The Start Of The Philippine-American War

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

FEBRUARY 4, 1899

Private William Walter Grayson of the First Nebraska Volunteer Infantry fired on a group of Filipino troops killing Corporal Anastasio Felix while on patrol between Blockhouse 7 and Barrio Santol (now Sociego corner Silencio Strets), Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

Corporal Felix belong to the 4th Company, Morong Battalion under Captain Serapio Narvaez, with Colonel Luciano San Miguel as the battalion commander. 

Grayson’s unit, under Colonel John M. Stotsenburg had been encamped in Sta. Mesa since December 5, 1898. 

This incident was the start of the Battle of Manila, and was also the beginning of the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). 

19,000 American soldiers engaged Filipino troops numbering around 15,000 in the two-day battle. 

President Emilio Aguinaldo, who was in Malolos when the fighting began was informed that the Americans started the hostilities. 

To avoid an open conflict with the Americans, Aguinaldo tried to broker a ceasefire by sending an emissary to US General Elwell S. Otis, saying "the firing on our side the night before had been against my order." 

Otis, a veteran in the American Indian Wars rejected the ceasefire. 

Pres. Aguinaldo told his followers: “It is my duty to maintain the integrity of our national honor, and that of the army so unjustly attacked by those, who posing as our friends, attempt to dominate us in place of the Spaniards. Therefore, for the defense of the nation entrusted to me, I hereby order and command: Peace and friendly relations between the Philippine Republic and the American army of occupation are broken—and the latter will be treated as enemies with the limits prescribed by the laws of War.”

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

Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.com