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    Dipolog Airfield Mindanao Philippines
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USMC c1945

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USMC c1945

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PAL 1951
Location
Lat 8° 36' 0" Long 123° 21' 0"  Located on the Zamboanga peninsula, along Dapitan Bay in Zamboanga del Norte Province the northern coast of Mindanao. Located 150 miles to the north of Zamboang.

Construction
Governor Matias Castillon Ranillo, who presented the idea for an airport at Dipolog. In 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon authorized the construction. By 1937, a single runway 500m in length surfaced with macadam was completed. Vice President Sergio Osmeña inauguratied the airport aboard a Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) Douglas DC-2. The original terminal was made of composite wood material at the northern side of the runway near the Philippine Constabulary Camp, today Camp Hamac in Sicayab.

Japanese Usage
Occupied by the Japanese during 1942 until early 1945. During December 1942, Governor Matias Castillon Ranillo was appointed by Fertig as provincial military governor. During late 1944, the airfield was attacked by American aircraft and largely neutralized.

Liberation
A week before the first Army landing, two Marine officers and six enlisted Marines were inserted behind Japanese lines. They were taken to the guerrilla-held airstrip near the town of Dipolog. Captured at the airfield was a Japanese L2D Tabby and a G4M3 Betty Tail 61-20.

American Usage
Within a few days, 16 Corsairs were there on the primitive Dipolog Field to support the guerrillas, as well as cover the landing of the 41st Infantry Division at Zamboanga on D-day, March 10, 1945. Used by USMC Marine Air Groups 12 and 32 during March 1945, to support operations in southern Mindanao and as an emergency airfield.

American Units based at Dipolog
VMF-115 (F4U detachment) March 27, 1945

Postwar
Restored to civilian service in 1947 with a longer runway and bigger terminal relocated to the eastern side.

Today
Still in use today, airport code: DPL. This airport is located outside Dipolog City, and for tourists for access to Dakak tourist resort.

References
Thanks to Tony Feredo and Veronica Papa (granddaughter of Governor Matias Castillon Ranillo) for additional information

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Last Updated
July 29, 2023

 

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