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    Laoag (Loag, Laoang, Laog, Laoag City) Ilocos Norte Province | Luzon Philippines
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US Army July 25, 1946
Location
Lat 18° 11' 56N Long 120° 35' 37E  Laoag is located at an elevation of 59' / 17m above sea level in Ilocos Norte Province on Luzon in the Philippines. Also known as Loag, Laoang, Laog or Laoag City and is the the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte Province. To the south is the Laoag River and to the southwest on the coast is Gabu (Gabo, Pias) and Laoag Airfield further to the south is Gaang (Gan, Gaan-Victoria, Currimao). Borders the South China Sea to the west.

Wartime History
On December 10, 1941 and December 11, 1941 the Japanese Army "Kanno Detachment" lands at Vigan and a column of troops and trucks began moving northward towards Laoag. Before the Japanese occupation, Filipino Governor-elect, Roque Ablan fled to Solsona to organizes the resistance with provincial prison guards, civic minded citizens and Army reservists that later collaborated with USAFIP-NL (U.S. Armed Forces in the Philippines - North Luzon).

On December 12, 1941 Japanese forces occupied Laoag. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Laoag was occupied by the Japanese Army with the town hall used by the Kempeitai (Kempi-Tai) Military Police. By January 1942 Filipino guerillas initiated their first offensive action against the Japanese occupying Ilocos Norte Province. In retaliation, the Japanese bombed towns and killed civilians suspected or harboring guerrillas or supporting the resistance.

By early February 1945 the Japanese withdrew demolishing part of the Gilbert Bridge over the Laoag River. On February 13, 1945 Filipino guerrillas from the 1st Battalion of the 15th Infantry liberated Laoag.

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Last Updated
July 31, 2023

 

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