After the battle of Placilla it is clear to President Balmaceda that he can no longer hope to find sufficient strength among his adherents to maintain himself in power, and in view of the rapid approach of the rebel army he abandons his official duties to seek asylum in the Argentine legation.
On August 29, he officially hands power to General Manuel Baquedano, who will maintain order in Santiago until the arrival of the congressional leaders on the 30th.