The Battle of Marilao River was a notable military engagement during the Philippine–American War, where Emilio Aguinaldo took direct command of Filipino forces for the only time. Occurring in March 1899, this battle was part of the larger conflict that erupted after the U.S. took control of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The Filipino forces aimed to resist American colonization and assert their independence in the face of a better-resourced army.

During the battle, Aguinaldo organized his troops along the Marilao River, leading them against the advancing American forces, who were determined to secure vital strategic positions. Aguinaldo's leadership was characterized by strategic planning and the use of terrain to his advantage. Despite facing superior firepower and military training from the Americans, Aguinaldo's troops mounted a determined defense, exemplifying their resilience and commitment to the nationalist cause.

Although the battle was ultimately a tactical victory for American forces, Aguinaldo's involvement highlighted the ongoing Filipino struggle for independence and set the stage for subsequent battles. It served as a significant moment that galvanized Filipino resistance against American colonial rule, emphasizing the heavy cost of the conflict and the challenges faced by localized forces against a colonial superpower.