Fear and Loathing in Manila

The 1820 Manila Massacre was one of the most unsettling outbreaks of mob violence in Philippine history. Amid a deadly epidemic, fear twisted into superstition, and suspicion fell on foreigners accused of poisoning the city’s wells. In this episode of Lore and Crime, we bring you the story in two voices: first, through the eyes of a young Filipino groom whose bride’s sudden death drives him to seek vengeance; and through the testimony of French adventurer Paul Gautrin, who fought to survive and lead others to safety as the city burned. Blending true crime, history, and haunting drama, this episode explores how fear can become deadly, and how rumors can turn into mass hysteria.