Limahong facts for kids

Limahong, also known as Lim Hong or Lin Feng, was a Chinese leader and adventurer. He was active in the late 1500s. Limahong became known for his raids on coastal towns in China. In 1574, he led a large group to the northern Philippines. He tried to take over the Spanish city of Manila twice that year, but did not succeed. He did manage to occupy a part of Pangasinan. However, Spanish forces eventually pushed him back.

Limahong's Early Life and Adventures

An old drawing showing Limahong's attack on Manila in 1574.

In the 1500s, many merchant-adventurers operated along the coast of China. They built large ships for trade, sometimes secretly, with countries like Japan and Korea. These activities sometimes involved raiding and were often called "piracy."

Limahong was one of these powerful leaders. He led many successful attacks on coastal towns in China. However, in 1572, he faced a defeat at Chenghai. This forced him to move his operations to Luzon, an island in the Philippines.

The Chinese navy tried to stop him. They sent a fleet that pushed Limahong away from his base on Luzon for a short time. But by 1574, Limahong was back to his activities along the Chinese coast.

Journey to the Philippines

Limahong soon returned to Luzon. There, he captured a Chinese merchant ship. This ship was trading with the Spanish. From the captured crew, Limahong learned about the Spanish in Manila. He heard they had much gold and silver.

He decided to sail south to Manila. His fleet was very large, with 62 to 70 ships. He had about 3,000 followers and 400 Japanese fighters. On his way, Limahong's fleet met a Spanish galiot. This ship was carrying supplies for Juan de Salcedo and his men. Limahong's forces quickly took over the Spanish ship. They killed the 22 Spanish sailors and captured their cannon.

Salcedo realized Limahong's plan. He quickly sent a message to Manila. He warned them about the approaching fleet. He also promised to come with help as fast as he could.

Limahong's Attack on Manila (1574)

Limahong's fleet reached Manila on the eve of Saint Andrew's Day. The next morning, about 700 of his men landed. They wore cotton armor and bamboo helmets. They carried various weapons like pikes, arquebusses, and axes.

They marched towards the city. Luckily for Manila's defenders, Limahong's men first met Martin de Goiti, a Spanish leader. He bravely fought but lost his life. This fight gave the Spanish time to prepare. Captains Velasquez and Chacon gathered their men. They met Limahong's forces on the beach.

After a fierce fight, Limahong's men suffered many losses. They retreated to their boats. Limahong had set up his main camp in the port of Cavite. He decided to wait a day before attacking again.

Manila's Defense and Limahong's Retreat

During this break, the Spanish worked quickly. They built strong wooden walls, called a palisade, for defense. Soon, Juan de Salcedo arrived with 50 more soldiers. This was a much-needed reinforcement.

On the third day, Limahong's whole fleet appeared. They fired their cannons and sent more men ashore. They tried to attack the Spanish fort. Some of Limahong's fighters managed to get inside. However, they were quickly defeated.

His forces had to retreat again. Before leaving, they managed to burn the San Agustin Church and a Spanish ship. At the same time, the Spanish also faced a small local uprising. This uprising ended quickly after Limahong's retreat. Limahong's men left Manila, having lost over 200 fighters. The Spanish had fewer casualties.

Limahong's Settlement in Pangasinan

Limahong retreated to Pangasinan. He decided to make this area his new home. He built a strong fort there. The walls of his fort were made from sturdy palm logs. He also built a smaller fort using palm planks.

Limahong took control of several local village leaders. He made the villagers supply his group with food and other necessities.

The Spanish Counterattack

The Spanish in Manila quickly planned their next move. Juan de Salcedo was put in charge of the military camp. They also built a new fort to protect Manila better. An expedition was organized to go after Limahong.

On March 23, 1575, Salcedo led this expedition. He had 256 Spanish soldiers and 2,500 local allies. They sailed in 59 ships. They reached Pangasinan on March 30.

Salcedo's plan was to block the Agno River. He landed his men and cannons. He sent Captains Pedro de Chaves and Chacon up the river in small boats. Their mission was to capture any of Limahong's boats. Captain Ribera and 28 men attacked Limahong's fort from land.

At that moment, 35 of Limahong's ships were leaving to find supplies. When they saw the Spanish, they panicked. They quickly fled back to their fort. This meant they left their ships behind. The Spanish captured and burned these abandoned vessels.

Captain Ribera's team managed to enter Limahong's fort. They captured about 100 women and children. However, nightfall forced the Spanish to pull back. Limahong's forces regrouped. A long siege began, lasting four months.

During this time, Limahong was busy inside his fort. He secretly built 30 new ships. On August 4, he used these ships to escape. He and his remaining crew sailed away.

Chinese Fleet Arrives

Just before Limahong's escape, a Chinese fleet arrived. It was led by Wang Wanggao. This fleet was sent to gather information about Limahong. When Wang Wanggao saw that Limahong was under siege, he returned to China. He took some Spanish people, including priests, with him.

Limahong's Later Journeys

After escaping from Pangasinan, Limahong and his crew likely went to Guangdong in China. They might have also traveled to Taiwan. Some historical records from the Ming dynasty say he surrendered to Spanish and local forces in 1576.

However, Limahong appeared again in a report from 1589. This report mentioned his raids along the South China Coast. He had joined forces with other leaders, Chen Dele and Li Mao. After this, Limahong is no longer mentioned in historical records.

Limahong's Impact and Legacy

Limahong's attacks caused a lot of tension between the Spanish and the Chinese people in the Philippines. The Spanish felt insecure about their control. This led to difficult times and conflicts for Chinese people living in Manila.

Limahong's invasion was one of the first sea threats to the Philippines. It encouraged the Spanish to build more forts and defenses. Even decades later, Spanish leaders remembered Limahong's attack. They used it as an example when discussing other threats, like Dutch ships.

Some historians have looked at Limahong's story differently. They suggest that Limahong and his group might have been people who faced tough challenges. They turned to piracy because of difficult circumstances. Some believe he might have wanted to negotiate for a safe place in Manila. His intentions might have been misunderstood, leading to the attacks.

Former Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos claimed to be a descendant of Limahong. His son, President Bongbong Marcos, has also repeated this claim.

See also

In Spanish: Limahon para niños