Emilio S. Liwanag
Encyclopedia
Captain Emilio S. Liwanag (March 27, 1911 – April 12, 1967) was an officer in the Philippine Navy
during the Second World War
and the Korean War
.
He started his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 3rd Light Infantry Regiment in the Philippine Army
after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy
. He joined the Offshore Patrol
unit of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) as an 1st Lieutenant during the Second World War
and was involved in the Battle of Bataan and during the country's liberation in the Battle of Manila.
During the Korean War, he served as an Lieutenant Commander - Logistic officer in the Army's 10th Battalion Combat Team as part of the United Nations Forces - Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
(PEFTOK) during the 1st year of the war, which was the first deployment of Philippine combat forces under the Republic of the Philippines into foreign soil. Shortly after his return from his 1st tour in Korea, he served a 2nd tour as Liaison officer under the Philippine Navy for the UN Command and Philippine Diplomatic Representative in Tokyo, Japan.
He attended the Philippine Military Academy
at Baguio City, Mountain Province, Philippines from November 27, 1933 to May 31, 1935 under the academic program. Then entered the military program from June 1, 1935 to March 25, 1938 where he graduated from the Class of 1938 with a Bachelor of Science
degree. With the Philippines under the American rule at that time, Liwanag spoke fluent English.
After graduation he was appointed to the 3rd Light Infantry Regiment
as a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Army
. In 1941, he voluntarily joined and graduated from the Army's Off Shore Patrol (OSP) Training School in Manila as part of the USAFFE forces, which needed more officers for the unit because of the threatening escalation of the Imperial Japanese forces
in the region. At Fort William McKinley
, he studied in the Advanced Infantry Gunnery Course (artillery) in 1950 before his deployment to Korea under the Philippine Army. He also studied in the United States at the Naval Mine Warfare School (NSMW) in Yorktown, Virginia in 1957.
(OSP). At this time, the Offshore Patrol - the forerunner of the Philippine Navy, is the only Filipino naval force after the United States Asiatic Fleet
which is in charged of the naval protection for the Philippines. He was temporarily promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 27, 1941. A few weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
, his rank became permanent after he was inducted into the US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on Dec. 19, 1941. Four days later, the Japanese planes bombed the Offshore Patrol
Headquarters in Manila
where he was stationed, fortunately he was off-base when this incident happened. The Base Commander ordered the OSP
Headquarters to be burned down before the Japanese arrival into the city.
He relocated and served in the Harbor Defense Force under the Offshore Patrol
unit in Lamao
, Bataan
during the Battle of Bataan
. Lamao was the new location of the OSP headquarters which was based at the Lamao Horiculture Center, until mid-February they moved HQ further down to Alasasin Point along the Dinguinin River, Bataan. During the next three and a half months his unit was in charge of supplying ammunition, medicine and provisions for the front lines from supply points across Manila Bay, using a 55-foot (17 m) high-speed Thorneycroft
Coastal Motor Boat
(CMB) available to them, along with several converted civilian "fast" boats. When the Fall of Bataan occurred as the last line of defense was breached by the Japanese forces, droves of American and Filipino soldiers tried to escape capture by any means. Some of these soldiers found their way to Lamao knowing that boats were located there. During an cargo drop-off, Liwanag noticed a small number of armed and unarmed army soldiers, about a dozen, were trying to board his boats which was strictly ordered to carry ammo & supplies only, not indigenous personnel. Without the knowledge that the last battle line had been breached, he threatened many of the soldiers who board any of his boats will be shot. As he came back for another supply trip back to Lamao, his dock was overwhelmed by a chaotic scene of more panicked troops eager to escape the Japanese advance. He realized the last battle line has finally failed and understood the peril of these men and the danger of his own unit's position. He ordered all boats on dock to dump their cargo and prepare to take on passengers for an immediate evacuation mission. Then he organized the dock evacuations because the retreating troops were endangering the boats by overloading and capsizing them, at the same time restore some form of order. From his dock, he sent out an urgent radio order and a general distress call for more needed boats from across Manila Bay. While all types of boats both military and civilian were volunteering to assist in the evacuation, more unarmed panicked troops kept flooding in. He ordered a number of these troops to create a guard perimeter, which a group of volunteers took the task, to provide a security buffer outside the dock facilities from enemy incursions while the evacuation took place. As the night fell, the Japanese were slowly closing in, he ordered a number of the waiting troops with demolition skills to assist in preparing the dock and facilities for destruction by using the ordnance from their last supply run so it wouldn't be useful to the Japanese. They used as much of their dock's fuel resources to fill the tanks of all the incoming boats and any portable fuel canisters, since Lamao was also a fuel supply depot.
When all the troops and non-essential personnel were safely shuttled off, he ordered all remaining boats to start loading the full fuel canisters onboard to be dropped off at a friendly port. The fuel was mainly used for his unit of OSP boats to remain functional since they didn't know where another fuel depot would be located. He coordinated the incoming and outcoming boats for the fuel removal, when the perimeter guards warned the Japanese were approaching their security perimeter. He told all of them to withdraw and ordered the entire dock personnel to evacuate in any available boats. Since most of the docked boats were loaded with extra fuel tanks, the remaining dock personnel had to sit on top of them as they departed. Liwanag along with some boats remained and waited for all the volunteer perimeter guards to arrive. They all came running in and jumped on to the boats saying the Japanese were behind them only by several minutes. He finally gave the order for the destruction of the fuel tanks, facilities and dock. As his boat departed, some the perimeter guards on board started firing at the direction of the Japanese to keep them at bay, but told them to cease fire to prevent the Japanese from locking on to their position from their weapon's muzzle fire which would endangering themselves further since they were all sitting on top of portable fuel tanks. They'll use the night's darkness to conceal their departure with only the sounds of their boat's motors indicating their presence. The dock's destruction took place late during the night with their withdrawal punctuated by a tremendous explosions of the fuel depot tanks which was seen across the Manila Bay.
His unit was forced to surrender after the declaration was broadcasted from the Malinta Tunnel
in Corregidor through the Voice of Freedom, for all USAFFE forces immediate surrender to the Japanese. At that point his unit was low on ammunition and fuel getting scarce, since they have been cut off from additional supplies and reinforcements by better trained and equipped, front-line Japanese forces. They surrendered in Nasugbu, Batangas
on April 9, 1942 while transferring evacuating troops by boat from a withdrawal point off the most southern point of Bataan. Before they turned themselves over to the Japanese, he ordered the immediate destruction of their boats once they docked, which some burned from lighting the portable fuel tanks or shot out the bottoms to sink them. He was transferred by truck along with his unit to San Fernando
, then crammed to standing room in train box cars as the Japanese overloaded them to more than double its capacity to Capas, Tarlac
. Once they were offloaded in Capas, they marched the last three kilometers to the internment camp to be detained as POWs.
Liwanag was interned in Camp O'Donnell
which was used as an internment camp for both American and Filipino prisoners of war in Capas, Tarlac
from April 9 to August 4, 1942. The Japanese occupying force released a very small number of Philippine military personnel to return back to civilian life, of which he was one of the fortunate few. Their aim was to integrate them back to society but kept some of them under Japanese surveillance by Filipino collaborators loyal to the Japanese in the hope they would lead them to any Allied dissident forces. He could not return to his family for fear of endangering them by using them as leverage against him. He did not acknowledge any one of his civilian friends who recognized him, knowing that the Japanese might interrogate them. One of his friends knew the predicament he was in and notified the family his whereabouts, which at that time believed he was still interned in Camp O'Donnell. Liwanag's wife doubted their friend that the Japanese were releasing Filipino military personnel, until she travelled to Capas and confirmed it on a posted form on the POW camp bulletin board of the 1,400 prisoners that were released. With so much time in his hands, he would take long walks but was actually gathering intelligence on Japanese positions, personnel, equipment and strength. Knowing that the US General Douglas MacArthur
will return from Australia, the information will be useful in the re-take of Manila and its surrounding towns.
