Joanna Marie O. Santos
October 23, 2022

Throughout Philippine history, there are many important events to look back at and remembering–Battles at the Leyte Gulf are some of them!

The MacArthur Landing, in Philippine History

While the MacArthur landing was the largest naval battle that occurred, it served as the motivation for what would become the most tragic naval battle of all time in Philippine history.

Image from the World War II Multimedia Database

4 Noteworthy Battles at the Leyte Gulf

Battle of the Sibuyan Sea

After midnight on October 23, U. S submarines Darter and Dace discovered Palawan when the Battle of the Sibuyan Sulu Seas occurred with Kurita’s First Attack Force. The U.S. Navy aircraft struck the Japanese Center Force, as they were approaching the Philippines from the southwest. 

Battle of Surigao Strait

Before dawn of October 25, battleships of the cruisers of the Royal Australian Navy’s Task Force 74 and the U.S. Seventh Fleet attached Japanese Forces that set foot into the Surigao Strait.  

Battle of Cape Engaño

On the night of October 24 to 26, Admiral William F. Halsey moved three battle groups of the Third Fleet to meet the Japanese decoy force.

Battle of Samar

In the battle of Samar, it was Kurita’s First Attack Force. Halsey shifted the Third Fleet to the north in search of the Japanese decoy force. Therefore, Halsey left behind the American amphibious forces on Leyte adversely unguarded. 

Image from Naval History and Heritage Command

The Leyte Landing Today: Celebrating History

The Battle of Leyte began on October 17, 1944. American and Australian troops reportedly collaborated with the Filipino guerrilla forces in order to attain invasion from the Japanese. 

In December 1941, they relinquished control of the area to the Japanese invasion when US forces had to flee from the Philippines. A part of the history is deeply remembering this line stated by General Douglas MacArthur “I shall return” - his famous speech after leaving the Philippines. 

Today, the Leyte Landing Memorial represents the historical moments of October 20, 1944. It is on the eastern side of the Central Philippines, in the municipality of Palo, Leyte. The Leyte Landing, now a memorial, is one of the smallest national parks in the world. 

Typhoon Haiyan damaged the park in November 2013. In line with this, the government took action and repaired the memorial.

Local and foreign dignitaries, along with the families and veterans who have experienced and been around the events of the war, attend it. The memorial today still serves as a re-enactment and replication of the historic landing. 

Image from Vigattin Tourism