Battle Of Caloocan

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

FEBRUARY 10, 1899

The Battle of Caloocan, one of the earliest battles during the Philippine-American War also known as the Filipino-American War, began at 4:00 in the afternoon when General Arthur MacArthur’s 1st Brigade under General Harrison G. Otis started to attack the forces of General Antonio Luna and overwhelmed them. 

Three hours earlier, the Filipino troops’ position was bombarded by the Utah battery of the 6th Artillery accompanied by naval gunfire from the USS Charleston and the USS Monadnock. 

After the fight at the town’s church, the Filipinos retreated towards Malolos, Bulacan. 

The Americans captured Caloocan and took control of the southern terminus of the Manila to Dagupan railway, along with five engines, fifty passenger coaches, and a hundred freight cars. 

Unarmed Filipino prisoners were shot by Colonel W. S. Metcalfe, an accusation made by his men during a congressional investigation, which Metcalfe vehemently denied. 

General Frederick Funston was also accused of interfering in the investigation. 

General Arthur MacArthur, the father of General Douglas MacArthur, became the military governor-general of the Philippines in 1900.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.org