Romblon to mark ‘Battle of Sibuyan Sea’

SIBUYAN ISLAND, Romblon — Plans are afoot for the first-ever commemoration in October this year of the "Battle of Sibuyan Sea," dubbed as one of the greatest naval battles in history.

Retired Brig. Gen. Dominador Resos Jr., former director of Metro Manila’s Southern Police District, and "Forward Romblon," a local civic organization, are now in the process of coordinative work with the embassies of United States and Japan, as well as the offices of Rep. Eduardo Firmalo and Romblon Gov. Perpetuo Ylagan.

FORUM coordinator Ramon Gutierrez said the commemoration "should be made part of the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations."

Representatives of the US and Japanese governments will be invited to the one-day event which will be held here with the participation of local government units.

Gutierrez expressed hope that the event "will showcase Sibuyan Island as a potential ecotourism destination in Central Philippines, considering its awe-inspiring forests, unique species of flora and fauna, clean waterways, white beaches, diving sites, and the hospitality of its people."

Historical records obtained from the US Department of the Navy point to Sibuyan Sea as the location where American planes engaged the Japanese fleet led by the Yamato and Musashi, two of Japan’s biggest battleships in World War II, in a furious combat on Oct. 24, 1944.

The Musashi was sunk in Sibuyan waters on that day, while the Yamato fled for safety with its destroyer escorts.

The defeat of the Japanese fleet in Sibuyan paved the way for the success of the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte.

Residents say some Japanese survivors who swam ashore and hid in the forests of Mt. Guiting-guiting married local women and had children.

Gutierrez said the planned event "will be a celebration of world peace, friendship, and international cooperation."

Assisting Resos in the planned commemoration are FORUM officers Arlyn Servañez of The Philippine STAR, lawyers Romeo Robiso and Isabelo Tomas, and Raul Barredo of the Romblon governor’s office.