The Second Battle Of Caloocan

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

FEBRUARY 22, 1899

The Second Battle of Caloocan was fought between President Emilio Aguinaldo’s troops against the American forces during the Philippine-American War (Filipino-American War). 

General Antonio Luna, accompanied by General Mariano Llanera led the counter offensive aimed at regaining Manila from the Americans. 

As a result, the attack against the surprised American units led to the burning of Tondo and Binondo upon orders of General Luna. 

American fire brigades rushed to control the flames as the city was in near chaos. 

Filipinos with bolos cut the hoses of the firemen while snipers took shots at the Americans. 

As General Luna’s troops entered Tondo, furious street fighting ensued between the two forces. 

The Filipinos were able to advance until Azcarraga Street (now Claro M. Recto Avenue) but were repulsed by the U.S. troops. 

Two days later, the Filipinos retreated to Malolos after their offensive failed for lack of coordination among the troops and lack of artillery support. 

60 buildings of stone, 150 buildings of wood and 8,000 nipa homes were burned to the ground. 

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

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org and tennyson nelly