Military transports 285,000 pounds of relief goods to Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Military transports 285,000 pounds of relief goods to Bohol

As part of its disaster relief efforts, the Armed Forces Monday announced it transported 285,000 pounds of relief goods to Tagbilaran, Bohol Sunday.

This is broken down 48,000 pounds of relief goods airlifted by the two C-130s and 237,000 pounds by the three Navy logistic ships.

The relief items were donated by the Philippine Red Cross, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Royal Malaysian Armed Forces, and ABS-CBN Foundation.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said the Philippine Air Force's W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters are on stand-by for further distribution of relief items.

Meanwhile, the military's humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR) operation continues to support the Philippine National Police, DSWD, and the Bohol provincial government.

Zagala said AFP Central Command based in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu is still on Red Alert status for HADR operations, and supervising/monitoring of HADR operations in Bohol.

He added Special Forces Battalion has completed the hauling of 1,000 packs of relief goods in Danao, Bohol in coordination with DSWD Sunday.

Moreover, the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army and the 53rd Engineering Brigade continue to assist in the distribution of relief goods in the municipality of Sagbayan and Tubigon respectively, in coordination with the PNP and Bohol provincial government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=578438

8 gov't troops killed in twin encounters with NPAs in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 8 gov't troops killed in twin encounters with NPAs in North Cotabato

Eight government troops, including three militiamen, were killed and five others wounded following two encounters with the New People's Army (NPA) in Tulunan, North Cotabato Monday morning.

All of the government casualties resulted from landmines detonated by the rebel group, military officials in Manila said.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the first attack occurred at the boundary of Barangays Caridad and Bituan at around 9:20 a.m. when troops of the 38th Infantry Battalion, delivering subsistence allowance to auxiliary forces, were land mined/

Around 11:25 a.m. troops under the 57th Infantry Battalion were also land mined while on their way to Barangay New Caridad. also in Tulunan.

Four were wounded and one was killed in the incident.

"The NPAs, indifferent to the dangers posed on civilians by their persistent use of unstable improvised explosive devices that they use as precursor to an ambush, continue to violate the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law," Zagala said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=578411

Suspected extortionist arrested in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Suspected extortionist arrested in North Cotabato 

Alert policemen on Sunday arrested during a dragnet operation here a suspected notorious extortionist preying on businessmen in the province.

Superintendent Renante Delos Santos, Midsayap municipal police chief, said suspect Glen Ferolin voluntarily yielded when he was collared by policemen who acted as couriers of the P70,000 he tried to mulct from grains trader Fred Rapacon.

Earlier, Rapacon reported to the police about Ferolin's demand of "protection money" in exchange for the safety of his grains buy and sell business in nearby Pikit, town also in North Cotabato.

This prompted Supt. delos Santos to hatch an entrapment plan to determine whether the suspect meant business and was really mulcting money from the trader.

Two policemen posted near the place agreed upon by Rapacon and Ferolin. On Sunday, Rapacon came a see Ferolin in an undisclosed place in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Police said Ferolin apparently knew Rapacon but the trader could not recall knowing the suspect.

As Rapacon handed over the envelop containing the P70,000 marked money to Ferolin, the police closed in and handcuff the suspect.

Surprised, Ferolin denied he was asking protection money and told police the trader voluntarily offered to help him.

The Midsayap PNP is still interrogating the suspect to determine whether he had victimized other traders in Midsayap or nearby towns or he has links with al-Khobar, an extortion gang preying on traders and bus companies operating in North Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=578322

North Cotabato town exec saddened by ambush of govt troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): North Cotabato town exec saddened by ambush of govt troops

Makilala, North Cotabato --Mayor Rudy Caoagdan of this town Monday expressed sadness over the atrocities committed by New Peoples Army here.

The attacks by NPA in Makilala and in the town of Tulunan, both in North Cotabato, left nine government forces killed and six others wounded.

"This is too much to bear for our efforts to make Makilala a peaceful place to live when lawless elements are committing atrocities," he said, in reaction to the twin incident.

Makilala, home of various multi-national firms engaged in rubber and banana business, was among the areas of operation of the NPAs Front 73 and Front 74.

Before Monday's atrocities, the NPAs torched a rubber processing plant in Makilala, damaging about P20 million equipment and rendering about 700 workers jobless.

The NPAs also prey on bus firms plying the Davao-Cotabato highway for its failure to provide protection money.

