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<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-23/troops-of-colonel-tecson.avif" alt="Troops of Colonel Tecson in Baler" loading="lazy" />
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(Troops of Colonel Simon Tecson in Baler, May 1899, via Wikipedia)
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<h2>
Background
</h2>
<p>
Baler, located on the eastern coast of Luzon, was a strategic location during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. The revolution, which began in 1896, saw various battles and skirmishes as Filipino forces sought to overthrow Spanish control. By 1898, the revolution had resumed with renewed vigor, after the <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1666/today-in-philippine-history-may-20-1898-aguinaldo-returned-to-restart-his-insurrection" class="news_link">return of General Emilio Aguinaldo from exile</a>, and Baler became one of the focal points due to its strategic importance.
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<p>
During this stage of the revolution, the Philippines was engaged in the Spanish-American War, with Filipino rebels forming an alliance with American forces. However, this partnership came to an end with the <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/913/today-in-philippine-history-february-4-1899-marked-the-start-of-the-filipino-american-war" class="news_link">onset of the Philippine-American War in February 4, 1899</a>. 
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<h2>
The Siege Begins
</h2>
<p>
On June 1, 1898, Captain Enrique de las Morenas, the district political-military governor, ordered his men to fortify the church compound of San Luís de Tolosa in Baler's town square. This church, the only stone building in the area, was to serve as their stronghold against the impending attack. By June 26, it became evident that the town residents were leaving, signaling the imminent siege. On the night of June 30, 800 Filipino troops under Teodorico Novicio Luna attacked, forcing the Spanish garrison to retreat to the church.
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<p>
The first few days of the siege saw several attempts by the Filipinos to get the Spanish to surrender by leaving letters, while they surrounded the church with trenches.
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The Siege of Baler, marking the Spanish Empire's final stand, commenced on July 1, 1898