WW2 Yamashita surrender commemorated in Ifugao

By Charlie Lagasca

KIANGAN, Ifugao   – Ifugaos marked this weekend the 67th anniversary of the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita, whose fall in Ifugao 67 years ago signaled the end of World War II.

           

The highlights of the two-day commemoration which started yesterday took place at the Bantayog ng Kiangan in the town’s Barangay Linda, where a War Memorial Shrine dedicated to those who fought the Japanese invasion stands.

           

Besides local officials led by Gov. Eugene Balitang and the townsfolk, among those who attended the event were World War II veterans from northern Luzon and their families, and dignitaries from the United States and Japan.

           

Yamashita’s surrender took place on Sept. 2, 1945 in Kiangan’s once-entrenched Nabulaguian Hill, where he and his remaining forces holed up before eventually surrendering to Allied Forces following almost a month of bombardment. 

           

An interfaith celebration at the Kiangan town gym Friday night marked the start of the yearly commemoration.

           

Yesterday, after a commemorative Mass, a “bakle” or cultural gathering of the community, an agro-trade fair, and a photography contest were held.

           

Other activities included a free medical mission, bikers’ trek at the Yamashita trail, skydiving, ethnic games, and a concert. 

           

The main event today (Sunday) will start with a parade, followed by a re-enactment of Yamashita’s surrender, wreath-laying and a program with Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina as guest of honor and speaker in behalf of President Aquino. 

           

On Sunday afternoon, a marching band competition, slow drill by Philippine National Police Academy cadets, and a peace forum will be held while winners of various contests will be awarded during the closing program. 

           

Until 1966, Ifugao was part of the vast old Mt. Province, which also once covered Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet and Bontoc (the present Mt. Province).

           

After his surrender, Yamashita was brought the following day by helicopter to Baguio City where he formally signed surrender documents before American forces at Camp John Hay. 

           

Dubbed the Tiger of Malaya during the war, Yamashita, 60, was tried and sentenced to death for war crimes in December 1945 by an American military tribunal in Manila.

           

He was hanged to death on Feb. 23, 1946 at a prison camp in Los Baños, Laguna. 

           

Ifugao officials have been calling on the national government to declare Sept. 2 a national holiday to commemorate Filipino victory over the Japanese, instead of highlighting the country’s losses to foreign invaders.