MANILA, Philippines — Demanding action from the governments of the Philippines and the United States, some members of the West Point Class of 1984 along with civic organizations are pushing for the preservation of a World War II historical site in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
In a statement released yesterday, the Save Plaza Cuartel campaign said it would fight for the restoration and preservation of the Palawan Massacre Site and prevent its repurposing into an open-air amphitheater.
“An urgent response from the US government to appropriate Philippine agencies is needed to stop the construction being conducted by the city government of Puerto Princesa before the site could be damaged or destroyed,” the group said.
The Save Plaza Cuartel campaign said that on Dec. 14, 1944, Japanese soldiers massacred 139 US prisoners of war (POW) at Camp 10-A, now known as Plaza Cuartel.
“Eleven POWs survived to tell their story. One of them was Eugene Nielson, who provided a key testimony that helped influence Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s decision for Lt. Henry Mucci of West Point 36 and his 6th Ranger Battalion to liberate US and allied POWs during the Great Raid in Cabanatuan,” the campaign said.
Without consulting US or Filipino veterans, Mayor Lucilo Bayron and city tourism chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. developed a plan to “repurpose” Plaza Cuartel, the group said.
US veterans opposed the move and proposed alternatives including proper restoration of the former camp.