Location
Located in northern Manila.

Construction
Founded in 1611 as the College of the Holy Rosary originally built in Intramuros.   It became a university in 1645 and the second university in the Philippines, and the oldest university in Asia, predated Harvard by 25 years. The university was relocated to its present location in northern Manila and expanded into a larger campus.  Also known as "University of Santo Tomas".

POW Camp
After the Japanese occupation of Manila, its main building was used to hold civilian POWs, and classrooms for sleeping quarters from January 4, 1942 - February 3, 1945.  In total there were 3,787 prisoners: 3,792 Americans, 733 British, 200 Australians, 61 Canadians, 51 Dutch, 8 French, 1 Swiss, 2 Egyptians, 2, Spanish, 1 German, 1 Slovak.  All were held for a total of 37 months, and 466 died in captivity. Three attempted escape February 15, 1942 and were shot, one successfully escaped in January 1945.

Santo Thomas POW List
Were you interned at Santo Thomas

Hostage Situation
On February 3, the university was liberated by the US Army 1st Calvary Division (8th Regiment, 1st Brigade).  They were backed by five tanks from the 44th Tank Battalion. They were assisted by Filipino Guerrillas. The tanks entered thru the gate at Calle Espana after a brief skirmish, freeing many of the captives. The Japanese, commanded by Lt. Col. Toshio Hayashi gathered the remaining internees together in the Education Building, as hostages, exchanging pot shots with the Americans. On February 4th, they negotiated with the Americans to allow them to rejoin Japanese troops to the south of the city.  Americans allowed this to save the hostages, allowing them to only carry their rifles, pistols and swords. On the morning of February 5, 47 Japanese were escorted out of the university to the spot they requested. Each group saluted each other and departed.  The Japanese were unaware the area they requested was near the American occupied Malacanang, and soon afterwards were fired upon and several killed including Hayashi. Later in the afternoon, some of the same group returned to Santo Thomas, captured as prisoners during the same day.

Today
The university is still educates to this day. A plaque, dedicated in 1954 tells the history of the main building as an internment camp. Visitors can walk on the campus, but are not allowed inside the school buildings without remission.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
October 1, 2009