Battle of Bangkusay

Battle of Bangkusay

Historical marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
DateJune 3, 1571
Location
Bangkusay Channel in Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Result Spanish victory
Spanish conquest of Pampanga
Belligerents

Indigenous polities of Macabebe and Maynila

Spanish Empire

Commanders and leaders
Miguel López de Legazpi
Strength
40 Karakoas, around 2,000 warriors 27 vessels, 280 Spaniards, 600 native allies

The Battle of Bangkusay (Filipino: Labanan sa Ilog Bangkusay; Spanish: Batalla de Bangkusay), on June 3, 1571, was a naval engagement that marked the last resistance by locals to the Spanish Empire's occupation and colonization of the Pasig River delta, which had been the site of the indigenous polities of the Rajahnate of Maynila and Tondo.

Tarik Sulayman, the chief of Macabebes, refused to ally with the Spanish and decided to mount an attack at Bangkusay Channel on Spanish forces, led by Miguel López de Legazpi. Sulayman's forces were defeated, and Sulayman himself was killed. The Spanish victory in Bangkusay and Legazpi's alliance with Lakandula of Tondo, enabled the Spaniards to establish themselves throughout the city and its neighboring towns.