Beside, the NPAs also torched several heavy equipment of several banana firms in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=578504

Palawan rebel returnees fulfill dream of freedom in Kalayaan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Palawan rebel returnees fulfill dream of freedom in Kalayaan

Their only wish was to have their honeymoon in the disputed Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG), the southern Palawan town in the West Philippine Sea that literally means "freedom" in English.

And rebel returnees identified only as Ka Elmer and Ka Kayla will get their wish, after they exchanged vows Sunday at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Puerto Princesa City, their honeymoon is set on the island town heavily contested by six countries.

"Mas maisasakatuparan namin ang pangarap namin na maranasan ang normal na buhay sa kalayaan, at sana nga sa Kalayaan kami makapag-umpisa muli (We will be able to fulfill our hope and dream to experience normal life in freedom, and we pray that we can start anew in Kalayaan)," Ka Elmer said.

Ka Elmer met Ka Kayla at the training camp of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA) three years ago. Sharing a common belief instilled by their recruiters, both were active in the underground movement, having actively participated in insurgent activities.

But their life had a complete turnaround when the couple had their first born.

"Bigla kaming nagkaroon ng realization, ano ang magiging kinabukasan ng anak namin kung ganito kami sabi namin. Lagi kasi kaming nagtatago. Walang kasiguruhan ang buhay. Kaya nang magkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na makipag-usap sa mga sundalo sa area namin sa Roxas, lumapit kami at di naman kami binigo (We had a sudden realization, what will be the future of our child if we are like this, we told ourselves. We always hide. Our life had no definite track. When we had the opportunity to talk to the soldiers in our area in Roxas, we went to them and they did not fail us)," Ka Elmer told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

62nd Civil Relations Unit Team leader, Army Technical Sergeant Rodrigo A. Sevilla, who was assigned in the area for IPSP activities, accepted the couple and immediately facilitated their surrender along with two others.

"Gusto namin normal lumaki ang anak namin, makapag-aral, maging ehemplong tao sa lipunan, at kami, maging mga simpleng mamamayan (We want our child to grow up in a normal environment, to study, to become a good example in the society, and all of us, to become simple individuals in the community)," Ka Kayla said, on the other hand.

After their wedding, whose primary sponsor is Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, the couple will be heading to Kalayaan town in southern Palawan to lead a peaceful and progressive life next week.

Guerrero expressed optimism that Ka Elmer and Ka Kayla can start anew in Kalayaan, a municipality under the Philippine claim.

“The fact that they went back to government folds means there is nothing in the NPA that is attractive for them to stay to have a normal family. In Kalayaan, they can build new hopes and dreams for their families,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=578470

Military information officers participate in Palawan Press Club's journalism workshop

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Military information officers participate in Palawan Press Club's journalism workshop

"Pen is mightier than the sword," so goes an old cliche.

To enhance their skills in writing, military public affairs officers participated in a one-day comprehensive journalism enhancement seminar organized by the Alyansa ng Palawenyong Mamamahayag Inc. (APAMAI) and Focolare Movement at the Victoriano J. Rodriguez Hall, Capitol Complex, Puerto Princesa City.

Apamai is the media organization Palawan Press Club while Focolare is an international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood.

The seminar-workshop covered advanced story writing and caption-writing skills discussed by Jose Aranas, editor in chief of New City Magazine.

Aranas shared best practices in media coverage and taught new, more efficient ways to write responsible journalism.

"We are glad military PAOs were also in this event that was designed for media practitioners. They were very attentive, very eager, and very professional," Aranas said, referring to the soldiers attending the workshop.

"I was incredibly impressed with them. I learned that they were exposed to similar training through their various programs, but the interaction between the soldiers and the local media is always nice to have."

Apamai president Ed Javarez, concurrent program director of RGMA Super Radyo Palawan, said the seminar was concluded with mutual respect and a bond that exists in the people connected to the multi-media.

Topics included interviewing, news writing, photojournalism, public relations, and multimedia. It aimed to teach creative and efficient ways to communicate through press releases, newspapers, magazines, and broadcasts, Javarez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=578471

NPAs ambush soldiers in North Cotabato, Army launches manhunt

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): NPAs ambush soldiers in North Cotabato, Army launches manhunt

MAKILALA, North Cotabato –- The military here has launched pursuit operations against a band of communist New Peoples Army (NPA) who ambushed Monday morning a convoy of military vehicles in nearby Tulunan, North Cotabato.

Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the 57th Infantry Battalion, said about 50 heavily armed NPAs planted and set off a land mine along a dirt road in Barangay Batuan at about 9:00 a.m. as the Army convoy was passing by.

He said the soldiers were carrying funds for the honorarium and allowances of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit when the ambush occurred.

"First, a land mind exploded then the NPAs fired at our troops," Sema said, adding that the Army suffered wounded and killed in action.

He refused to name the wounded and slain soldiers as the Army is yet to inform their nearest next of kin.

Witnesses said at least seven soldiers were killed, including an Army captain but Sema said he is still verifying the report.

The ambush site was in Barangay Batuan, Tulunan, North Cotabato, near the boundary of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur where the NPAs have strong presence.

Sema said an Army truck from 57th IB, one from the 602nd army brigade and another military truck from the 38th Infantry Battalion, were heading toward Barangay Bituan at 9 a.m. when a land mine went off along a dirt road.

“We are still pursuing the ambushers,” Sema told reporters, adding that what he had was sketchy report about the incident.

He said the ambush took place when the soldiers went to the area not to conduct military offensive against the NPAs but to pay the paramilitary troops.

Civilians in the area said the armed men took a huge bag believed to be the money for CAFGUs allowances and several firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=578375

Unseen hands in call of ex-generals vs PNoy

From ABS-CBN (Oct 20): Unseen hands in call of ex-generals vs PNoy

Unseen hands may be behind the retired generals’ call for President Benigno Aquino III to give up his pork, but Malacanang is unruffled.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte will not name names, noting only that Aquino himself already said earlier that many have been affected by the administration’s move to run against the corrupt.

She told the retired generals, however, that there is no such thing as presidential pork.

“It’s a label that some groups out there are using to push the citizenry to go against the president,” she said, adding that the “special purpose funds” that are under the executive branch’s care “have specific purposes.”

She also insisted these undergo normal auditing processes.

Retired Brig. Gen. Rosalino Alquiza, the former president of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers, said Malacanang should just transfer state funds to the National Treasury.

“We have heard a lot of sentiments and positions [on the pork barrel]. I join the recommendation that the Malampaya fund, the Pagcor (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) fund and the PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) fund that go directly to the presidential fund … should be deposited in the National Treasury and be subjected to the budgetary process,” Alquiza told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Retired Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Reyes, chairman of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, also told the same news entity that this is also the common sentiment among members.

Valte stressed that the public should also check if there is misuse of the so-called pork funds. If there is misuse, they are free to pursue all logical and legal ends to bring the guilty to justice, she said.

This, as Valte also said Malacanang is not bothered by the People’s Initiative started by former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.

She noted the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) – or Congress’ pork – will no longer be in the 2014 General Appropriations Act.

“We are already in the process of abolishing the PDAF, at least for 2014,” she said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/20/13/unseen-hands-call-ex-generals-vs-pnoy

Kiram remains to be flown to Jolo early Monday via private plane

From GMA News (Oct 20): Kiram remains to be flown to Jolo early Monday via private plane

After failing to transport his remains to Jolo before sundown Sunday, relatives of the late Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III have arranged to have his body flown there early Monday via private plane.

Kiram's family arranged for a private plane flight between 3 and 4 a.m. Monday, radio dzBB's Divine Caraecle reported.

But only close family members are to take the trip to Jolo as the plane will be an eight-seater, the report added.

Kiram's relatives were earlier not able to transport the sultan's body to Jolo after failing to get clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, supporters continued to go to the Blue Mosque in Taguig City to pay their last respects.

Kiram died before dawn Sunday due to multiple organ failure. He was 75.

His followers engaged Malaysian forces in a standoff and bloody clashes in Sabah earlier this year.

Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani had said Kiram, before he died, had ordered his followers to continue efforts to "repossess" Sabah for the Filipino people.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/331714/news/nation/kiram-remains-to-be-flown-to-jolo-early-monday-via-private-plane

Malaysian police to remain on alert vs Kiram's followers – report

From GMA News (Oct 20): Malaysian police to remain on alert vs Kiram's followers – report

Despite the death of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Malaysian authorities said Sunday they will remain on alert for possible threats from his followers in Sabah, according to a Malaysian news site.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said Malaysian security forces would remain "alert" for any intrusion by Kiram's followers, Malaysia's The Star Online reported.

