THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) joined local officials and foreign delegates on Sunday, Oct. 25, to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the historic World War II Battle of Surigao Strait.
The memorial ceremony paid tribute to the Filipino and Allied forces who fought in the Oct. 25, 1944, naval engagement—the last battleship-versus-battleship clash in naval warfare and a decisive turning point in the liberation of the Philippines during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Representatives from the United States, Australia, and Japan attended the commemoration, highlighting former wartime adversaries standing together in present-day diplomatic cooperation.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II emphasized how former warring nations have forged strong ties over eight decades.
“To our friends from the United States, Australia, and Japan, your presence today is especially meaningful,” Dumlao said. “The very nations whose histories were shaped by conflict now stand together in friendship and mutual respect. This reminds us that reconciliation is possible, friendship can rise from the wounds, and lasting peace is a legacy that we must continue to build together.”
Representing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio noted that the history of the Surigao Strait offers crucial lessons for modern national defense preparedness.
“The Battle of Surigao Strait reminds us that the defense of a nation requires preparation long before a crisis arises,” Orio said. “We build our capabilities so that we can defend our people, protect our sovereignty, and help prevent conflict.”
According to EastMinCom, honoring the sacrifices of Filipino guerrillas, Allied troops, and local communities remains central to reinforcing the military’s ongoing mandate to safeguard the country’s eastern seaboard and territorial sovereignty.
