Invasion by Limahong. Painting by Carolos 'Botong' Franciscco, 1956
Limahong was determined to capture Manila in spite of the loss in Parañaque. He set sail again and arrived in Manila Bay. He sent forward his Lieutenant, Sioco, and 600 fighting men to demand the surrender of the Spaniards.
Alarm was raised in Malate which is close to Intramuros but the Spaniards took no credence to the report so no resistance was offered until the invaders were within the gates to the city.
Martin de Goiti, the Maestre de Campo and second in command to the Governor, was the first victim of the attack. Goiti and several Filipinos under the leadership of Rajah Lakandula were killed. Goiti's wife was badly wounded but survived.
The Spaniards took refuge in Fort Santiago which the Chinese were about to take control when they were interrupted by the arrival of fresh troops led by a Spanish sub-lieutenant. A bloody hand-to-hand combat followed. With great difficulty, the Chinese collected their dead and sounded the retreat. Sioco reported the result of the attack to Limahong who was in Cavite with his reserved forces.
Limahong resolved to rest his troops and renew the attack in two days’ time. Meanwhile, Juan Salcedo arrived by sea the next day with reinforcements from Vigan, and preparations were made for the expected encounter. Salcedo having been appointed to the office of Maestre de Campo, vacant since the death of Goiti, was entrusted to the defense of the city.
By daybreak on December 3, Limahong and his fighting men took off for the capital. Sioco swore to take the place or die in the attempt. Sioco, with his division, advanced towards the fort. A hand-to-hand fight ensued as he entered the fort. Salcedo and his men fought fiercely like a lion. The Spaniards finally gained the victory. The Chinese were repulsed with great slaughter, and Sioco having been killed, the Chinese fled in complete disarray. They retreated on board the fleet. Unfazed by his loss in his attempt to take over Manila, Limahong was determined to set up his capital in other parts. He then set sail again for the west coast of the island.
The panic of the Chinese spread rapidly and Limahong, in despair, landed another contingent of about 500 men. He remained at sea but even with this reinforcement the morale of his army could not be restored.
Salcedo, profiting by the confusion, now took the offensive and followed the enemy, pursuing them along the sea-shore.
Sources: Wikipedia, Kahimyang.com
Until next time. The Philippine history continues. . .
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