Bessang Pass national holiday pushed

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – Ilocos Sur officials are pushing for the declaration of the “Battle of Bessang Pass” as a national holiday, saying its historical value among Filipinos is as significant as the Fall of Bataan and the Death March.

Ilocos Sur folk marked the 69th anniversary of the Battle of Bessang Pass last June 14, paying tribute to the thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who were killed and wounded in the battle against retreating Japanese forces.

Located along the remote Cordillera mountain area, Bessang is part of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. It was one of the last strongholds of the Japanese Imperial Army forces under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, known as the Tiger of Malaya, in the last months of the Second World War.

President Aquino, through Presidential Proclamation 777, declared every June 14 a special non-working holiday in Cervantes for the Battle of Besang Pass commemoration.

“If we are celebrating the Fall of Bataan and Death March every April 9, it is also fitting to celebrate nationally (our) victory during the Second World War, which happened in Bessang Pass,” said Cervantes Mayor Benjamin Maggay.