The City Government of Surigao commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Historic Battle of Surigao Strait last Friday, October 25, 2024, at the BOSS Memorial Shrine in Brgy. Punta Bilar, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of Allied and Filipino forces during World War II.
The ceremony was led by City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II, together with City Vice Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra and Provincial Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee Jr. Notable international guests attended, including Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Matsuda Kenichi, Capt. Emma McDonald-Kerr, MAJ Michael Cracknell, and relatives of World War II veterans, such as Rob Nicholls, son of an Australian veteran, and Mark Petersen, grandson of David Mattiske OAM of HMAS Shropshire.
Key military figures joined the occasion, including Philippine Navy Acting Commander for Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Captain Junjie B. Tabuada, retired Navy Captain Primitivo Novo Jr., 2LT Patricia Roe Martinez from the 30th IB, BFP Regional Director Rodolfo Piosca Denaga, Commodore Christopher Auro of the Philippine Coast Guard NorthEastern Mindanao District, and Acting Station Commander of CGS Surigao del Norte Ensign Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda.
The event also saw participation from City Councilors, department heads, national agency representatives, and post-World War II veterans. Uniformed personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Naval Forces of Eastern Mindanao, 72nd Naval Group Reserve (NGR), 72nd Naval Squadron Reserve (NSR), and Surigao City PNP paid their respects. The local education sector, represented by DepEd Surigao City teachers, principals, and members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, also took part in the commemoration.
The ceremony began with a symbolic Walk for Peace, a reminder of the unity and hope inspired by the battle’s legacy. The formal program included heartfelt speeches from honored guests, each expressing profound gratitude for the bravery of those who fought.
A 21-gun salute echoed through the grounds, marking a moment of solemn reflection, followed by a wreath-laying and floral offering at sea to honor those who gave their lives in the waters of Surigao Strait.
The convergence of local leaders, international allies, and descendants of WWII veterans underscored the enduring bonds forged through shared history and a collective pursuit of peace.
(Source: Surigao City PIO)