The Battle of Manila, fought from 3 February to 3 March 1945, remains one of the most tragic and destructive episodes in Philippine history and World War II.

The battle marked the climax of the campaign to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation but resulted in immense civilian suffering and the near-total destruction of the country’s capital.

As Allied forces advanced toward Manila, Japanese troops entrenched themselves in densely populated urban areas. Although Japanese command had earlier declared Manila an open city, thousands of soldiers remained behind to defend it.

What followed was a monthlong battle marked by intense street fighting, heavy artillery bombardment and widespread atrocities committed against civilians.

Japanese forces carried out mass executions, sexual violence, arson and indiscriminate killings inside homes, schools and places of worship.

By the end of the battle, an estimated 100,000 Filipino civilians had been killed. Much of historic Manila — including Intramuros, centuries-old churches and cultural landmarks — was reduced to rubble.

The battle left Manila the second most devastated Allied capital of World War II, surpassed only by Warsaw. Beyond the physical destruction, the fighting inflicted deep psychological trauma and long-term social and economic damage on the population..