SAN NARCISO, Zambales — A monument that commemorates a local historic event in the liberation of the Philippines in World War II was unveiled here at Barangay La Paz on January 29 by Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento and other local officials.

The monument was built at the Bloodless Landing Park, the site of the historic “Bloodless Landing” on January 29, 1945, when 30,000 American soldiers safely landed on the shores of Barangay La Paz without any resistance from enemy forces.

The successful Allied landing was made possible through the heroism and sacrifice of Filipino guerrillas who first liberated the area from the Japanese forces.

“This monument stands as a symbol of bravery, not only of 1st Lt. Aureliano Tadena and Sgt. Pablo Magno, but also of the people of La Paz and San Narciso,” Ebdane said during the unveiling ceremony.

The project is one of the important initiatives of the provincial government in collaboration with the local governments of San Narciso and Barangay La Paz to boost local culture, establish historical awareness, and promote tourism in the province, the Governor added.

According to local historians, approximately 30,000 troops of the U.S. XI Corps, led by Major General Charles P. Hall, landed on the shores of San Narciso on that fateful day in January 1945. The force included the 38th Infantry Division and the 34th Infantry Regimental Combat Team.

The landing was unopposed because Filipino guerrillas of the La Paz Sector, Zambales Military District, had already cleared the area of Japanese forces.

Instead of combat, American forces were greeted by jubilant civilians and Philippine flags already flying on the beach. Local guerrillas even rowed out to Allied ships in bancas (small boats) to inform the commander, Admiral Arthur D. Struble, that the area was secure, local accounts indicated.

The secure landing allowed Allied forces to quickly seize the San Marcelino airstrip and advance toward Subic Bay and Olongapo, thereby facilitating the eventual liberation of Bataan and Manila.

Ebdane said the historical marker is a fitting tribute to local Filipino guerillas and their role in the liberation of the Philippines. ■

COVER PHOTO: Gov. Ebdane, along with Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento, and other local government officials unveil the “Bloodless Landing” monument. (GO photo)