The commanding general of the Liberal armies, Gabriel Vargas Santos, ordered his troops to retire to Palonegro, near the city of Bucaramanga in the Santander Department of Colombia.

After the battle, the war escalated, and became one of the most brutal conflicts in early 20th century South America.

On May 11, 1900, the Liberal advance arrived at the outposts in the Canta mountains, in between Bucaramanga and Lebrija, beginning the longest battle of the war.

Fifteen days of intense combat on a front of 26 kilometers of trenches took place in the hills of Palonegro.

General Vargas Santos unexpectedly opted to lead his troops to safety via the jungle of Teorama.