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Cebu 2015, Part III: Bloody Battles in the Hills

  • The imposing peaks of Babag Ridge can be seen in the distance of this photo taken during the invasion of Cebu, 26 March 1945. Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, 80-G-259246.
  • Looking west towards Babag Ridge from the coast of Cebu, March 2015. Source: Dave Colamaria.
  • The Japanese on Cebu retreated to caves and fixed positions in the hills. Here, soldiers of the 182nd Infantry rifle through Japanese materials left behind in a cave on Babag Ridge. Source: National Archives.
  • Members of the Americal Division Veterans Association tour a Japanese tunnel complex on Cebu. Source: Dave Colamaria.
  • Members of the Americal Division Veterans Association, accompanied by the Go Chan family, walk the slopes of Go Chan Hill in 2015. Source: Dave Colamaria.
  • Local children point out the buried entrance to the Japanese tunnel complex under Go Chan Hill. Source: Dave Colamaria.
  • Peaks along Babag Ridge, as seen from Tops Skyline Garden in 2015. Source: Dave Colamaria.
  • Dave Colamaria at Tops Skyline Garden on top of Babag Ridge, looking down on the sprawl of Cebu City below. Source: Dave Colamaria.

(Note: for a detailed introduction to the Americal Division Veterans Association’s 2015 trip to Cebu, along with links to other stories from the trip, read our introductory story Cebu 2015: The Ghosts of World War II, 70 Years Later. Learn more about the World War II battle for Cebu here.)

The most brutal fighting on Cebu during World War II occurred on the imposing hills that rise up just a few miles from the shoreline. The Japanese defenders essentially conceded the beach and Cebu City, choosing to hunker down in caves and fortified positions high in the hills. This was consistent with their overall strategy in the Pacific in 1945, and it led to terrible American casualties in that last year of the war. After securing the city and its airfield, Americal Division troops began to take fire from Japanese emplacements in the hills above. The first half of April 1945 was a terrible slog for the men of the Americal, as they inched their way up the hills in the face of stubborn resistance. The final battles on Babag Ridge in mid-April finally broke the Japanese defense, and caused them to flee northwards along the long, thin island.

Our group from the Americal Division Veterans Association had a chance to visit these hills in 2015. You can see in Photo #1 what those hills looked like in 1945, and in Photo #2 what they look like in 2015. On the afternoon of our first day of touring, our van wound its way up narrow mountain roads, with small shacks and shanties cobbled together to the very edges of the drivable surface. At times, we wondered if we would even fit past vehicles coming in the opposite direction. The hills were covered with heavy tree growth on all sides. In 1945, this was not the case, the terrain was more open. After the war, trees were brought in from abroad as part of a reforestation program.

We first visited the reservoir at Buhisan Dam, which was captured on the second day of the invasion by two companies of the 182nd (not Company G) in conjunction with Filipino guerrillas. After a short drive, we took a quick hike to the location of two Japanese tunnels, carved out of the side of mountain faces (Photo #3 shows tunnels in 1945, Photo #4 shows what they look like in 2015). It was eerie inside the tunnels, particularly when looking out of the firing hole, with a clear view down the road that American troops would used for their advance. This was also our first opportunity to meet the local Cebu media, who followed us around for a bit. You can read one of their stories here. You’ll note that we had some communications issues, as the reporter mistakenly believed that I am a Vietnam veteran. But it made me feel good to get my grandfather Ed Monahan‘s name in the local papers 70 years after he arrived on the island under fire. Another story here features a nice photo of two of our fellow travelers in one of the caves.

On our second day of touring, we visited a significant battle site called Go Chan Hill – and uncovered the story behind its name. Rising up in the foothills at the base of Babag Ridge, Go Chan Hill is a small rise that had a lighthouse tower on it at the time of the war. On 29 March 1945, Company A of the 182nd Infantry was advancing up the hill, when a massive explosion shook the entire area. When the smoke cleared, the company had been virtually annihilated. Already understrength due to the fighting in the previous months on Leyte, the killed and wounded from this explosion rendered Company A unfit for battle, and it was withdrawn. There is some disagreement as to the source of the explosion. The men of the Americal were convinced that the Japanese defenders had set a timed explosion to ignite bombs and ammo dumps in the caves under the hill. Some believe that an American tank fired a round into a cave opening and accidentally ignited an ammo dump.