Once the US Forces returned to the Philippines and started driving back the Japanese forces, he sought out to rejoin the Allied forces but was recognized by a fellow POW who was interred with him that had connections to the guerilla forces. With their help, they both got back to Allied hands. Liwanag was processed & placed back in the USAFFE and reinstated to his rank of 1st Lieutenant on Jan. 28, 1945. What was left of his Offshore Patrol
unit was mainly dismantled by the Japanese, the main portion were still interned in Camp O'Donnell
, his boats were scuttled or burned so Japanese forces won't have them. Only a small group of surviving personnel of the Offshore Patrol conducted guerilla hit-and-run attacks. With the enemy intelligence he gathered along with his knowledge of the layout of Manila, he was assigned to assist US Army units preparing to enter the city. Five days later, his unit fought in the Battle of Manila
.
Manuel Roxas
strengthened the Offshore Patrol after issuing Executive Order No. 94 on October 5, 1947. This order elevated the Patrol to a major command that was equal to the other branches of the armed forces, which is now the Philippine Navy
. The OSP
was renamed the Philippine Naval Patrol (PNP), later on it changed into the Philippine Navy on January 5, 1951. In July 1946, Liwanag returned to his old unit which changed into the newly formed Philippine Naval Patrol and was reactivated to the promoted naval rank as an Lieutenant Commander
, after serving with the USAFFE which disbanded after June 30, 1946.
Liwanag was part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
(PEFTOK), the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that was deployed to Korea. He was assigned to the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) - Motorized, Philippine Army - United Nations Command (UNC) as an Navy Lieutenant Commander (equivalent to an Army Major) - Logistics officer
. They landed in Busan, Korea on September 19, 1950 along with 1,303 enlisted men and 64 officers who were transported by US Navy transport vessels. The PEFTOK was the 8th foreign country after the Americans and the 27th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade
(consisting of units from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and 2 Battalions from Hong Kong]. Most of the Filipino battalion were combat veterans who fought the Japanese Imperial Army either as a regular soldier or guerrilla. The 10th BCT was attached to and provided support for the American 25th Infantry Division.
The battalion had to deal with some immediate setbacks upon their arrival in the port of Busan, they have no armor available for them. The 10th was Philippines' only armored tank battalion at the time, consisting of three rifle companies, a medium tank company, a reconnaissance company equipped with light tanks and a field artillery battery. They were equipped with a company of 29 M4 Sherman
medium tanks and a company of M5 Stuart light tanks which all remained in the Philippines. The Americans were to supply the 10th with surplus tanks consisting of 17 M4 Shermans and one M10 tank destroyer which was awaiting for them in Korea. Unfortunately during the UN Command withdrawal from the Battle of Pusan Perimeter
, their tanks were destroyed before they saw combat. For several days since their landing, they received no word from the Americans when or if they will receive replacement armor. The 10th battalion commanders and staff were wondering what to do with the two tankless companies once the battalion were assigned to a mission from the Americans, since most of the armor personnel were lightly armed. As the battalion Logistic officer, Liwanag took it upon himself to rectify their precarious dilemma. He requested the battalion commanders, Lt. Col. Mariano Azurin and 2IC
Lt. Col. Dionisio S. Ojeda, if he could have several trucks and men, namely tank drivers with commanders, to accompany him to the 25th Infantry Division headquarters to see what they have available at their supply depot.
When they arrived to the 25th Division HQ, it was a beehive of activity as they were securing their sector of the UN battleline. After explaining directly to the American HQ commanders of the 10th situation, they gave him free rein in the division's supply depot and motor pool to take whatever Liwanag needed. Without conferring to his battalion commanders on items they had on hand, he secured the items that were available before they were requisitioned to another unit. When he returned, to the surprise of everyone in the battalion, he was able to secure seven M24 Chaffee
light tanks as their only replacement armor, and riding behind them were several more truckloads of brand new heavy weapons ranging from machine guns of different variants, bazookas, grenades and mortars - along with more ammunition for the entire battalion's needs. There were no available spare Shermans, as all replacement tanks would take several weeks to be shipped in from the US mainland. The Recon Company received the Chaffees which was a far better light tank compared to their under gunned, slow, obsolete M5 Stuarts. All the truckloads of new heavy weaponry he collected went to the tankless Tank Company which he reorganize them as a Heavy Weapons Company, which the battalion commander & officers approved to Liwanag's re-assessment. Near the city of Miryang
, the battalion spent about 2 weeks of pre-combat training with their new equipment and their change of combat duties, namely the Heavy Weapons Company.
On April 22, the 10th BCT was deployed 5 kilometers north of Yeoncheon amid the Chinese Spring Offensive. The battalion was moved to the 3rd Infantry Division to reinforce its ranks, which the Chinese 44th Division offensive was to conduct echelons of night attacks to overrun the 10th's hill position . The Filipino battalion was heavily outnumbered 17 to 1 and surrounded, which made every Filipino, from cooks to drivers, to take up arms and fight. They succeeded in holding their position from the Chinese which allowed the withdrawal of friendly forces, and continued to hold their ground until they were given the order for their own to withdraw. The battle was known as the Battle of Yultong
which became the largest battle that Philippine troops participated in during the Korean War and was widely known as their bravest stand during the conflict. For their actions, Tank Company, which he retasked and provided their weaponry, was decorated the US Gallantry Award. The 10th BCT earned it's unit's name, "The Fighting Filipinos" later called "The Fighting Tenth". They continued to serve until September 27, 1951 when they were replaced by the 20th BCT. His unit stayed 398 days in Korea and returned to Manila on October 23 to a euphoric heroes welcome.
Several months after his return with the 10th BCT, he was redeployed back to the Korean War under the Philippine Navy. He was assigned as the senior naval advisor to the Philippine Diplomatic Representative for the Philippine Embassy, along with the additional duty of being the Philippine Liaison Officer to United Nations Command
Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. On July 5, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Commander
.
On October 7, 1952, Liwanag was decorated with the Legion of Merit
(Officer Degree) by Maj. Gen. Blackshear M. Bryan deputy chief of staff - HQ
Far East Command
, for services in the Philippine Liaison office with the UN Command during the Korean War
. He became the first Filipino Officer to receive this distinguished medal, which is the highest US military decoration to be given to a foreign national.
According to the citation, Commander Liwanag distinguished himself from December 12, 1950 to September 30, 1952. It read in part:
His Legion of Merit medal currently resides in display at the Philippine Military Academy Museum which was donated by his family.
"Bulwark", a harbor defense maneuver sponsored jointly by the Philippine Navy
and US Navy. The naval operation was the first US-Philippine joint exercise since the Philippines' liberation (1946). Its purpose was to acquaint and promote the close working relationship of the US Navy and the Philippine Navy in the defense of Philippine harbors. The exercise was significant in that the ability of a nation to last in a war of any kind, whether nuclear or conventional, would depend upon its ability to protect its shipping life-lines.
