Rare colorized photos of the Battle of Manila show war in a new light

by Pacifiqa Staff

 

February 3, 1945 marked the beginning of the Battle of Manila, the month-long war that ended the three-year Japanese occupation in the Philippines. The Battle of Manila is considered the worst urban fighting in the Pacific region during World War II. Over 100,000 civilians died in the war, and Manila was all but destroyed.

To commemorate the 70th year of Manila’s liberation, the government’s website set up a page that features photos, accounts, maps, and a timeline of the war.

The photos have been colored by the PCDSPO (Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office), adding a more life-like quality to the images.

There’s also a colorized video showing Manila’s destruction after the war.

Meanwhile, the Ayala Museum is holding “Manila, My City at War!” a four-day exhibit and conference on the Battle of Manila.