10/02/2025
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From Feb 3-Mar 3, 1945, the battle between the Allied forces and the Imperial Japanese forces occurred which devasted the city of Manila. The destruction and ravage of the city was unbeknownst to its local residents. Many parts of the city, including the districts of Malate, Ermita, Sta. Cruz, Tondo, Sampaloc, Sta. Ana, Quiapo, and especially Intramuros, weren't spared by the bombing of both American and Japanese forces. These then lead the city to become one of the most devastated city during the war, alongside with Warsaw and Berlin. It is also the city who suffered from heavy damage in all of Asia.
The title "Battle of Manila" can be attributed to numerous accounts of war events in Manila history, such as the British occupation of Manila in 1762-1764 and the Philippine-American War in 1899-1901 (or 1913 because of Moro insurgences). However, the Battle of Manila, or Liberation of Manila or Massacre of Manila or R**e of Manila, in WW2 was the most, to this date, destructive war event in both the Philippine and Manila history with estimation of 300,000-500,000 death toll.
In February 1945, the Imperial Japanese forces bombed the districts of Ermita and Malate. This includes the schools such as the University of the Philippines Manila, Philippine Normal School (now Philippine Normal University), Philippine Women's College (now Philippine Women University), De La Salle College (now De La Salle University), and St. Paul College of Manila (now St. Paul University Manila). These schools were also became "meat houses" because of the massacre occurred within their walls. One school, St. Paul College Manila, suffered civilian casualties with an estimation of 700 people died at or in the vicinity of the school. It also suffered heavy damage from both American and Japanese shelling and aerial strikes.
As we commemorate this month, we honor those who fought against the attackers of our country and the Church. Let us pray for those who have fallen to the hands of cruelty and disparity.
"On about 9 February 1945, at and in the: vicinity of St. Paul's College, Malate, Manila, cruelly and brutally mistreating Marcelino Punsalon, Maneloo Carlos, Sr., Estelita Bonito, and approximately 600 other person, "including men, women and children, all unarmed non-combatant civilians; brutally massacring and killing without cause or trial, Bruno Acuna, Cecilia Aguas, Jose Aquino, and 370 additional persons, including men, women and children, all unarmed noncombatant civilians; wounding, maiming and attempting to kill, without cause or trial, Colostina Antipolo, Zeila Antipolo, Cornelia Ayson, and 24 other persons including men, women and children, all unarmed non-combatant civilians; unnecessarily, deliberately and wantonly burning and destroying buildings, together with fixtures, furniture and other contents thereof, and dedicated to religion, art and science and not used for military purposes, of the aforesaid St. Paul's College; and seizing, confiscating and stealing money, jewels and other private property of civilians."
References:
1. Connaughton, R., Pimlott, J., and Anderson, D., 1995, The Battle for Manila, London: Bloomsbury Publishing, ISBN 0891415785
2. World War II in the Pacific: An Encyclopedia (Military History of the United States) by S. Sandler (2000) Routledge ISBN 0-8153-1883-9
3. Kirk, A.S. (1974). In re Yamash*ta. Accessed 2025. Retrieved from: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/36710317.pdf.
4. Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage (2022). Paulinian Gems 1: The Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage. Accessed 2025. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/TjePXRMelu0?si=of8WjvalM1qt1zCW.
Image source:
1. Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage (2022). Paulinian Gems 1: The Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage. Accessed 2025. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/TjePXRMelu0?si=of8WjvalM1qt1zCW.
DISCLAIMER: The photos has been enhanced using artificial intelligence. While efforts have been made to maintain historical accuracy, some details may not fully reflect the original context. Any inaccuracies or unintended distortions are unintentional.
