RESISTANCE IN PHILIPPINES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 4

RESISTANCE IN PHILIPPINES

While attention in the Far East is naturally concentrated on Malaya and Burma, the stubborn and prolonged resistance to Japanese attack by the American and Filipino forces in the Philippine Islands should not be forgotten. Subjected to assault from the very outbreak of the war in the Pacific, first from the air and a few days later by both military and naval forces, this group has proved anything but an easy victim for the enemy. The main island of Luzon has been the scene of the most intense fighting, though Mindanao has not escaped unscathed. Manila, capital of the group, and the United States naval base, was naturally the chief prize aimed at by the Japanese. Following their

favourite plan of landings at different points a considerable distance from the objective, they pressed their attacks in great strength and with vigour and determination. The defenders held them off until January 2, when all naval and military forces left the city after destroying everything of value at the naval base of Cavite. General MacArt.hur and his troops then established themselves west and north-west of Manila, especially on the Batan Peninsula at the entrance to Manila Bay. There they remain, still relying on their own unreinforced strength, while the island of Corregidor, at the mouth of the bay, also still defies the enemy. These operations will probably turn out to be a delaying action of the utmost value. Manila in enemy hands means a severe strategic loss to the Allies, but while the fight goes on in Batan and Corregidor, possession of it is only of negative strategic value to the Japanese.