On January 9, 1899, Aguinaldo wrote his instructions for the sandatahan of Manila.

Members of this body were to enter the houses of the American officers on the pretext of bringing them presents.

Once in they were to kill.

The sentinels at the gates of the barracks were to be approached by men dressed as women and killed.

The gates of the barracks held and as many officers as possible treacherously murdered, the sandatahan were to rise throughout the city, and by attacking in the rear the United States troops on the outer line were to aid in opening a way for Aguinaldo's force.