Massacre at Dolores

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Battle of Dolores
Part of the Philippine-American War
Date December 12, 1904 Location Samar, Philippines Result Pulajan Victory
Combatants
Pulajan	Philippine Constabulary
Commanders
Pedro de la Cruz	Lieutenant Stephen Hayt
Strength
1,000 Pulajan Fighters	38 of the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts
Casualties
300 killed, countless wounded	37 killed, 1 severely wounded 37 rifles and countless rounds of ammunition captured

Philippine-American War
Manila - Santa Cruz – Pagsanjan – Paete – Quingua - Zapote Bridge - San Fabian – San Jacinto – Tirad Pass - Paye - Siege of Catubig - Pulang Lupa - Balangiga - Mabitac - Moro - Lonoy massacre - Wood's March - Hassan - 2nd Taraca - Dolores - Siranaya - Malalag River - 1st Bud Dajo - 2nd Bud Dajo - Bud Bagsak

In December 1904, the 38th Philippine Constabulary Scouts, under Lieutenant Stephen Hayt, were on patrol along the Dolores River in an attempt to link up with the 37th Constabulary Scouts and another Constable Company led by Lieutenant Hendryx.

The 38th was ambushed en route, by over 1,000 pulajans. As the pulajans rushed, waving colorful banners, shouting "Tad-Tad!" (Cut To Pieces!). They were met with a volley of rifle-fire that stopped their advance. The Constables held their ground and repelled attack after attack, inflicting countless losses with accurate and steady rifle fire.

The Pulajans were far greater in number, however, eventually enveloping and wiping out the entire Scout force.

Of the 38 man contingent, all but one, including Lieutenant Hayt were killed. The Pulajans on the other hand, suffered much heavier losses. Estimates range as high as 300 dead before the Constabulary fell.

The pulajan fighters were able to capture 38 Krags rifles, along with a large amount of ammunition.