A Day To Remember

We have always known that the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation started on October 20, 1944 – an event that continues to be honored and celebrated with much fanfare to date. Better known as the Leyte Landing, this episode in Philippine history is said to be in fulfillment of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s famous promise, “I shall return”.

But we have not been told, at least officially, that Capul and the Capulenos played a strategic part of the battles that ensued - to liberate the rest of the country, particularly Manila. At that time, Japanese soldiers were already stationed in our island, and part of the clearing operations was to liberate Capul so that warships from the Pacific can enter Philippine territory through the San Bernardino Strait.

In a compilation done by Mary H. Williams of the Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army, Washington D.C. in 1960, these were the events of February 19, 1945:

LUZON - In U.S. Sixth Army's XIV Corps area, intensive bombardment of Intramuros continues. With capture of Object Hill by 160th Inf, 40th Div's current mission on right flank ends. RCT 1 rejoins 6th Div. In I Corps area, 33rd Div begging limited attacks to clear Bench Mark and Question Mark Hills, NE of sison. 1st Bn of 161st Inf, 25th Div, assisted by aircraft and arty and mortar fire, begins operations against (Japanese) positions NW of Lumboy, clearing the first of a series of four. In XI Corps area, East Force suspends drive across Bataan Peninsula while 149th Inf searches for (Japanese) positions. Rock Force repels (Japanese) counterattack on Corregidor Probing of Ternate area on S coast of Manila Bay is begun.

S PHILIPPINES - In U.S. Eight Army area, X Corps begins series of amphibious operations to clear shipping route through San Bernardino Strait to port of Manila. Prov Trask Force of Americal Div lands elements at Allen, on NW tip of Samar, and 1st Bn of 182nd Inf on Capul I., at W entrance to San Bernardino Strait. The landing parties begin search for (Japanese).

Likewise, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website, in an article honoring Lieutenant Col. Harry F. Garber of the Engineering Corps says that “From February 19-22, 1945. “Lieutenant Colonel Garber served as navigator for the Detachment of the 542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment participating in the North Samar, Capul, and Biri Islands operation. In this operation which extended over an area of one hundred miles of narrow, treacherous , inside straits, his skillful navigation, thorough knowledge of currents and sound judgment insured maximum efficiency in the operation of small boats and contributed materially to the success of the entire offensive.”

Clearly, Capul’s place in history must be remembered and retold to the current generation. No doubt, the youth of today is no longer aware that our forebears suffered the ravage of war, and from among our Lolos and Lolas come a generation of heroes who fought side by side with the Americans.

The last of these Abaknon veterans may have gone to rest, but the memory of their valiant efforts must not likewise fade.

As suggested by Lt. Col. Jun C. Manalo (OS) Phil Army, whose reading of the book “Philippine Campaigns” by Baclagon triggered this article, we owe it to history that February 19 be declared as Capul Liberation Day, and make this commemoration a platform for communal effort to remember and honor the Abaknons who suffered in the war and challenge the present generation to work hard to keep the peace that we inherited.

We still have time. Maybe our present Sangguniang Bayan can make the declaration and the LGU can take care of the activities. Of course, it's just a suggestion. (RSA)

(the pics were freely lifted from the net and this site claims no ownership thereof)