SURIGAO City marked the 81st Anniversary of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait with a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 25, paying tribute to the immense bravery and sacrifice of Allied and Filipino forces during World War II.
The main event was held at the BOSS Memorial Shrine in Barangay Punta Bilar, featuring a powerful display of military honors and international participation, underscoring the battle’s lasting global significance.
Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt Gen Rex Luis Bergante attended the commemorative ceremony that was led by Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra and drew distinguished guests from the military, government, and international diplomatic communities.
The attendees were Capt. Archibald Dino C. Delfin PN, deputy commander of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee Jr., and other local officials, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown, Japan’s Assistant Defense Attaché Commander Kawahata Noriyuki, and members of the Japanese delegation.
The presence of international dignitaries and descendants of war heroes lent deeper significance to the ceremony, highlighting a shared commitment to peace, friendship, and historical remembrance among the participating nations.
The program included several poignant tributes, beginning with a Walk for Peace.
The fallen sailors who fought and gave their lives in the waters of Surigao Strait—the site of one of WWII’s most decisive naval battles—were honored with a 21-gun salute and a wreath-laying and floral offering at sea.
The tribute was made even more significant by a naval salute rendered by the Philippine Navy vessels, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Artemio Ricarte, honoring the gallant forces.
As Surigao City marks the momentous day, the community continues to honor the spirit of unity, courage, and resilience that lives on in every Batang Surigaonon—a lasting testament to the city’s proud legacy and its enduring pursuit of peace.
