Fred Padernos GUIUAN, Eastern Samar — The Municipality of Guiuan solemnly commemorated the 81st Anniversary of the Suluan Raid on October 24, a landmark event that marked the first strike of the Allied forces in the Philippines and ignited the country’s journey to freedom during World War II.
The ceremony, held at the Veterans Park in Barangay Ngolos, stood as a poignant reminder of Guiuan’s vital role in the nation’s liberation. Just off its shores lies Suluan Island, where American troops first landed on October 17, 1944, days before General Douglas MacArthur’s famous return to Leyte. The Suluan landing—an assault led by U.S. forces to neutralize Japanese coastal defenses—paved the way for the historic Leyte Gulf Operations, which became one of the largest naval battles in world history.
The Suluan Raid was not only a tactical operation but a powerful symbol of hope. Many Filipino and American soldiers lost their lives during the fierce skirmishes against entrenched Japanese forces who guarded the entrance to Leyte Gulf. Their bravery and sacrifice opened the gateway to the eventual liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
For the people of Guiuan and Eastern Samar, the raid represents the first flame of freedom—a defining moment when courage triumphed over oppression, and the path toward national redemption was set in motion.
Beyond Suluan, Guiuan served as a strategic stronghold for Allied operations during and after the Leyte landings. Its vast coastal areas hosted military installations, airstrips, and supply depots that supported the liberation campaigns across the Visayas. Guiuan later became home to a U.S. Navy Base, playing a crucial logistical role in sustaining operations throughout the Pacific.
This rich wartime history cements Guiuan’s reputation as one of the most historically significant towns in the Philippines—a silent witness to the heroism that shaped the nation’s destiny.
During the anniversary program, Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan paid tribute to the gallantry of the men who fought in Suluan and across the region. “Guiuan stands proud as a cradle of freedom,” she said, “and we will continue to honor the memory of those who gave their lives so that we may live free.”
Hon. Sheen Gonzales, Representative of the Lone District of Eastern Samar, served as Guest of Honor and Speaker, underscoring the need to preserve the lessons of the past and to pass on the spirit of patriotism to the younger generation.
The event gathered Vice Mayor Veronica Cabacaba-Ramirez, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, war veterans, educators, students, and residents. Highlights included a wreath-laying ceremony, cultural tributes, and patriotic performances that reflected both gratitude and pride.
The Veterans Park in Ngolos, established to honor the defenders of Suluan and Guiuan’s wartime heritage, stands today as a living memorial. It serves as a venue for reflection and remembrance—a place where history is not only retold but deeply felt. Each year, as Guiuananons gather beneath its memorial markers, the park renews its purpose: to remind future generations that freedom was earned through sacrifice.
As Guiuan commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Suluan Raid, its people continue to celebrate a legacy of valor, unity, and the unyielding Filipino spirit. The story of Suluan and Guiuan is not just about a battle—it is the story of a people’s enduring will to be free.
(Photo courtesy: LGU Guiuan, Eastern Samar)
