WAR IN THE PHILIPPINES News reached the Philippines at about 3

a.m. philippine-american forces were then alerted. Later, the japanese made its operations outside palau Is. For the first time with minor sea assaults in davao bay. President Quezon was notified of the attacks by presidental secretary Jorge Vargas. The japanese raided baguio on dec. 9 and on the 10th about 50 japanese bombers appeared over manila, bombed the nichols field and the Cavite Naval Base.

ARRIVAL OF THE ENEMY

On dec. 11, twenty seven japanese aircrafts were repulsed by a five pursuit plane team Piloted by Capt. Jesus villamor, Lt. Aclan, Lt. Manlunas, Lt.Gozar and Lt. basa who died in one of the dogfights. By Dec. 10, the japanese began landing in:

a. Dec. 10 – Aparri with 3000 japanese troopsb. Dec. 12 – Legaspi, Albayc. Dec. 13 – San Fabian, La Uniond. Dec. 20 – Davaoe. Lingayen, pangasinan, Which was repulsed

by a Phil. Army Divisionf. Bauang to Agoo, Where Army commander

Lt. masaharu homma landed on Dec. 21g. Dec 24 – Atimonan and Mauban

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS SUSPENDEDThe situation in the philippines brought about by

the invasion made it difficult for the filipinos to realize that it was christmas time.

On Dec. 16, Archbishop of manila Michael O’Doherty suspended the celebration of the “misa de gallo”. No traditional mass was heard during the feast of “nocha buena”. Manila was shut to silence preparing for the arrival of the enemy. The Christmas eve was a real “Silent Night”, and although filled with uncertainty, it was a time when Filipinos prayed powerfully and strengthened futher their faith in God.

On Dec. 24, President Quezon and family left for Corregidor. He appointed Jorge Vargas, the Presidential Secretary, as mayor of manila. Another one to be left behind was Associate Justice Jose P. Laurel as Quezon found hin being an able man to protect his country. Laurel preferred to stay believing he could help this way because he knew a lot about the japanese people and their culture. He had stayed in japan for sometime and earned his degree from the Tokyo Imperial University

END :)