In every tour to a new locality, one cannot avoid asking the important question about a places’ history and culture. A sample question is how the place was affected by significant events in history and how those events shaped the lives of the local people past and present. Specifically, how was a place affected by the biggest war of the century – although it seems war has no end in sight even at this present time – with the ongoing destruction of Ukraine caused by the invasion of Russia and the Israel-Palestine conflict causing death and suffering to thousands.
Palawan has its share of war history dating back to the old days and especially during the Second World War with the horrifying events that took place in Plaza Cuartel in Puerto Princesa. The Second World War saw Japan wreaking havoc and occupying by force most Asian countries which include the Philippines.
Even the best island in the world, Palawan, was not spared by the brutalities and horrors of war.
The Japanese army stationed a contingent to watch over the island against any resistance.
The resistance was everywhere and all over the Philippine islands including Palawenos who also fought guerrilla warfare and took to the mountains to continue the struggle. Many were arrested, tortured and killed. The American and the Allied Forces supported the Filipinos in the struggle and had to undergo the same brutality.
The Palawenos were led by the famed Palaweño hero Dr. Higinio A. Mendoza who also served as governor before the war. He was captured and killed by the Japanese as a consequence.
A monument was erected in the Plaza Cuartel and the names of the soldiers etched in the stone marker represent the 150 American Prisoners of War (POW) who were burned to death by Japanese soldiers. The infamous date was December 14, 1944.
Only 11 of the POW’s survived to tell the tale. During the commotion, they were able to swim across the Puerto Bay which is some considerable distance.
Now every year people lay wreath in this memorial to honor the dead and wish that humanity will learn the past lessons of war in order to avoid making new ones
Plaza Cuartel is in the downtown of Puerto Princesa near the Catholic Cathedral and part of the Puerto Princesa City Day Tour.