For the first time in any joint US-Philippine exercise, all US Navy units during phase II and III was placed under the overall command of a Philippine Navy senior officer, Capt. Emilio Liwanag. According to Lt. Gen Alfonso Arellano, AFP Chief of Staff (1956–1957), he hailed the designation of Liwanag, pointing out that it was the first time that a Filipino officer was chosen to head a vital and big military exercise in which a foreign contingent was participating. Selection of Liwanag, Arellano said, shows only too well the proficiency of the Filipino soldier and the degree of respect and admiration with which he is held by his counterparts abroad.
The exercise was broken down in three different phases in a three-month period:
This stage of the exercise, which involves the shore training of participants on techniques and procedures in harbor defense at the base in Cavite
. Fifty-six PN officers and three hundred enlisted men had a two-week classroom instruction course on harbor defense to be followed by another two weeks of practical training under competent Filipino and American instructors from Cavite Navy Yard and US Naval Base Subic Bay. After their training, these PN officers and sailors would form the nucleus of the country's first post-war harbor defense unit.
Consist of drills at the Corregidor
and Caballo
areas and establishment of a Harbor Defense Command Center. This stage practices operations against enemy air and sub-surface attackers along with protecting friendly shipping lanes. The tactical importance of this phase of this exercise was that in case of a real emergency, Corregidor may be fortified to protect the entire harbor of Manila. The addition of radar, sonar and other harbor defense equipment was set up on Corregidor to improve and upgrade the Harbor defenses, which was provided by the US Navy.
The actual firing phase where the US-Philippine Navy participant-units focus on Harbor defense operations to protect friendly shipping off Corregidor. This included mine laying operations, surface and underwater detection with radar, sonar, spotting towers and anti-aircraft action. They simulated attacks from a submarine, a disguised merchant ship and an air attack around Corregidor and Caballo islands area. Eight assorted PN vessels and Harbor defense unit will staved off an actual attack of enemy forces played by seven US naval vessels including a submarine. The Philippine Air Force
contributed friendly and enemy forces of P-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabre jets.
The naval exercise was successful in giving valuable operational training in harbor defense and mine warfare to the participating units and promoted closer working relations among the Philippine Navy, Air Force and the US Navy. This benchmarked some milestones for the Philippine Forces for being the first US-Philippine bilateral harbor defense maneuvers held in the Philippines since the liberation. The first activation of the country's Harbor Defense Unit, and the first Filipino senior officer to command a combined exercise.
The exercise involved fifteen US and Philippine naval vessels: the US Navy provided picket boats, minesweepers - USS Fortify, Inflict
and Engage
, a submarine - USS Capitaine
, aircrafts - namely two Martin PBM patrol bombers, several amphibious vehicles (LVT-4
) and harbor defense units. The Philippine Navy provided minesweepers, coast guard crafts (CGC)s, a patrol craft - RPS Cebu (currently BRP Cebu (PS-28)
which was later reclassified as a corvette-class under the PN
) and signal check stations on Corregidor. The Philippine Air Force
provided four squadrons consisting of eight P-51 Mustangs, four F-86 Sabre jets, four HU-16 Albatross amphibious flying boats and helicopter rescue teams.
The success also led to the procurement of equipment used by the US Navy for this exercise. US military observers which includes Maj. Gen. Joseph Harper
, Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) chief, and Rear Admiral Edgar A. Cruise, commander US Naval Forces - Philippines, were impressed and praised the conduct of the exercise. Admiral Cruise turned over six amphibious tractors to Commodore Jose Francisco, PN
chief, which will be allocated to the Philippine Marines.
Maj. General Harper turned over the equipment and facilities used in the harbor defense operations.
These equipment and installations include mobile and stationary radar units, magnetic control mines, hydrophones and magnetic indicator loops, which are mostly designed for detecting approaching surface and subsurface vessels, all worth about two million (US-1958) dollars.
created the Presidential Enforcement Unit for Southern Philippines (PLEUSP) which was to erradiate rampant violations of customs, revenue and immigration laws in the south of the Philippines. These violations deprived the government of substantial revenues and provided ruinous competition to legitimate business that would hinder the national economy.
Captain Liwanag was the commander of the naval unit, Task Force 10, which served as the executing arm of the naval element of the PLEUSP group. The Task Force was to stop, seize and confiscate all vessels, cargo and contraband that enters Philippine's territorial waters illegally. He was in-charge of securing the southernmost territorial boundaries because of Indonesia was a launch point and the main source of most of the smuggling operations. This also included the duty of preventing Indonesian communist elements from infiltrating through Mindanao and Sulu regions. In 1960-61, he became the commander of the Navy's Service Force, which is responsible for preparing auxiliary transport and amphibious ships dedicated for sea lift and amphibious operations.
During 1962-63, Liwanag was appointed as the 3rd Commandant of the Naval Operating Force (NOF) which is the main fighting element of the Philippine Navy. The Naval Operating Forces were composed of units of a Marine Battalion, Underwater Operations unit, Naval Air unit and a Small Craft unit. During his command, he carried out and continued a more stringent anti-smuggling campaign under President Diosdado Macapagal
administration. More smuggling operations were uncovered and intercepted from the country's southern coastal waters while further enforcing it's territorial waterways from any incursions.
medal conferred by Commodore Juan B. Magluyan, Philippine Navy Chief. His citation read in part,
He was married to Caridad Buenconsejo (May 25, 1911 - October 8, 1992). They have seven children: four sons and three daughters and survived by two sons and three daughters.
Captain Emilio S. Liwanag died from liver failure (cirrhosis
) on April 12, 1967 at the Victoriano Luna General Hospital. He is currently buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
(Cemetery of Heroes) in Fort Bonifacio
. (Flat H, Row 10, Sec. 12)
in the province of Palawan
was renamed Naval Station Emilio Liwanag as one of several bases, facilities, and stations renamed thru-out the country. Location: 11.05316°N 114.28484°W
In May 2010, the 112th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy, a newly commissioned Patrol Gunboat PG-118 was christened as BRP Emilio Liwanag in his honor. The ship was originally PKM 223, a Chamsuri class patrol boat used by the South Korean Navy in the 1970s, which was acquired in 2006 along with PKM 232. The PKMs (Patrol Killer Medium) are the earlier series of the Chamsuri class vessels, which were manufactured by the Hanjin Industrial SB, Chinhae and Korean SB & Eng. Masan shipyards. These vessels were procured under the Revised Re-prioritized Project List (RRPL) of the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP) in line with the PN Moderization Program. It will undergo an extensive refurbishing and modernization upgrades under the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program before joining the Naval fleet's inventory which will be completed by Propmech Corporation.
On the morning of January 4, 2011, a newly upgraded patrol gunboat BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG-118) is the latest addition to join the Philippine Navy's floating inventory. Leading the ceremony at Navy Headquarters, Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin
witnessed by officers and personnel of the Philippine Navy, together with Mrs. Emilia Liwanag Hilado, youngest daughter of the late Capt. Emilio S. Liwanag. The newly restored Tomas Batillo class
is the 7th patrol gunboat that was recently refurbished & modernized since it's purchase back in 2006.
The gunboat's overall refurbishment includes upgrades to its communications equipment, replacement of the old original engines with two new Caterpillar 3516C engines @ 3151 hp, and enhancement of the electrical & auxiliary machinery. The vessel has a maximum speed of 31 knots and is capable of the following: surface and air action against enemy forces; interdiction patrol; sealift of platoon size troops with full combat gears in the conduct of ISO; search and rescue within territorial waters; transport of personnel, cargo and civic action operations.
On April 15, 2011, PG-118 has been officially commissioned into active duty during 73rd anniversary of the Philippine Naval Fleet by Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin
. Ceremories took place at Sangley Point in Cavite City.
