A Filipino victory in the Philippine–American War, inflicting roughly 33% casualties on U.S. forces and demonstrating effective guerrilla defensive tactics.
Key Facts
- Date
- September 17, 1900
- U.S. killed
- 21 soldiers
- U.S. wounded
- 23 soldiers
- U.S. casualty rate
- ~33% of engaged force
- Filipino strength
- ~800 in trenches soldiers
- Duration of firefight
- ~90 minutes
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
American forces advancing from the garrison town of Siniloan along a flooded causeway toward Mabitac sought to dislodge Filipino troops under General Juan Cailles. The narrow, waterlogged road and deep flanking rice fields made flanking maneuvers impossible, funneling U.S. infantry into a constricted approach dominated by Filipino defensive trenches.
On September 17, 1900, elements of the 37th and 15th Infantry Regiments came under intense fire some 400 yards from Filipino trenches. Eight scouts sent forward were killed to a man; the main body became pinned in waist-deep mud. A 90-minute firefight, U.S. Navy gunboat support, and a flanking attempt by 60 soldiers all failed to break the Filipino position, and Colonel Cheatham ordered a withdrawal.
The battle resulted in approximately 21 Americans killed and 23 wounded, a loss rate of 33% that Brigadier General Arthur MacArthur, Jr. described as 'profoundly impressive.' General Cailles then conducted a skillful withdrawal, avoiding encirclement with his entire command intact. Captain John E. Moran was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his conduct during the engagement.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Juan Cailles.
Side B
1 belligerent
Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham, Jr..