The United States Liberation Plan - Part 1

Here is the official communication of the United States Armed Forces on its update of the liberation efforts. This includes Cebu, neighboring provinces and the islands of the Pacific crucial to the success of the liberation:

Released to the Press at 0630/I hours, 21 January 1945:

G.H.Q. SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA

COMMUNIQUE NO. 1019, 21 JANUARY 1945

(Sgd.) L. A. DILLER,

Colonel, GSC,

Public Relations.

PHILIPPINES

LUZON: On our left enemy resistance is crumbling and his troops are breaking up into disorganized groups. We have captured the high ground northeast of ROSARIO. In a series of uncoordinated counterattacks with armor and artillery between ROSARIO and URDANETA the enemy lost heavily in troops and equipment. Twenty-three enemy tanks and many field guns were destroyed. Our lines have advanced to SAN FELIPE, ASINGAN, and into the foothills north of POZORRUBIO. Enemy resistance in the CABARUAN HILLS has collapsed. Our units seized VILLASIS, CARMEN with its nearby airfield, and SAN MANUEL in TARLAC PROVINCE. Much railroad equipment was captured at PANIQUI. We now hold the entire highway from PANIQUI to SISON, a distance of 37 miles. This practically cuts the enemy in two, severing his forces in northern LUZON from those in southern LUZON. In the center our troops are advancing south from SANTA IGNACIA on TARLAC. Our medium, attack and fighter planes continued attacks on enemy communications and airfields throughout LUZON. A number of enemy planes were destroyed and others damaged in sweeps over LAOAG, LIPA, LEGASPI and SAN MARCELINO fields. Large fuel fires were started and runways left unserviceable. Railroad installations, a number of locomotives, 25 freight cars, and many trucks were wrecked. Practically half of the railroad stock in LUZON has now been destroyed. Supply dumps at ONGAIO were exploded and several barges sunk along the coast. Our heavy units bombed BAMBAN airdrome near CLARK FIELD, leaving it in flames. Air patrols strafed enemy troop concentrations and columns north of BAGUIO. Others attacked targets of opportunity in the BICOL PENINSULA and in the central plains.

NEGROS: Heavy bombers without opposition concentrated eighty-four tons on LA CARLOTA airdrome, causing large fires and explosions. Medium units and fighters effectively attacked BACOLOD, SILAY and ALICANTE airfields.

LEYTE: Elements of our ground forces have landed in the CAMOTES ISLANDS, midway between LEYTE and CEBU. Minor enemy air raids have been the only opposition. Our light naval patrols destroyed three enemy barges. (To be continued)