Cuerpo de Armas Blancas

The Cuerpo de Armas Blancas was a guerrilla unit that operated in the suburb of Tondo, Manila, and participated in the Battle of Manila in 1899 and notably in the Second Battle of Caloocan. Formed on January 9, 1899, the unit was independent of the main force outside the city. It was led by Colonel Luciano Lucas and primarily operated in Tondo, north of Manila. Although it was created to enforce the interests of the Malolos Government, it operated with significant independence from the high command and the main force before the battle.

The exact strength of the unit remains unknown, but Colonel Lucas' letters suggest he commanded an entire regiment. The unit's mission before the war's outbreak was ambiguous. Lucas claimed it was formed to collect contributions from wealthy Manila residents, guard against American abuses, and perform other important services. He stated that the unit aimed to maintain peace and tranquility for native Filipinos in Manila and would only collect funds necessary for sustaining the battalion.

On February 17, 1899, while moving to an operational area to join an attack, the unit captured Gregorio Martinez, who had informed the Americans of their presence. Aware of the imminent danger, the unit discarded their arms and abandoned their advance. Martinez's fate is not mentioned.

The operations of the Armas Blancas also included the kidnapping of Filipinos seen with Americans, as reported by an agent codenamed "Pipi." The unit's operational efficacy declined as Filipino forces were pushed further from Manila and more American troops arrived in the city.