Street battles and flamethrowers in battle for Manila in World War II

The transcript describes the intense battle between American and Japanese forces, highlighting the heavy casualties suffered by both sides. The American infantrymen faced significant losses, with 13,000 troops dying in the battle. In return, 23 Japanese divisions were decimated. The American forces were meticulous in eliminating hidden enemy positions, aware of the cunning tactics employed by the Japanese.

What was the significance of the phrase 'paid dearly' in the context of the battle?

What does the term 'cunning folk' refer to in the context of the text?