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Prologue
August 30, 1896.
San Juan del Monte, Manila Province
"Freedom!", yelled a group of men in peasant clothings, as they charge towards a heavily-guarded building. These rebels are members of a secret society called Katipunan, which aims to overthrow the Spanish authorities and establish an independent nation in the Philippines. And they've started that gigantic task in this upcoming battle. Spearheaded by its leader Andres Bonifacio, the poorly armed insurgents clashed with well-trained Guardia Civiles[1] and a few Spanish cazadores[2], particularly around the town's powder magazine. With numerical superiority on their side, the Katipuneros managed to push back the Spanish forces and take the powder magazine in the process. The insurgents become overjoyed with what seems to be their first victory.
But a larger storm is coming.
By noon, a large colonial force led by General Bernardo Echaluce y Jauregui joined forces with the remnants of the San Juan del Monte garrison and launched a counterattack. Bonifacio, courageous as he's reputed to be, urged his comrades to press on and protect their gains, despite being outnumbered three to one. So another battle begun.
But this time, it's a different story. Exhaustion, lack of provisions, and ferocious artillery fire send the Katipuneros in disarray. As casualties began to mount, the insurgents' frontline started to crumble. Bonifacio, fearing annhilation, attempted to order a retreat. But it was a little too late, as Spanish infantry suddenly broke through their lines and began slaughtering every rebel they can catch. In a spur of a moment, Bonifacio resolved to die fighting than to flee like a coward, and charge towards the enemy troops.
However, a twist of fate changed the outcome of this battle...
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[1] Guardia Civil was a local gendarmerie police force organized under the Spanish colonial government.
[2] Spanish soldiers in charge of maintaining peace and order (and to quell any insurrection), frequently assisting the Guardia Civil. Literally means "hunters".