September 22nd, 2008 -- Posted in Battles, Ilocos, La Union |
Bacsil Ridge is located 9 kilometers of San Fernando town proper through the San Fernando-Bagulin Road. It was the last bastion of the retreating Japanese Imperial Army in the province. Later, the Ridge constituted the East Flank of the 121st Infantry of the United States of Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon (USAFIP, NL) during the Liberation in 1945.
The Bacsil Ridge celebration, held every March, commemorates the bravery of the Filipinos during the Battle in Bacsil Ridge in the year 1945 that led to the complete liberation of the town.
August 16th, 2008 -- Posted in Battles, Historical Sites, Ilocos Sur |
A monument stands on this strategic gap, 5,250 feet above sea level. Transverse by Highway 4, west of the town of Cervantes, the Pass served as the backdoor to General Yamashita’s last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II. The Battle of Bessang Pass was won by the USAFIP, NL on June 14, 1945.
Last June 14, 2008 marked the 63rd anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass. It is the victory of Filipino guerillas, mostly Ilocanos, where some 2,000 of them died in what is known in military annals as “The Battle of the Clouds.” It was in the Cordilleras where they fought the last stand of General Tomoiki Yamashita, “The Tiger of Malaya,” leading to his surrender.
Indeed, it was a great victory and a testimonial of the gallantry and the bravery of Filipino soldiers, Ilocanos and Igorots alike.
