WW2 veterans honored in ‘surrender of Yamashita’ rites

BONTOC, Mountain Province – At least 36 World War II Veterans, post war retirees, and children of veterans from Mountain Province attended the 70th anniversary of the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita.

The commemoration of the fall of Yamashita was held at the World War II Memorial Shrine in Barangay Linda, Kiangan, Ifugao on Sept. 2.

Yamashita surrendered in Ifugao 70 years ago which signaled the end of World War II. This is also known as the Yamashita Fall which took place on September 2, 1945.

There were two surviving World War II Veterans from Mountain Province who were awarded with special awards. 98 –year old Rufino Doclosen Lacwasan of Bauko who was under the D Company, 5th Battalion, 66th Infantry, United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL). 

Also awarded was 87-year old Apolinaria Awingan Lopez of Sagada who was a member of the Women Auxiliary Services (WAS).

The occasion was graced by Philippine Air Force Retired Brigadier General Ildefonso Dulinayan and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Retired General Ernesto G. Carolina.

With the this year’s commemoration theme  “Building  Partnership for Peace,” the officials lauded the Cordilleran guerrillas and the members of the WAS for fighting side by side with the American soldier that resulted to the surrender of Gen. Yamashita that ended the World War II.

Meanwhile, the transportation of those from Mountain Province who attended the occasion was provided by Rep. Maximo B. Dalog. -- Alpine L. Killa