Hamza was also quoted in the report as saying they are still verifying reports of the sultan's death.

Last February, Kiram's followers engaged Malaysian forces in a standoff, and in armed clashes last March.

Kiram's daughter Jacel on Sunday morning said the sultan died at 4 a.m. Sunday.

But Sulu sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani said the sultan had ordered before his death the repossession of Sabah "for the Filipino people."

Meanwhile, the Star Online report said the sultan's brother Agbimuddin had "disappeared without a trace" since Malaysian forces mounted an offensive against the sultan's followers last March.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/331699/news/nation/malaysian-police-to-remain-on-alert-vs-kiram-s-followers-report

69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary marked!

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 20): 69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary marked!

Palo, Leyte — Department of National Defense (DND) Usec. Eduardo G. Batac, Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico “Mic” L. Petilla and Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla led the Filipino nation in celebration of the 69th Leyte Gulf Landings Anniversary at Red Beach, known as MacArthur Park, this town on October 20, 2013.

Usec. Eduardo Batac represented President Benigno S. Aquino III as guest of honor and speaker of the simple and solemn commemorative ceremonies of the so-called largest naval battle of World War II, which paved way to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation 69 years ago.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 20, 1944 that turned the tide of World War II in favor of the Allied forces was headed by Gen. Douglas McArthur, the triumph of the Allied Forces’ on that battle paved way to the fulfillment of McArthur’s historic pledge “I shall return!”

Among the foreign diplomats in attendance this year are Lt. Col Michael P. Wylie, Chief Joint Operations, US Marine Corp, Embassy of the United States of America; Minister Tetsuro Omano, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan; Reuben Levermore, ambassador, Embassy of New Zealand; and Bill Tweddell, Ambassador, Embassy of Australia.

Also in attendance was Cmdr. Avelino L. Mosot, regional vice president Veterans Federation of the Philippines Leyte Chapter, and Brig. Gen. Joel Joseph A. Cabides, Regional Vice President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines. And Pasig City Cong. Roman T. Romulo, Grand Son of Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo, the Filipino general who was with Gen. MacArthur during the 1944 historic Leyte Landings.

A highlight during the commemorative program each diplomatic representative imparted their respective message of solidarity for peace.

Gov. Petilla in his message said, “On this 69th year of commemorating the Leyte Gulf Landings we honor our veterans as we banner this year’s theme: The Filipino Veteran: Role Model for Patriotism.” I want us not only to remember their gallantry in the battlefield, but we must also look at the lasting legacy of strength and service they brought with them; the commemoration of the Leyte Gulf Landings reminds us of the responsibility we have for our veterans, who serve our nation, he added.

Undersecretary Batac in his speech for President Benigno S. Aquino III said the return of freedom was the closing chapter in the experience of our wartime generation. The Second World War fought beyond the shadow of doubt that this nation, a country of men and women committed to the preservation of democracy and principle, knew that freedom is not only worth living but is also, and more importantly, worth dying for!

Meanwhile Cong. Roman T. Romulo in his solidarity message said, May our generation learn and be inspired by the gallantry of our forefathers—the Filipino traits of selflessness, courage, sacrifice, gallantry which ran through the veins of Filipinos of that generation, must still run in the veins of Filipinos in our generation.

http://www.mb.com.ph/69th-leyte-gulf-landings-anniversary-marked/

Palace sees death of Sulu Sultan won't affect study on Philippine claim over Sabah

From Sun Star (Oct 20): Palace sees death of Sulu Sultan won't affect study on Philippine claim over Sabah

Malacanang said Sunday that the government's study on its claim over Sabah would not be affected by the death of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, also offered condolences to the family of Kiram who passed away early Sunday due to multiple organ failure at the age of 75.

"The study is still ongoing and the question presupposes that the claim is dependent on one person, which it is not, so the study is still ongoing," she said.

President Benigno Aquino III ordered last March a study into the territorial claim over Sabah.

He made the order after Kiram's brother and hundreds of followers sailed to Lahad Datu in Sabah last February to claim the Malaysian state. The standoff between Kiram's men and the Malaysian forces ended up in a bloody encounter.