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
during the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
.
He started his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 3rd Light Infantry Regiment in the Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
. He joined the Offshore Patrol
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
unit of the U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) as an 1st Lieutenant during the Second World War
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and was involved in the Battle of Bataan and during the country's liberation in the Battle of Manila.
During the Korean War, he served as an Lieutenant Commander - Logistic officer in the Army's 10th Battalion Combat Team as part of the United Nations Forces - Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea was the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War . The unit arrived in Korea in August 1950. It was composed of 7,500 troops, and was the fourth largest force under the United Nations Command...
(PEFTOK) during the 1st year of the war, which was the first deployment of Philippine combat forces under the Republic of the Philippines into foreign soil. Shortly after his return from his 1st tour in Korea, he served a 2nd tour as Liaison officer under the Philippine Navy for the UN Command and Philippine Diplomatic Representative in Tokyo, Japan.
Early Life and Education
Liwanag was born on March 27, 1911 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines to Francisco Liwanag and Ana Soriano. He was sixth among seven children, three brothers and four sisters.He attended the Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
at Baguio City, Mountain Province, Philippines from November 27, 1933 to May 31, 1935 under the academic program. Then entered the military program from June 1, 1935 to March 25, 1938 where he graduated from the Class of 1938 with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree. With the Philippines under the American rule at that time, Liwanag spoke fluent English.
After graduation he was appointed to the 3rd Light Infantry Regiment
3rd Infantry Division (Philippines)
The 3rd Infantry Division, is a unit of the Philippine Army, currently based at Camp Gen Macario Peralta Jr in Jamindan, Capiz, Philippines.-3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Commonwealth Army during World War II under the Japanese Occupation:...
as a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
. In 1941, he voluntarily joined and graduated from the Army's Off Shore Patrol (OSP) Training School in Manila as part of the USAFFE forces, which needed more officers for the unit because of the threatening escalation of the Imperial Japanese forces
Imperial Japanese forces
For Imperial Japanese Forces, see* Imperial Japanese Army* Imperial Japanese NavyAir Forces were part of the Army or Navy....
in the region. At Fort William McKinley
Fort William McKinley
Fort William McKinley, was established in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War in 1901 when the whole land south of Pasig River down to Alabang was declared a U.S. Military Reservation. During the World War II era, it was where USAFFE had its headquarters for the Philippine Department...
, he studied in the Advanced Infantry Gunnery Course (artillery) in 1950 before his deployment to Korea under the Philippine Army. He also studied in the United States at the Naval Mine Warfare School (NSMW) in Yorktown, Virginia in 1957.
World War II
At the outbreak of World War II, Liwanag was a 2nd Lieutenant supply officer in the Offshore PatrolOffshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
(OSP). At this time, the Offshore Patrol - the forerunner of the Philippine Navy, is the only Filipino naval force after the United States Asiatic Fleet
United States Asiatic Fleet
The United States Asiatic Fleet was part of the U.S. Navy. Preceding the World War II era, until 1942, the fleet protected the Philippines.Originally the Asiatic Squadron, it was upgraded to fleet status in 1902. In 1907, the fleet became the First Squadron of the Pacific Fleet. However, on 28...
which is in charged of the naval protection for the Philippines. He was temporarily promoted to 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 27, 1941. A few weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
, his rank became permanent after he was inducted into the US Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on Dec. 19, 1941. Four days later, the Japanese planes bombed the Offshore Patrol
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
Headquarters in Manila
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
where he was stationed, fortunately he was off-base when this incident happened. The Base Commander ordered the OSP
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
Headquarters to be burned down before the Japanese arrival into the city.
He relocated and served in the Harbor Defense Force under the Offshore Patrol
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
unit in Lamao
Lamao
Lamao is a barrio in Limay, Bataan, facing the Manila Bay in the Philippines. The population of Lamao is about 18,000, which made it the most populous barangay in Bataan...
, Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...
during the Battle of Bataan
Battle of Bataan
The Battle of Bataan represented the most intense phase of Imperial Japan's invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The capture of the Philippine Islands was crucial to Japan's effort to control the Southwest Pacific, seize the resource-rich Dutch East Indies, and protect its Southeast...
. Lamao was the new location of the OSP headquarters which was based at the Lamao Horiculture Center, until mid-February they moved HQ further down to Alasasin Point along the Dinguinin River, Bataan. During the next three and a half months his unit was in charge of supplying ammunition, medicine and provisions for the front lines from supply points across Manila Bay, using a 55-foot (17 m) high-speed Thorneycroft
John I. Thornycroft & Company
John I. Thornycroft & Company Limited, usually known simply as Thornycroft was a British shipbuilding firm started by John Isaac Thornycroft in the 19th century.-History:...
Coastal Motor Boat
Coastal Motor Boat
During the First World War, following a suggestion from three junior officers of the Harwich destroyer force that small motor boats carrying a torpedo might be capable of travelling over the protective minefields and attacking ships of the German Navy at anchor in their bases, the Admiralty gave...
(CMB) available to them, along with several converted civilian "fast" boats. When the Fall of Bataan occurred as the last line of defense was breached by the Japanese forces, droves of American and Filipino soldiers tried to escape capture by any means. Some of these soldiers found their way to Lamao knowing that boats were located there. During an cargo drop-off, Liwanag noticed a small number of armed and unarmed army soldiers, about a dozen, were trying to board his boats which was strictly ordered to carry ammo & supplies only, not indigenous personnel. Without the knowledge that the last battle line had been breached, he threatened many of the soldiers who board any of his boats will be shot. As he came back for another supply trip back to Lamao, his dock was overwhelmed by a chaotic scene of more panicked troops eager to escape the Japanese advance. He realized the last battle line has finally failed and understood the peril of these men and the danger of his own unit's position. He ordered all boats on dock to dump their cargo and prepare to take on passengers for an immediate evacuation mission. Then he organized the dock evacuations because the retreating troops were endangering the boats by overloading and capsizing them, at the same time restore some form of order. From his dock, he sent out an urgent radio order and a general distress call for more needed boats from across Manila Bay. While all types of boats both military and civilian were volunteering to assist in the evacuation, more unarmed panicked troops kept flooding in. He ordered a number of these troops to create a guard perimeter, which a group of volunteers took the task, to provide a security buffer outside the dock facilities from enemy incursions while the evacuation took place. As the night fell, the Japanese were slowly closing in, he ordered a number of the waiting troops with demolition skills to assist in preparing the dock and facilities for destruction by using the ordnance from their last supply run so it wouldn't be useful to the Japanese. They used as much of their dock's fuel resources to fill the tanks of all the incoming boats and any portable fuel canisters, since Lamao was also a fuel supply depot.
When all the troops and non-essential personnel were safely shuttled off, he ordered all remaining boats to start loading the full fuel canisters onboard to be dropped off at a friendly port. The fuel was mainly used for his unit of OSP boats to remain functional since they didn't know where another fuel depot would be located. He coordinated the incoming and outcoming boats for the fuel removal, when the perimeter guards warned the Japanese were approaching their security perimeter. He told all of them to withdraw and ordered the entire dock personnel to evacuate in any available boats. Since most of the docked boats were loaded with extra fuel tanks, the remaining dock personnel had to sit on top of them as they departed. Liwanag along with some boats remained and waited for all the volunteer perimeter guards to arrive. They all came running in and jumped on to the boats saying the Japanese were behind them only by several minutes. He finally gave the order for the destruction of the fuel tanks, facilities and dock. As his boat departed, some the perimeter guards on board started firing at the direction of the Japanese to keep them at bay, but told them to cease fire to prevent the Japanese from locking on to their position from their weapon's muzzle fire which would endangering themselves further since they were all sitting on top of portable fuel tanks. They'll use the night's darkness to conceal their departure with only the sounds of their boat's motors indicating their presence. The dock's destruction took place late during the night with their withdrawal punctuated by a tremendous explosions of the fuel depot tanks which was seen across the Manila Bay.
