, targeted a crucial objective: El Deposito, the city's water reservoir. By seizing control of this vital infrastructure, the Katipunan aimed to cripple Manila, particularly the walled city of Intramuros, by denying access to fresh water. This tactic would significantly hinder the Spanish defenders' ability to resist.

Alternative accounts suggest a dual purpose for securing the reservoir. Once captured, the Katipuneros planned to "launch balloons or fire cannons" as a signal for a coordinated uprising throughout Manila. But by 4:00 am on August 30th, Bonifacio had yet to transmit the signal, a delay of four crucial hours. This delay proved devastating. Katipuneros stationed as far away as Cavite, anticipating the signal to ignite the rebellion, waited in vain for the message from the skies above Manila. It never arrived.

Mirrored Struggles: Thwarted Revolutions

Both fiction and reality mirrored the theme of thwarted revolution. In El Filibusterismo, Rizal orchestrated the downfall of Simoun, whose meticulously planned explosion via a lamp ultimately failed. Similarly, Andres Bonifacio's planned attack on Manila was ultimately called off. Facing overwhelming force from Spanish reinforcements, the Supremo and his men were forced to retreat to the hills of Balara.

While some accounts claim the Katipuneros in Cavite simply waited in vain for the signal and subsequently returned home, a more nuanced story may exist. One factor that could have significantly impacted the Katipuneros' actions is the weather. Historical records indicate that August 1896 was marked by heavy rainfall. This inclement weather could have hampered communication efforts, making it difficult for Bonifacio to transmit the signal or for the Katipuneros in Cavite to effectively observe the sky for visual cues like balloons. Additionally, the rain could have hindered troop movements and dampened overall morale, further complicating the Katipunan's plans.

The weather-- that will be my next topic.