Battle of Manila noong World War 2 | Paano nasira ang Maynila noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig

Name: Battle of Manila noong World War 2 | Paano nasira ang Maynila noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig
Uploaded: 2022-08-22T05:00:18.000Z
Duration: 30 min 51 s

Battle of Manila: A Brutal Conflict

Overview of the Battle

The Battle of Manila, also known as the Liberation of Manila, was a bloody confrontation between Filipino-American forces and Japanese troops. This battle is considered one of the most brutal in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Japan occupied the Philippines starting in 1941, ruling for three years until American forces began to reclaim territory following their victory at the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Key Military Movements

On January 9, 1945, the 6th US Army landed at Lingayen Gulf under Lieutenant General Walter Krueger's command and quickly advanced towards Manila.

Three weeks later, on January 31, the 8th US Army arrived in Nasugbu, Batangas, and moved northward toward Manila. Additionally, Colonel Orin de Hard Rock Haugen led a parachute assault on Tagaytay Ridge—marking it as the first airborne assault in the Philippines.

Tactical Decisions by Japanese Command

General Tomoyuki Yamashita ordered a tactical withdrawal of Japanese troops to Baguio while leaving Manila to Filipino and American forces due to several factors including resource scarcity for over one million residents.

Despite Yamashita's orders, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi refused to abandon Manila with his naval defense force comprising around 12,500 personnel supported by an additional 4,500 soldiers from the Japanese army. His decision was influenced by past experiences at Guadalcanal where he faced humiliation.

Urban Warfare Begins

Iwabuchi fortified his position by creating roadblocks and cutting down trees along Roxas Boulevard for airstrip purposes as American forces approached on February 3rd. The US First Cavalry Division reached northern Manila that day after crossing Tullahan River.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) served as an internment camp for approximately 3,700 Americans and British citizens during this period; efforts were made to liberate these hostages amidst intense fighting within urban areas.

Casualties and Negotiations

Captain Manuel Kiko became recognized as the first Allied casualty during this battle when he was killed while attempting to breach UST’s gates on February 3rd amid fierce combat against Japanese guards who held hostages inside.

Following negotiations between American forces and Japanese guards at UST regarding hostage release conditions led to significant liberation efforts involving thousands previously captured since earlier battles like Corregidor and Bataan Prison Camp being freed on February 4th.

Escalation of Conflict

Battle of Manila: A Destructive Conflict

Japanese Tactics and Retreat

As the Japanese forces retreated, they ensured that their opponents would pay for every territory left behind, burning buildings, bridges, and homes in their path.

On February 5, the 11th Airborne troops surrounded Nichols Airfield. General Douglas MacArthur limited artillery and air support to prevent civilian casualties and property damage during the Battle of Manila.

By February 9, American forces began extensive bombing campaigns in Manila, leading to rapid deterioration of Japanese defenses through heavy artillery fire.

Civilian Impact and Japanese Retaliation

The intense bombing resulted in significant civilian casualties alongside military targets; desperate Japanese soldiers retaliated against civilians as a form of vengeance.

This retaliation led to numerous brutal acts against civilians by the Japanese forces, including torture and killings that were particularly horrific towards women.

Liberation Efforts

From February 20 to 22, Filipino and American troops liberated various locations such as St. Vincent de Church and Manila City Hall, rescuing approximately 7,000 hostages.

Remaining Japanese forces took refuge in Intramuros, where they held around 4,000 civilians hostage. Commanders ordered an all-out assault on this area using available artillery.

Casualties and Cultural Losses

Of the 4,000 hostages taken by the Japanese in Intramuros, only about 3,000 survived after their release on February 23. In despair over defeat, Iwabuchi and his officers committed suicide.

The last strongholds of desperate Japanese soldiers fell between February 28 and March 3 with the collapse of key buildings in Intramuros marking the end of the battle.

Aftermath of the Battle

Following a month-long sweep by Filipino and American soldiers to secure Manila's safety post-battle resulted in approximately 1,000 American deaths compared to a staggering number of Filipino casualties due to direct actions from both sides.