Which Spanish admiral commanded the squadron destroyed at Manila Bay?

Patricio Montojo commanded the Spanish squadron destroyed at Manila Bay. He was a Spanish Navy rear admiral and the senior officer directing Spain’s Pacific Squadron in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898, when Commodore George Dewey’s U.S. Asiatic Squadron entered the bay and attacked the Spanish fleet near Cavite. Montojo’s force was badly outmatched in preparation, firepower, ammunition, and ship condition. Most of his vessels were destroyed or forced to surrender, while the American squadron suffered no combat deaths.

Montojo had recognized Spain’s strategic weakness before the battle and considered several defensive positions, including Subic Bay. He ultimately placed the squadron near Cavite, where it could use shore facilities and batteries. The battle’s decisive result made him a controversial figure in Spain, though the fleet’s material disadvantages were severe.

A common mix-up is confusing Montojo with Dewey, who commanded the victorious American squadron. Montojo was the Spanish commander; Dewey led the opposing U.S. force.