LEGAZPI CITY -– Legazpeńos observed yesterday (Jan. 23) the 108th Anniversary of the Battle of Legazpi with a simple but fitting program at the Battle of Legazpi Monument at Quezon Avenue here.

        In his welcome address, Mayor Noel E. Rosal extolled the bravery and heroism of the Filipino soldiers who had fought against all odds in defense of freedom against the American invaders on Jan. 23, 1900.

        “Let’s emulate the spirit of unity and determination that bound the heroes of the Battle of Legazpi to fight for freedom and independence,” the mayor said.

        The guest speaker, Commodore Alberto R. Araojo, commander, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, said: “Dying in defense of freedom and independence is the highest form of sacrifice and legacy that has been handed to us through generations.”

        “Protecting freedom and the integrity of our territory is the utmost duty of all Filipino citizens,” he added.

        The highlight of the celebration was the re-enactment of the battle by students of Pagasa National High School.

        Shortly after the program, a floral offering was made by Mayor Rosal, Commodore Araojo, City Councilors, descendants of the defenders of the Battle of Legazpi, among others.

        Here’s a brief history of the Battle of Legazpi as recorded in IBALON: Ethnohistory of the Bikol Region by Mariano Goyena del Prado as translated from Spanish into English by Prof. Maria Lilia Realubit:

        “The Americans landed in Legazpi on January 23, 1900. But the people did not allow them an easy take-over. Despite their lack of arms, they engaged the American forces in hand-to-hand fight. The Americans force consisted of four companies with powerful ships named Venus and Castellana. Only about 800 men consisted the Filipino resistance who without equipment and training gave the invaders a rough time.”

        “Heading the Filipino troops was Gen. Ignacio Paua, Col. Antero Reyes, Capt. Alvaro Nepomuceno and Policarpio Pilgone. The entire Filipino defense consisted of three infrantry companies, an engineer corps, artillery unit and a bolo contingent or sandataan. Company I was headed by Capt. Jose Deogracias and 45 rifflemen. Company II commanded by Capt. Emilio Marquez and 100 riflemen and Company III under Capt Melacio Miras, Lt. Zoilo Marbella and about 100 men, 50 of whom came from Daraga but only 25 had rifles.”

        “The Engineer Corps was under the leadership of Capt. Pedro Morales, Lt. Vedasto Madrid and Lt. Manuel Arena. The Engineer Corps built the trenches and fortifications in Legazpi. But there were no reports of their participation in the gunfight.”

        “An Artillery Unit consisting of almost 200 recruits from Legazpi and Albay was commanded by Capt. Alvaro Nepomuceno, Lt. Policarpio Madera., Lt. Jose Corteza, Lt. Feliz Aringo and Lt. Isabelo Madera.”

        “The Sandataan or Bolo Contingent was commanded by Catalino Antuerpia and supported by trench forces.”

        “Four trenches were built along the beach from San Roque to Sabang as follows:

        Trench No. 1 in San Roque left side of the Muńoz y Compania Warehouse. Fifty infantrymen were stationed here under Capt. Emilio Marquez and Lt. Felipe Hernandez.

        Trench No.2 was under the warehouse of Russel and Sturgis and Warner Barned Co. Forty-five infantrymen were placed here under Lt. Macario Marquez.

        Trench No. 3 was at Smith Bell & Co. Warehouse under Capt. Deogracias and Lt. Bartolome Yanzon and 25 men.

        Trench No. 4 was at the Aldecoa and Onandia Warehouse under Lt. Prudencio Ramos.

        Trench No. 5 was at the foot of San Rafael Bridge in fronth of the burnt city public market.”

        “The Nashville bombarded the shore at noontime. Landing operations followed under the protection of the Nashville which had already bombarded the fortifications at close range. The Filipinos moved from trench to trench giving support to each other. Lt. Macario Marquez and Enrique, sons of Capt. Emilio Marquez, both died in action. The men of Company II fought desperately but retreated. Many of those with Company III helped defend the bridge. The Artillery Unit hoisted the Filipino flag at Kapuntukan Hill entrenched by Spanish cannons which were old an ineffective.”

        “The men had to seek cover seeing that their arms were useless. Company I moved from Trench 3 to Trench 5 when the fight became close and helped deter American troops advance. Many of the bolomen were killed by the high-caliber rifles of the enemy. Col Antero Reyes, who directed the defense on a white horse, was hit and wounded at the church patio of Legazpi”

        “The fight at the foot of San Rafael Bridge was hand-to-hand and fierce. The report of Gen. Elwll S. Otis, commanding general of the American Occupation Forces, to the Adjutant General at Washinton said. “The enemies loss war over 50 killed and many more wounded; 28 killed at head of bridge in almost hand-to-hand fight regusing to surrender.” Capt. J.C. Bradley, Sfgt. Ross Faxton, four enlistedmen and one sailor were injured.”

        “Twenty-eight valiant men fell at the Battle of San Rafael Bridge. A total of 174 men from the Filipino defense troops were buried in a common grave.”