Today, we commemorate the historic landing on the shores of Leyte of the Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur, which started the country’s liberation against the Japanese occupation on October 20, 1944.

3,500 Filipino guerillas under the command of Col. Ruperto Kangleon assisted the Allied forces in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in late October 1944, culminating in the Philippines’ overwhelming victory over the Imperial Japanese Army. The Japanese used kamikaze pilots for the first time in the most significant naval combat in history. The Battle of Leyte Gulf marked a turning point in the Pacific theater, putting an end to Japan’s nearly three-year occupation of the Philippines.

As we celebrate the 78th Anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landings, we honor our fallen heroes and war veterans for their unwavering courage and bravery in defending our country during the second world war. May their stories of victory linger with us in remembering how Filipinos have united in contending for the Motherland’s freedom against the Japanese imperialist rule.

Happy 78th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary!

Source: Philippine Veterans Affairs Office

Layout by Victor Alvarez | An Batingaw

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