His unit was forced to surrender after the declaration was broadcasted from the Malinta Tunnel
Malinta Tunnel
The Malinta Tunnel is a tunnel complex built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers on the island of Corregidor in the Philippines. It was initially used as a bomb-proof storage and personnel bunker, but was later equipped as a 1,000-bed hospital. The main tunnel, running east to west, is ...
in Corregidor through the Voice of Freedom, for all USAFFE forces immediate surrender to the Japanese. At that point his unit was low on ammunition and fuel getting scarce, since they have been cut off from additional supplies and reinforcements by better trained and equipped, front-line Japanese forces. They surrendered in Nasugbu, Batangas
Nasugbu, Batangas
Nasugbu is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 113,926 people in 19,615 households....
on April 9, 1942 while transferring evacuating troops by boat from a withdrawal point off the most southern point of Bataan. Before they turned themselves over to the Japanese, he ordered the immediate destruction of their boats once they docked, which some burned from lighting the portable fuel tanks or shot out the bottoms to sink them. He was transferred by truck along with his unit to San Fernando
San Fernando
-Argentina:*San Fernando, Buenos Aires, city of Greater Buenos Aires*San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, capital of Catamarca province-Mexico:*San Fernando, Chiapas*San Fernando, Coahuila*San Fernando, Durango*San Fernando, Tamaulipas...
, then crammed to standing room in train box cars as the Japanese overloaded them to more than double its capacity to Capas, Tarlac
Capas, Tarlac
Capas is a first class municipality in the province of Tarlac, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 122,084 people in 18,333 households. It is a part of the Third Municipal district of Tarlac with Mayor Antonio "TJ" Capitulo Rodriguez, Jr. as its incumbent Mayor and...
. Once they were offloaded in Capas, they marched the last three kilometers to the internment camp to be detained as POWs.
Liwanag was interned in Camp O'Donnell
Camp O'Donnell
Camp O'Donnell was a facility of the United States Air Force in Capas, Tarlac, The Philippines. Before the facility was transferred to the Air Force, it was first a Philippine Constabulary post then a United States Army facility....
which was used as an internment camp for both American and Filipino prisoners of war in Capas, Tarlac
Capas, Tarlac
Capas is a first class municipality in the province of Tarlac, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 122,084 people in 18,333 households. It is a part of the Third Municipal district of Tarlac with Mayor Antonio "TJ" Capitulo Rodriguez, Jr. as its incumbent Mayor and...
from April 9 to August 4, 1942. The Japanese occupying force released a very small number of Philippine military personnel to return back to civilian life, of which he was one of the fortunate few. Their aim was to integrate them back to society but kept some of them under Japanese surveillance by Filipino collaborators loyal to the Japanese in the hope they would lead them to any Allied dissident forces. He could not return to his family for fear of endangering them by using them as leverage against him. He did not acknowledge any one of his civilian friends who recognized him, knowing that the Japanese might interrogate them. One of his friends knew the predicament he was in and notified the family his whereabouts, which at that time believed he was still interned in Camp O'Donnell. Liwanag's wife doubted their friend that the Japanese were releasing Filipino military personnel, until she travelled to Capas and confirmed it on a posted form on the POW camp bulletin board of the 1,400 prisoners that were released. With so much time in his hands, he would take long walks but was actually gathering intelligence on Japanese positions, personnel, equipment and strength. Knowing that the US General Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
will return from Australia, the information will be useful in the re-take of Manila and its surrounding towns.
Once the US Forces returned to the Philippines and started driving back the Japanese forces, he sought out to rejoin the Allied forces but was recognized by a fellow POW who was interred with him that had connections to the guerilla forces. With their help, they both got back to Allied hands. Liwanag was processed & placed back in the USAFFE and reinstated to his rank of 1st Lieutenant on Jan. 28, 1945. What was left of his Offshore Patrol
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
unit was mainly dismantled by the Japanese, the main portion were still interned in Camp O'Donnell
Camp O'Donnell
Camp O'Donnell was a facility of the United States Air Force in Capas, Tarlac, The Philippines. Before the facility was transferred to the Air Force, it was first a Philippine Constabulary post then a United States Army facility....
, his boats were scuttled or burned so Japanese forces won't have them. Only a small group of surviving personnel of the Offshore Patrol conducted guerilla hit-and-run attacks. With the enemy intelligence he gathered along with his knowledge of the layout of Manila, he was assigned to assist US Army units preparing to enter the city. Five days later, his unit fought in the Battle of Manila
Battle of Manila
- Land battles :* Battle of Manila - Spanish forces and their various allies drove out the ruling Muslim elite and founded the capital city of the Philippines* Battle of Manila - A British victory in the Seven Years' War* Battle of Manila - U.S...
.
Post World War II
After the war, he was promoted to the rank of an USAFFE Captain on March 11, 1946. The President of the PhilippinesPresident of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Manuel Roxas
Manuel Roxas
Manuel Acuña Roxas was the first president of the independent Third Republic of the Philippines and fifth president overall. He served as president from the granting of independence in 1946 until his abrupt death in 1948...
strengthened the Offshore Patrol after issuing Executive Order No. 94 on October 5, 1947. This order elevated the Patrol to a major command that was equal to the other branches of the armed forces, which is now the Philippine Navy
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
. The OSP
Offshore Patrol
The Offshore Patrol was a rudimentary navy, intended for inshore defenses only, called for by the Philippine National Assembly in its National Defense Act of 1935...
was renamed the Philippine Naval Patrol (PNP), later on it changed into the Philippine Navy on January 5, 1951. In July 1946, Liwanag returned to his old unit which changed into the newly formed Philippine Naval Patrol and was reactivated to the promoted naval rank as an Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
, after serving with the USAFFE which disbanded after June 30, 1946.
10th BCT PEFTOK
Liwanag was part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea was the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War . The unit arrived in Korea in August 1950. It was composed of 7,500 troops, and was the fourth largest force under the United Nations Command...
(PEFTOK), the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that was deployed to Korea. He was assigned to the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT) - Motorized, Philippine Army - United Nations Command (UNC) as an Navy Lieutenant Commander (equivalent to an Army Major) - Logistics officer
Logistics Officer
A Logistics Officer is a member of an armed force responsible for overseeing the support of an army, air force, or navy both at home and abroad. Logistics Officers can be stationary on military bases or deployed as an active part of a field army, air wing, or naval force. The responsibilities of...
. They landed in Busan, Korea on September 19, 1950 along with 1,303 enlisted men and 64 officers who were transported by US Navy transport vessels. The PEFTOK was the 8th foreign country after the Americans and the 27th British Commonwealth Infantry Brigade
27th Infantry Brigade (United Kingdom)
The 27th Infantry Brigade was a British Army brigade during the Second World War and Korean War. In Korea, the brigade was known as 27th British Commonwealth Brigade due to the addition of Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Indian units....
(consisting of units from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and 2 Battalions from Hong Kong]. Most of the Filipino battalion were combat veterans who fought the Japanese Imperial Army either as a regular soldier or guerrilla. The 10th BCT was attached to and provided support for the American 25th Infantry Division.
