Alternate Philippine History 1898 (Hiatus)

5 - Battle of Binondo

Both sides knew that taking control of the entire length of the Pasig river meant an advantage. It is the lifeline of the Filipino forces' communication lines since traversing the mountains in Rizal is extremely difficult. Using boats isn't even an option as it would take more than twice the amount of time to get a message from Northern Luzon to the South.

Across the length of the river under Manila's control,  Filipino forces repeatedly used hit-and-run tactics to the point where the Americans decided to reinforce all their lines with more units and artillery and had all units be alert around the clock.

The first time this is used Filipino casualties skyrocketed, although this tactic added more stress to the American soldiers, and cost their government more in terms of supplies. 

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Rebels hidden in multiple districts in Manila, west of the Pasig river, have at times disrupted the supply lines of the Americans currently stationed in the city. They would often try to  destroy the food, and water of the Americans usually by mixing in animal, or human excrement.

The frustrated Americans, in response,  locked all residents inside of their homes. Patrols roamed the streets around the clock arresting anyone who tried to go out, especially at night. 

Foreign press within the locked districts told of stories that some residents weren't even allowed to procure food and water unless they are accompanied by the soldiers. Any who didn't comply will be suspected on aiding the insurrectionists.

Although this kind of tactic isn't much of a concern in the rest of the world as European powers have also used similar tactics in one form or another in their colonies.

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Battle of Binondo

Filipino forces guarding the Puente de España (Bridge of Spain) had so far been able to repel the Americans trying to cross the river.

This time however, the Americans brought a larger force and successfully routed the Filipinos thereby gaining control of the strategic bridge that connects directly to Binondo, a center of business and finance, with most being run by ethnic Chinese.

The Filipinos retreated inside the district, hiding inside structures that provided great hiding spots from invading forces. They also readied their bolos in preparation for the ambush.

American forces quickly moved to secure Muelle dela Industria, and Muelle del Banco Nacional, the streets right next to the river banks. Their commanders ordered them to be on alert for any enemy that may come out of the buildings and charge at them.

The next set of American soldiers moved to secure the rest of the district. They treaded carefully as they cleared the streets and entered the buildings.

They rounded up all male occupants in order to make sure none of them are a threat to their forces, this included the Chinese who were just there doing business. Anyone who resisted got arrested and brought back to Intramuros for questioning.

As the Americans neared the church, they are fired upon from the buildings they have supposedly cleared. Confusion set in as bullets rained from all over forcing them to retreat back to the bridge.

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Back at the bridge, gunfire is heard from the front as the Americans slowly escorted their prisoners across the bridge. Everyone in the area looked towards where the sound of battle is coming from.

The soldiers are ordered to leave the prisoners and go provide support to the front line.

A few moments in, Filipinos armed with bolos charged at the Americans fearlessly. The Americans are caught off-guard as they have supposedly secured the area so they don't have an idea where the Filipinos came from.

Nevertheless, they quickly regained composure and fired upon the charging enemies. A number of the Filipinos are killed during this charge, but some are able to get close enough to hack, and stab the Americans. At the same time, Filipino's armed with rifles joined the fray further distracting the Americans.

All over the district, Filipinos came out of their hiding spots and attacked further adding to the chaos among the ranks of the American forces. 

In what would become known as the first of many bloody and brutal battles in the Philippine-American war, the battle saw many American soldiers mutilated due to being violently hacked to death. These brutal scenes played out from the front of the church through the main and side-streets all the way back to the bridge. 

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, American commanders ordered a full retreat back to the other side of the bridge defended by numerous artillery pieces and soldiers.

While this became the first actual victory of the Filipinos, this made them seem like savages in the eyes of the Americans, who vowed for revenge as they became enraged due to the brutality of the ambush.