Lonoy massacre

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Lonoy massacre
Part of Philippine-American War
Date March 1901 Location Lonoy, Bohol, Philippines Result American victory
Belligerents
Philippines	United States
Commanders
Captain Gregorio Casenas
Strength
413 Bohol natives
Casualties and losses
406 killed	3 killed, 10 wounded

v • d • e Philippine-American War Manila – Santa Cruz – Pagsanjan – Paete – Quingua Zapote Bridge – San Jacinto – Tirad Pass – Paye – Catubig Pulang Lupa – Balangiga – Mabitac – Lonoy – Moro Rebellion

The Lonoy massacre in 1901 was a bloody American surprise attack launched on Filipino insurgents that killed over 400 in the Philippine-American War. It was fought in Lonoy on Bohol Island.

Before the actual battle, the Filipinos had laid an ambush along a narrow path and carefully concealed themselves in camouflaged pits and trenches, awaiting the unsuspecting American column. These Bohol natives were even more poorly armed than the regular Philippine soldiers. Very few had actual firearms, while nearly all were armed with daggers, machetes, and spears.

Unknown to them, the Americans had learned of the ambuscade from a pro-American native, Francisco Salas, who would lead the Americans to the rear of the Filipino defenses in a devastating surprise attack.

The Filipinos were caught totally offguard and found themselves trapped in their own trenches where they were gunned down; the Americans had received orders not to take prisoners.

In the massacre that ensued, all but seven of the Bohol natives were killed. That number totaled 406, including their commander, Captain Casenas. In striking contrast, American killed amounted to only three with ten more wounded, which came toward the end of the attack when the Filipinos tried desperately to counter-attack the Americans.

There were also a few Samareno (inhabitants of Samar) natives killed, which may have triggered the Balangiga massacre six months later.