The battalion had to deal with some immediate setbacks upon their arrival in the port of Busan, they have no armor available for them. The 10th was Philippines' only armored tank battalion at the time, consisting of three rifle companies, a medium tank company, a reconnaissance company equipped with light tanks and a field artillery battery. They were equipped with a company of 29 M4 Sherman
M4 Sherman
The M4 Sherman, formally Medium Tank, M4, was the primary tank used by the United States during World War II. Thousands were also distributed to the Allies, including the British Commonwealth and Soviet armies, via lend-lease...
medium tanks and a company of M5 Stuart light tanks which all remained in the Philippines. The Americans were to supply the 10th with surplus tanks consisting of 17 M4 Shermans and one M10 tank destroyer which was awaiting for them in Korea. Unfortunately during the UN Command withdrawal from the Battle of Pusan Perimeter
Battle of Pusan Perimeter
The Battle of Pusan Perimeter was a large-scale battle between United Nations and North Korean forces lasting from August 4 – September 18, 1950. It was one of the first major engagements of the Korean War...
, their tanks were destroyed before they saw combat. For several days since their landing, they received no word from the Americans when or if they will receive replacement armor. The 10th battalion commanders and staff were wondering what to do with the two tankless companies once the battalion were assigned to a mission from the Americans, since most of the armor personnel were lightly armed. As the battalion Logistic officer, Liwanag took it upon himself to rectify their precarious dilemma. He requested the battalion commanders, Lt. Col. Mariano Azurin and 2IC
Second-in-command
The Second-in-Command is the deputy commander of any British Army or Royal Marines unit, from battalion or regiment downwards. He or she is thus the equivalent of an Executive Officer in the United States Army...
Lt. Col. Dionisio S. Ojeda, if he could have several trucks and men, namely tank drivers with commanders, to accompany him to the 25th Infantry Division headquarters to see what they have available at their supply depot.
When they arrived to the 25th Division HQ, it was a beehive of activity as they were securing their sector of the UN battleline. After explaining directly to the American HQ commanders of the 10th situation, they gave him free rein in the division's supply depot and motor pool to take whatever Liwanag needed. Without conferring to his battalion commanders on items they had on hand, he secured the items that were available before they were requisitioned to another unit. When he returned, to the surprise of everyone in the battalion, he was able to secure seven M24 Chaffee
M24 Chaffee
The Light Tank M24 was an American light tank used during World War II and in postwar conflicts including the Korean War and with the French in the War in Algeria and First Indochina War. In British service it was given the service name Chaffee, after the United States Army General Adna R...
light tanks as their only replacement armor, and riding behind them were several more truckloads of brand new heavy weapons ranging from machine guns of different variants, bazookas, grenades and mortars - along with more ammunition for the entire battalion's needs. There were no available spare Shermans, as all replacement tanks would take several weeks to be shipped in from the US mainland. The Recon Company received the Chaffees which was a far better light tank compared to their under gunned, slow, obsolete M5 Stuarts. All the truckloads of new heavy weaponry he collected went to the tankless Tank Company which he reorganize them as a Heavy Weapons Company, which the battalion commander & officers approved to Liwanag's re-assessment. Near the city of Miryang
Miryang
Miryang, often spelled Milyang, is a city in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, South Korea. Neighboring cities include Changnyeong to the west, Cheongdo to the north, Ulsan to the east, and Yangsan, Gimhae, and Changwon to the south. The city bird is the Korean magpie, the city tree is the pine, and the...
, the battalion spent about 2 weeks of pre-combat training with their new equipment and their change of combat duties, namely the Heavy Weapons Company.
On April 22, the 10th BCT was deployed 5 kilometers north of Yeoncheon amid the Chinese Spring Offensive. The battalion was moved to the 3rd Infantry Division to reinforce its ranks, which the Chinese 44th Division offensive was to conduct echelons of night attacks to overrun the 10th's hill position . The Filipino battalion was heavily outnumbered 17 to 1 and surrounded, which made every Filipino, from cooks to drivers, to take up arms and fight. They succeeded in holding their position from the Chinese which allowed the withdrawal of friendly forces, and continued to hold their ground until they were given the order for their own to withdraw. The battle was known as the Battle of Yultong
Battle of Yultong
The Battle of Yultong, also known as the Battle of Meiluodong , was a battle of the Korean War. It was fought between elements of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army 44th Division and the Filipino 10th Battalion Combat Team at the north of Yeoncheon during April 22–23, 1951.As part of the...
which became the largest battle that Philippine troops participated in during the Korean War and was widely known as their bravest stand during the conflict. For their actions, Tank Company, which he retasked and provided their weaponry, was decorated the US Gallantry Award. The 10th BCT earned it's unit's name, "The Fighting Filipinos" later called "The Fighting Tenth". They continued to serve until September 27, 1951 when they were replaced by the 20th BCT. His unit stayed 398 days in Korea and returned to Manila on October 23 to a euphoric heroes welcome.
Military Attaché
Several months after his return with the 10th BCT, he was redeployed back to the Korean War under the Philippine Navy. He was assigned as the senior naval advisor to the Philippine Diplomatic Representative for the Philippine Embassy, along with the additional duty of being the Philippine Liaison Officer to United Nations Command
United Nations Command (Korea)
The United Nations Command is the unified command structure for the multinational military forces supporting the Republic of Korea during and after the Korean War...
Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. On July 5, 1951, he was promoted to the rank of Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
.
On October 7, 1952, Liwanag was decorated with the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(Officer Degree) by Maj. Gen. Blackshear M. Bryan deputy chief of staff - HQ
Headquarters
Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top of a corporation taking full responsibility managing all business activities...
Far East Command
Far East Command
The Far East Command was a military regional division of the British military, United States military and Soviet Armed Forces* British Far East Command* United States Far East Command...
, for services in the Philippine Liaison office with the UN Command during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. He became the first Filipino Officer to receive this distinguished medal, which is the highest US military decoration to be given to a foreign national.
According to the citation, Commander Liwanag distinguished himself from December 12, 1950 to September 30, 1952. It read in part:
"Applying his keen judgment and professional experience, Commander Liwanag formulated plans for the logistical support and efficient integration of Philippine forces into the Korean conflict. His high sense of duty and spirit of cooperation were contributing factors to the successful integration of the Philippine combat teams as elements of the United Nations Command and reflect great credit on himself and the Philippine Navy."
His Legion of Merit medal currently resides in display at the Philippine Military Academy Museum which was donated by his family.
Operation "Bulwark One"
In January 1958, Capt. Liwanag was chosen as the overall commander throughout phases II and III of the naval exercise Operation "Bulwark One" or Exercise"Bulwark", a harbor defense maneuver sponsored jointly by the Philippine Navy
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
and US Navy. The naval operation was the first US-Philippine joint exercise since the Philippines' liberation (1946). Its purpose was to acquaint and promote the close working relationship of the US Navy and the Philippine Navy in the defense of Philippine harbors. The exercise was significant in that the ability of a nation to last in a war of any kind, whether nuclear or conventional, would depend upon its ability to protect its shipping life-lines.
For the first time in any joint US-Philippine exercise, all US Navy units during phase II and III was placed under the overall command of a Philippine Navy senior officer, Capt. Emilio Liwanag. According to Lt. Gen Alfonso Arellano, AFP Chief of Staff (1956–1957), he hailed the designation of Liwanag, pointing out that it was the first time that a Filipino officer was chosen to head a vital and big military exercise in which a foreign contingent was participating. Selection of Liwanag, Arellano said, shows only too well the proficiency of the Filipino soldier and the degree of respect and admiration with which he is held by his counterparts abroad.
