Battle of Manila (1574)


The Battle of Manila was a battle in the Manila area mainly in the location of what is now Parañaque between Chinese pirates, led by Limahong and the Spanish colonial forces and their native allies. The battle occurred on November 29, 1574 when Limahong's fleet landed in the town of Parañaque and from there, began to assault the fortifications of Intramuros. Initially, the inhabitants where disorganized and Limahong's forces routed them. Furthermore, the Chinese killed the Master-of-Camp of the Spanish, Martin de Goiti. This caused them to delay their assault on Manila as Martin de Goiti's house was an obstacle in their march.
Limahong's forces laid siege to Manila until a force, led by Juan de Salcedo, of fifty Spanish musketeers broke the siege. Having been defeated at Manila, Limahong retreated abandoned his plans to invade Manila and instead settling in Pangasinan. A year later, forces again led by Salcedo defeated Limahong, leading to the Viceroy of Fukien to travel to the Philippines for the initial purpose of securing the release of Limahong, but ultimately establishing diplomatic relations between China and the Spanish Philippines.