Vets to recount WW2 liberation in 70th commemoration at park

HISTORICAL NOTES

Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The liberation of Baguio City and other parts of Luzon from Japanese Imperial forces would be “relived” during   70th liberation day commemoration here tomorrow (April 27) at Veteran’s Park along Harrison Road.

It would be an interplay of World War II veteran reminiscences and tribute to modern day heroes and Special Action Force (SAF) “Brave 14” of the Cordilleras, the latter of whom were killed recently by Muslim separatists in Mindanao.

The program includes wreath-laying by the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL), war veterans of foreign wars, Baguio City officials, and keynote speaker Ricardo Jose; the Philippine Military Academy band drum roll and Taps.

The singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and the United States of America shall also be accompanied by the PMA band.

With the theme, “Walk Baguio for liberators,” guest speaker Dr. Ricardo Jose of the Department of History, University of the Philippines, addresses the ever-decreasing number of Baguio-Benguet veterans and their kin.

Fascinated with Philippine and Asian wars Dr. Jose sought eyewitnesses for interviews. Now armed with local and foreign research publications, fellowships and awards, Dr. Jose is an expert on military and diplomatic history.

As to accounts from history, war in the Philippines began in Baguio on Dec. 8, 1941 as 18 planes, 17 in formation dropped bombs over Camp John Hay. Twenty days later, the Japanese forces occupied Baguio with Camp John Hay as their headquarters.  

In Time magazine and the New York and Times, February 23, 1942 issue the Igorot troops were praised for their bravery and skill in warfare along the boondock trails, with their bolos, while serving as guides for American tanks.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur, then noted, “I have never known the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell the story, stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots.”

April 9, 1942 marked the “Fall of Bataan,” and afterwards the “death march.”

Members of the 66th infantry showed bravery during times of the war, allowing then first lady Esperanza Osmena and family to escape, and attacks on the Japanese army specifically in Ansagan, Tuba as recalled by Sgt. Adriano Carantes and two others.

Baguio City and the towns of La Trinidad and Tuba in Benguet were liberated in April and May 1945. Commander of the Japanese Forces Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered to the US Army in Kiangan, Ifugao on Sept. 2, 1945.

The terms of surrender were signed by Yamashita at Camp John Hay, Baguio City on Sept. 3, 1945 marking the end of war in the Philippines.         

Rep. Nicasio Aliping, Jr., and Mayor Mauricio Domogan will deliver messages with performances from the Baguio City National High School Special Program for the Arts (BCNHS-SPA. A special number will be rendered by the Sons and Daughters of the Veterans.

Recollections will be given by lawyer Enrique Sobrepena of the First Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, USAFIP NL, and veteran Mateo Bakian for the stories from Halsema, Veteran Gabriel Igme of the Naguilian battle, and Veteran Vicente Bassit of the Kennon road attack.