The exercise was broken down in three different phases in a three-month period:
Phase I (Jan. 8)
This stage of the exercise, which involves the shore training of participants on techniques and procedures in harbor defense at the base in Cavite
Cavite
Cavite is a province of the Philippines located on the southern shores of Manila Bay in the CALABARZON region in Luzon, just 30 kilometers south of Manila. Cavite is surrounded by Laguna to the east, Metro Manila to the northeast, and Batangas to the south...
. Fifty-six PN officers and three hundred enlisted men had a two-week classroom instruction course on harbor defense to be followed by another two weeks of practical training under competent Filipino and American instructors from Cavite Navy Yard and US Naval Base Subic Bay. After their training, these PN officers and sailors would form the nucleus of the country's first post-war harbor defense unit.
Phase II (Feb. 6–15)
Consist of drills at the Corregidor
Corregidor
Corregidor Island, locally called Isla ng Corregidor, is a lofty island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in southwestern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Due to this location, Corregidor was fortified with several coastal artillery and ammunition magazines to defend the entrance of...
and Caballo
Caballo Island
Caballo Island is a bluff, rocky island located at the entrance to Manila Bay in the Philippines. It is about 3/4 mile long with the highest elevation at 381 feet high...
areas and establishment of a Harbor Defense Command Center. This stage practices operations against enemy air and sub-surface attackers along with protecting friendly shipping lanes. The tactical importance of this phase of this exercise was that in case of a real emergency, Corregidor may be fortified to protect the entire harbor of Manila. The addition of radar, sonar and other harbor defense equipment was set up on Corregidor to improve and upgrade the Harbor defenses, which was provided by the US Navy.
Phase III (March 19–22)
The actual firing phase where the US-Philippine Navy participant-units focus on Harbor defense operations to protect friendly shipping off Corregidor. This included mine laying operations, surface and underwater detection with radar, sonar, spotting towers and anti-aircraft action. They simulated attacks from a submarine, a disguised merchant ship and an air attack around Corregidor and Caballo islands area. Eight assorted PN vessels and Harbor defense unit will staved off an actual attack of enemy forces played by seven US naval vessels including a submarine. The Philippine Air Force
Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
contributed friendly and enemy forces of P-51 Mustangs and F-86 Sabre jets.
Conclusion
The naval exercise was successful in giving valuable operational training in harbor defense and mine warfare to the participating units and promoted closer working relations among the Philippine Navy, Air Force and the US Navy. This benchmarked some milestones for the Philippine Forces for being the first US-Philippine bilateral harbor defense maneuvers held in the Philippines since the liberation. The first activation of the country's Harbor Defense Unit, and the first Filipino senior officer to command a combined exercise.
The exercise involved fifteen US and Philippine naval vessels: the US Navy provided picket boats, minesweepers - USS Fortify, Inflict
USS Inflict (AM-456)
USS Inflict was an Aggressive-class minesweeper acquired by the U.S. Navy for the task of removing mines that had been placed in the water to prevent the safe passage of ships....
and Engage
USS Engage (MSO-433)
USS Engage , an Aggressive-class minesweeper, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named Engage.The second Engage was launched 18 June 1953 by Colberg Boat Works, Stockton, California; sponsored by Mrs. R. B. Richmond; and commissioned 29 June 1954, Lieutenant S. J. Martin in command...
, a submarine - USS Capitaine
USS Capitaine (SS-336)
USS Capitaine , a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the capitaine, a brilliantly colored fish inhabiting waters of the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Panama....
, aircrafts - namely two Martin PBM patrol bombers, several amphibious vehicles (LVT-4
Landing Vehicle Tracked
The Landing Vehicle Tracked was a class of amphibious vehicles introduced by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Army during World War II. Originally intended solely as cargo carriers for ship to shore operations, they rapidly evolved into assault troop and fire support vehicles as well...
) and harbor defense units. The Philippine Navy provided minesweepers, coast guard crafts (CGC)s, a patrol craft - RPS Cebu (currently BRP Cebu (PS-28)
BRP Cebu (PS-28)
BRP Cebu is a of the Philippine Navy. She was originally built as USS PCE-881, a for the United States Navy during World War II. She was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy and transferred to the Philippine Navy in July 1948 and renamed RPS Cebu after the Philippine province of the same name. The...
which was later reclassified as a corvette-class under the PN
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
) and signal check stations on Corregidor. The Philippine Air Force
Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
provided four squadrons consisting of eight P-51 Mustangs, four F-86 Sabre jets, four HU-16 Albatross amphibious flying boats and helicopter rescue teams.
The success also led to the procurement of equipment used by the US Navy for this exercise. US military observers which includes Maj. Gen. Joseph Harper
Joseph H. Harper
Joseph H. "Bud" Harper was a United States Army officer. Harper was the officer who delivered General Anthony McAuliffe's one-word response, "Nuts", to the German request for the surrender of Bastogne....
, Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) chief, and Rear Admiral Edgar A. Cruise, commander US Naval Forces - Philippines, were impressed and praised the conduct of the exercise. Admiral Cruise turned over six amphibious tractors to Commodore Jose Francisco, PN
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
chief, which will be allocated to the Philippine Marines.
Maj. General Harper turned over the equipment and facilities used in the harbor defense operations.
These equipment and installations include mobile and stationary radar units, magnetic control mines, hydrophones and magnetic indicator loops, which are mostly designed for detecting approaching surface and subsurface vessels, all worth about two million (US-1958) dollars.
Naval Anti-Smuggling Campaign
During 1958-61, President Carlos P. GarciaCarlos P. Garcia
Carlos Polistico García was a Filipino teacher, poet, orator, lawyer, public official, political economist and guerrilla leader...
created the Presidential Enforcement Unit for Southern Philippines (PLEUSP) which was to erradiate rampant violations of customs, revenue and immigration laws in the south of the Philippines. These violations deprived the government of substantial revenues and provided ruinous competition to legitimate business that would hinder the national economy.
Captain Liwanag was the commander of the naval unit, Task Force 10, which served as the executing arm of the naval element of the PLEUSP group. The Task Force was to stop, seize and confiscate all vessels, cargo and contraband that enters Philippine's territorial waters illegally. He was in-charge of securing the southernmost territorial boundaries because of Indonesia was a launch point and the main source of most of the smuggling operations. This also included the duty of preventing Indonesian communist elements from infiltrating through Mindanao and Sulu regions. In 1960-61, he became the commander of the Navy's Service Force, which is responsible for preparing auxiliary transport and amphibious ships dedicated for sea lift and amphibious operations.
During 1962-63, Liwanag was appointed as the 3rd Commandant of the Naval Operating Force (NOF) which is the main fighting element of the Philippine Navy. The Naval Operating Forces were composed of units of a Marine Battalion, Underwater Operations unit, Naval Air unit and a Small Craft unit. During his command, he carried out and continued a more stringent anti-smuggling campaign under President Diosdado Macapagal
Diosdado Macapagal
Diosdado Pangan Macapagal was the ninth President of the Philippines, serving from 1961 to 1965, and the sixth Vice President, serving from 1957 to 1961. He also served as a member of the House of Representatives, and headed the Constitutional Convention of 1970...
administration. More smuggling operations were uncovered and intercepted from the country's southern coastal waters while further enforcing it's territorial waterways from any incursions.