"We offer our condolences to the bereaved family and to his (Kiram's) loved ones," Valte said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/10/20/palace-sees-death-sulu-sultan-wont-affect-study-philippine-claim-over-sabah

Public warned against unverified messages

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Oct 20): Public warned against unverified messages

THE Crisis Management Committee (CMC) has reiterated its call to the public not to pass on unverified text messages that may cause panic and confusion among Zamboanga residents.

Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made the call anew as text messages warning about presence of lawless elements in the villages once again alarmed the public that led to the shortening of classes in some schools in the city.

“Again, please refrain from forwarding unverified text messages. Get your facts straight and accurate from police hotline number 117 or 166 or through police stations near you. Always remain calm but vigilant,” Salazar said.

“The people have been traumatized and to have these unverified messages circulated will only worsen the situation,” she added.

City administrator Antonio Orendain, Jr. said misinformation caused the confusion in the schools, adding that administrators and principals of institutions should exercise prudence in their actions.

Orendain said police and military forces are deployed to safeguard the schools, vital installations, and other places of convergence and to foil any attempts from lawless elements.

Village officials and force multipliers have also been tasked to augment security in their respective areas of responsibility.

Salazar said on Sunday that classes in all levels both in public and private schools in Zamboanga city will continue on Monday, October 21.

Curfew will still be implemented from 12 midnight to 4 a.m.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/10/20/public-warned-against-unverified-messages-309606

Government to assist dead, wounded rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20): Government to assist dead, wounded rebels

Lt. Col. Patrick Cinco, commander of the Civil-Military Operations of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army based in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz called on citizens to report immediately to authorities sightings of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed during encounters with government troops last week near the borders of barangays Nayaman and Tacuyan, and barangays Lahug and Abangan, all in Tapaz, Capiz.

Cinco said his office is currently verifying reports claiming that dead bodies of a number of insurgents have been buried in areas straddling the said villages, even as he appealled to villagers having such knowledge not to hide the bodies and allow the government to provide them a decent burial “as they are also fellow Filipinos.”

Cinco also said the government is more than willing to extend medical assistance to wounded rebels, and fly them if necessary via choppers to the nearest hospital.

Cinco said the Aquino administration cares deeply for the rebels and would love to see them back to the fold of law living as productive and happy citizens.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=578176

MacArthur's Leyte Landing 69 years ago recalled

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20): MacArthur's Leyte Landing 69 years ago recalled
 
Sixty-nine years ago today, Gen. Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his solemn pledge to the Filipino people to return and liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation when he led Allied forces in the historic landing at Red Beach in Leyte on October 20, 1944.

The landing was preceded in what is dubbed as “Battle at Leyte Gulf”, the greatest naval battle in history the world has known which remained unequaled to date in terms of the number warships, aircraft and submarines involved and the huge number of war casualties that resulted in the defeat of Japan that ended World War II in the Pacific.

It may be recalled that shortly before Bataan fell on April 9, 1942 MacArthur made a daring sea escape at the height of the heavy fighting from his headquarters on Corregidor Island to Australia.

Aboard a convoy of lightly armed PT boats, MacArthur successfully broke the Japanese lines and arrived in Australia safely.

But before he boarded the PT boat, Gen. MacArthur made a promise to the Filipino people when he said in the now famous words “I shall return” to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of the Japanese invaders.

That promise was fulfilled when he led the liberation of the Philippines on Oct. 20, 1944.

In his speech shortly after US-led Allied forces landed in Leyte, MacArthur said: “TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES:"“I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil -- soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible, strength, the liberties of your people.

“At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re- established on Philippine soil.

“The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.

“Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!”

It was during the great battle at Leyte Gulf that the once powerful Japanese Navy was destroyed by the US 3rd and 7th fleet.

The naval warfare involved four sea battles at Sibuyan Sea, Surigao Strait,Cape Engaño and the island of Samar in the Pacific Ocean.

It was during the Battle at Leyte Gulf that the Japanese deployed its first “Kamikaze” or suicide pilots in attacking US warships.

"Kamikaze" pilots sunk 47 Allied warships and damaged 300 others. But a total of 4,000 "Kamikaze" pilots were killed during the Second World War.

The US had in its arsenal eight aircraft carriers, 24 small carriers, 1,712 warplanes, 12 battleships, 24 cruisers and 141 destroyers.

In the historic Battle at Leyte Gulf, the Japanese Navy lost nine carriers, more than 500 combat planes and a big number of smaller ships.(

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=578097