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<a href="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/malolos_congress.webp" rel="lightbox">
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/malolos_congress_t.webp"  alt="Opening of the Malolos Congress on September 15, 1898" />
</a>
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(Opening of the Malolos Congress on September 15, 1898)
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<p>
Prior to this proclamation, several battles had already occurred between the Filipino and American forces.
</p>
<p>
Accordingly, this phase of the Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection (1899–

1902) was an armed military conflict between the Philippines and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic 

to gain independence following annexation by the United States.  
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<p>
The Filipinos under the leadership of General Emilio Aguinaldo rejected the annexation of the Philippines and were determined to defend their 

freedom.
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<p>
From the very start, the Americans manifested bad faith when they refused to recognize Philippine Independence after it was declared by General 

Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.
</p>
<p>
Inevitably, the Santa Mesa incident on <a href="https://goo.gl/VwJdLz" data-ajax="false" class="news_link" title="February 4, 1899 in Philippine history" >February 4, 1899</a>, led to the outbreak of hostilities when an American sentry shot a Filipino soldier.
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June 2, 1899: the Malolos Congress declared war on the United States