In the early 20th century, the United States sought to establish its influence in the Philippines following the Spanish-American War. The Moro Rebellion emerged as local Muslim groups opposed U.S. control, particularly in the southern regions of the archipelago. The First Battle of Bud Dajo was a prominent engagement within this conflict, taking place on Bud Dajo, a volcanic mountain that offered a strategic position for the Moros defending their territory.

On March 5, 1906, approximately 750 U.S. Army troops, under the command of Colonel John R. McCoy, launched a coordinated assault on the fortified position held by Moro warriors. The U.S. utilized overwhelming artillery and infantry tactics to penetrate the Moro defenses. The Moros, numbering close to 1,000, had fortified the area with makeshift structures and were prepared to defend their homeland fiercely. As the battle ensued, the Americans faced fierce resistance, but the combination of superior firepower and tactical maneuvering led to a catastrophic outcome for the Moro defenders.

Despite the fierce competition, the battle resulted in substantial casualties among the Moros. It is reported that only six survivors emerged from the fighting, illustrating the devastating effects of the confrontation. This event not only marked a brutal chapter in the ongoing conflict but also set a precedent for future military engagements between the United States and Moro groups in the Philippines, leading to a prolonged military presence and further confrontations in the subsequent years.