Retirement and Personal Life
After 25 years of active service, Captain Liwanag was placed on the retired list on Dec. 11, 1963. He was awarded the Distinguished Service StarDistinguished Service Star
The Distinguished Service Star is the third highest military award of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is awarded for eminently meritorious and valuable service rendered while holding a position of great responsibility. -Description of the award:...
medal conferred by Commodore Juan B. Magluyan, Philippine Navy Chief. His citation read in part,
"for eminently meritorious and valuable service to the Navy while Commander of the Service Force and Commander of the Naval Operating Force."He was cited for promoting the professional growth of the Navy, for being instrumental in the unrelenting law reforcement campaign around the archipelago and for successful implementation of the Republic of the Philippines-Indonesian border patrol agreement. After his retirement, he was placed as an Naval Reserve Officer with the Ready Reserve Force until 1965.
He was married to Caridad Buenconsejo (May 25, 1911 - October 8, 1992). They have seven children: four sons and three daughters and survived by two sons and three daughters.
Captain Emilio S. Liwanag died from liver failure (cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules , leading to loss of liver function...
) on April 12, 1967 at the Victoriano Luna General Hospital. He is currently buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
Libingan ng mga Bayani
is a national cemetery within Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Metro Manila in the Philippines. It was established as a fitting resting place for Filipino military personnel from privates to generals, as well as heroes and martyrs...
(Cemetery of Heroes) in Fort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio
Fort Bonifacio is a highly urbanized district in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The district is named after the main Philippine Army camp in Metro Manila, Fort Andres Bonifacio, which in turn was named after the famous Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio...
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Medals and Decorations
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Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... – Officer Degree (USA) |
| Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Defense Medal The Philippine Defense Medal is a decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which is awarded to commemorate the initial resistance against Japanese invasion between the dates of December 1941 and June 1942.The decoration was first created as ribbon in December, 1944, and a full-sized medal was... |
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| Philippine Liberation Medal Philippine Liberation Medal The Philippine Liberation Medal is a military award of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by an order of Commonwealth Army of the Philippines Headquarters on December 20, 1944... with one Bronze Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
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Philippine Independence Medal Philippine Independence Medal The Philippine Independence Medal is a military decoration of the Republic of the Philippines which was created by order of the Philippine Army Headquarters on July 3, 1946... |
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge |
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Philippine Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal (Artwork not available) |
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Distinguished Unit Badge (currently called Presidental Unit Citation) (USA) |
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... (USA) |
| American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... with two Bronze Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... (USA) |
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World War II Victory Medal World War II Victory Medal The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of... (USA) |
| Korean War Service Medal Korean War Service Medal The Korean War Service Medal is a decoration of South Korea which was first authorized in December 1950... with one Bronze Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... |
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| United Nations Service Medal United Nations Service Medal The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950... (UN) |
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| Distinguished Service Star Distinguished Service Star The Distinguished Service Star is the third highest military award of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is awarded for eminently meritorious and valuable service rendered while holding a position of great responsibility. -Description of the award:... |
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| Long Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... (Artwork not available) |
Legacy
In August 2009, the Philippine Navy commemorated its naval history by honoring several naval officers who served with distinction, who fought for the protection of the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, democracy, and the maritime interests of the country. With that honor, Naval Station Pag-Asa in the Kalayaan IslandsSpratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands in the South China Sea. The archipelago lies off the coasts of the Philippines and Malaysia , about one third of the way from there to southern Vietnam. They comprise less than four square kilometers of land...
in the province of Palawan
Palawan
Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region or Region 4. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the...
was renamed Naval Station Emilio Liwanag as one of several bases, facilities, and stations renamed thru-out the country. Location: 11.05316°N 114.28484°W
In May 2010, the 112th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy, a newly commissioned Patrol Gunboat PG-118 was christened as BRP Emilio Liwanag in his honor. The ship was originally PKM 223, a Chamsuri class patrol boat used by the South Korean Navy in the 1970s, which was acquired in 2006 along with PKM 232. The PKMs (Patrol Killer Medium) are the earlier series of the Chamsuri class vessels, which were manufactured by the Hanjin Industrial SB, Chinhae and Korean SB & Eng. Masan shipyards. These vessels were procured under the Revised Re-prioritized Project List (RRPL) of the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP) in line with the PN Moderization Program. It will undergo an extensive refurbishing and modernization upgrades under the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program before joining the Naval fleet's inventory which will be completed by Propmech Corporation.
On the morning of January 4, 2011, a newly upgraded patrol gunboat BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG-118) is the latest addition to join the Philippine Navy's floating inventory. Leading the ceremony at Navy Headquarters, Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin
Voltaire Gazmin
Voltaire Tuvera Gazmin is the 35th secretary of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense, officially assumed office on July 1, 2010 after President Benigno Simeon C...
witnessed by officers and personnel of the Philippine Navy, together with Mrs. Emilia Liwanag Hilado, youngest daughter of the late Capt. Emilio S. Liwanag. The newly restored Tomas Batillo class
Chamsuri class patrol vessel
Chamsuri class patrol vessels are naval boats that function as patrol craft. These entered service with the South Korean navy in the 70s, and have since seen service with three other navies, of which the Philippine Navy is currently the largest non-South Korean user.These boats were built by the...
is the 7th patrol gunboat that was recently refurbished & modernized since it's purchase back in 2006.
The gunboat's overall refurbishment includes upgrades to its communications equipment, replacement of the old original engines with two new Caterpillar 3516C engines @ 3151 hp, and enhancement of the electrical & auxiliary machinery. The vessel has a maximum speed of 31 knots and is capable of the following: surface and air action against enemy forces; interdiction patrol; sealift of platoon size troops with full combat gears in the conduct of ISO; search and rescue within territorial waters; transport of personnel, cargo and civic action operations.
On April 15, 2011, PG-118 has been officially commissioned into active duty during 73rd anniversary of the Philippine Naval Fleet by Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin
Voltaire Gazmin
Voltaire Tuvera Gazmin is the 35th secretary of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense, officially assumed office on July 1, 2010 after President Benigno Simeon C...
. Ceremories took place at Sangley Point in Cavite City.
See also
- Philippines Campaign (1941–42)
- Philippines Campaign (1944-45)Philippines campaign (1944-45)The Philippines campaign of 1944–45, the Battle of the Philippines 1944–45, or the Liberation of the Philippines was the American and Filipino campaign to defeat and expel the Imperial Japanese forces occupying the Philippines, during World War II. The Japanese Army had overrun all of the...
- Battle of BataanBattle of BataanThe Battle of Bataan represented the most intense phase of Imperial Japan's invasion of the Philippines during World War II. The capture of the Philippine Islands was crucial to Japan's effort to control the Southwest Pacific, seize the resource-rich Dutch East Indies, and protect its Southeast...
- Battle of ManilaBattle of Manila- Land battles :* Battle of Manila - Spanish forces and their various allies drove out the ruling Muslim elite and founded the capital city of the Philippines* Battle of Manila - A British victory in the Seven Years' War* Battle of Manila - U.S...
- Korean WarKorean WarThe Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
- Philippine Expeditionary Forces to KoreaPhilippine Expeditionary Forces To KoreaThe Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea was the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War . The unit arrived in Korea in August 1950. It was composed of 7,500 troops, and was the fourth largest force under the United Nations Command...
(PEFTOK) - Philippine ArmyPhilippine ArmyThe Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
- Philippine NavyPhilippine NavyThe Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
External links
- Global Security.org, Philippine Navy History; 1939-1941: The Off Shore Patrol (OSP)
- The Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK): 1950-1955
- Philippine Navy Official Web Site
- Philippine Military Academy Official Web Site
- Armed Forces of the Philippines Official Web Site
- Satellite image of Thitu Island on Google Maps