MORE NEWS, ILOCOS SUR

Marker for Bessang Pass unveiled; WW2 vets’ exploits cited

TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur — National and local officials led surviving veterans and their relatives in the celebration of the 63rd anniversary of the "Battle of Bessang Pass" at the road junction in Barangay Bitalag here on June 14. House Deputy Speaker Eric D. Singson, Veterans Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Tagudin Mayor Jun Versoza and Gen. (ret.) Arnulfo Banez, national Commander of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), led the unveiling of the Bitalag Junction marker that immortalizes the valor and heroism of thousands of Ilocano-Filipino soldiers, who risked their lives to capture Bessang Pass during World War II.

Deputy House Speaker Singson said the place is significant and historical, considering that the Bitalag road junction served as a vital Japanese outpost which was assaulted by the elements of the 121st USAFIP-NL on January 8, 1945 and which was captured four days later.

He said that the siege of the Bitalag was the initial action in the Battle of Bessang Pass, a mountainous place located farther in the east. Bessang Pass was captured on June 14, 1945, hastening the surrender of the soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines.

The Bitalag road junction is the gateway to the Bessang Pass, which is about a two-hour uphill ride. Bessang Pass is located on Highway 4 in Barangay Malaya, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. At the Bessang Pass, a monument stands, some 5,250 feet above sea level. It served as the backdoor of General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s last-ditch defense in the final stage of World War II.

The Battle of Bessang Pass was captured by elements of USAFIP-NL on June 14, 1945. Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor "DV" Savellano, who had earlier led local officials and policemen in the floral offering at the foot of the historical monument of the "Battle of Bessang Pass" in Barangay Malaya, cited a historical fact that the "Battle of Bessang Pass" began with the assault on the Japanese line at Bitalag, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, by the USAFIP-NL on Jan. 8, 1945.

This was followed by the seizure of the enemy stronghold on Highway 4 and the defeat of the Japanese defenders of the Pass on June 14, 1945. The five-month battle spearheaded by the 121st USAFIP-NL was described by American military authorities as one of the most terrible, incredibly difficult battles of the entire war.

At least 3,400 men were killed and wounded during the series of gun battles in which Filipino soldiers from 10 units with the support of eight American Army units fought gallantly for freedom and peace. "The commemoration of the 'Battle of Bessang Pass' reminds us the value of patriotism, freedom for peace and development," Savellano said.