70 years later, we set out to visit this hill, on the outskirts of the built-up urban center. I was surprised to find that the hill took its name from the family that owned it: the Gochans. Members of the family still live near the hill, in a beautiful complex overlooking the hill itself. The family was gracious enough to invite us over for food and drink, and they shared their family memories with us. It was truly a thrill to meet Mrs. Gochan, who was just a small child during the war. I had the chance to speak with her for a few minutes, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The Gochans also arranged for us to tour the hill, which at this time is mostly free of development. We walked up the steep slopes of the hill itself (Photo #5), and then took a short hike through some woods to see buried openings that lead to the Japanese tunnel complex (Photo #6). We also met up with their cousin Harley for a group outing later in the week. It was a real pleasure to meet this family, and explore their connections to World War II.

Buhisan Dam and Go Chan Hill served as a good introduction to the steep hills of Cebu, but looming above was the rugged range of Babag Ridge. The steep ridge line soars 2,000 feet above sea level, just a few miles from the beach. All of us in the group were surprised at how intimidating these hills were. We’d read about them in history books, but seeing them in person really brought home how difficult it must have been for the soldiers of the Americal to wrest them from the Japanese. We had several chances to visit the ridge during our trip. On our first day of touring, we had dinner at beautiful Chateau de Busay, an elegant restaurant and lodge built just a few hundred feet below the top of the ridge. Knowing full well that the battles along the ridge were the toughest of the Cebu campaign, I had contemplated what it would be like to stand on those hills. Unfortunately, during that first visit to the hill, I did not have a chance for quiet reflection. There were two weddings going on simultaneously on the grounds of the chateau, and their music echoed through the air around us. We did have one rather surreal moment at the Chateau. After dinner, we lounged about, discussing the guerrillas on Cebu with several knowledgeable locals. The quiet night air was broken by a serious of loud cracks. We realized that one of the wedding parties was celebrating with fireworks. The rattle and explosion of the fireworks continued for several minutes, and for a brief moment I imaged what it must have been like during the night battles along the ridge during the war.

One downside to our first trip to Babag Ridge is that we did not make it to the top of the ridge. From what we understand, there may be Japanese fortifications still in place on the hill, but they are not easily accessible. I felt a bit of remorse throughout the week that we had not made it to the top, but on the last day of the trip, following the dedication of the surrender monument, I found myself with a few extra hours before my flight was scheduled to depart for Manila. I’d been hearing about a place called “Tops,” a scenic spot at the top of the ridge. We consulted with the hotel concierge, and he said it was a short drive, so Sam Arnold and I secured a cab and headed up. I was a bit nervous, with my flight scheduled for that evening, but the trip proved well worth it. Tops Skyline Garden is the best view of Cebu City and the coastline that you can get. It is a stunning panorama, with a commanding view for 180 degrees. I don’t know if this hilltop is the one that the men of Company G assaulted on 12-13 April 1945 in a daring night time bayonet raid. It might have been, or maybe it was one of the nearby hill tops (see Photo #7). At this time I can’t say. But what I can say is that my last few hours on the island were well spent in that short side trip to Tops (see Photo #8).

Read the next piece in this series here: Cebu 2015, Part IV: Battle Sites on the West Coast

Published inCebuHistory

11 Comments

  1. Max M. Vargas Jr. Max M. Vargas Jr.

    My father was kill on Cebu island April 1945. Looking for any information on his death. I have a newspaper clipping with his name, picture stating he was kill in action. I would like to find out which company he serve in.

  2. Dave Colamaria Dave Colamaria

    Thank you for your comment, Max. I will check my records this weekend to see if I have any information to help you out as far as what company he was in.

  3. Dave Colamaria Dave Colamaria

    Max, I checked my records and I don’t have anything on your father. The listing in the back of the book Under the Southern Cross confirms that he was with the 182nd Infantry when he was killed. I can confirm that I do not think he was in Company G, as I have all of the Morning Reports for April 1945, which indicate who was killed that month. Company G had an Abelino Vargas at one point, but I did not see a Max.

    If you want to dig into this, I suggest you contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. You could request your father’s records, though unfortunately those were quite likely destroyed in a terrible fire that happened there in the 1970’s. But, they should have the Morning Reports from each of the companies of the 182nd for April 1945, and his name should appear on those, which would answer the question. You’d have to go there or hire a researcher remotely, though, to look at those records.

    Sorry I can’t answer your question – though I can say pretty definitively he was NOT in Company G.

  4. Mark Lepon Mark Lepon

    Good day sir,
    I’ve been reading some of your cebu experiences and I was amazed by the places you just visited most especially the battle sites in babag mountain ridge. By the way, I’m one of the member of Camp Red Bushcraft & Survival Guild based here in Cebu but we also have members from other countries as well. Actually, We have been to the site of the japanese stronghold you just mentioned at the babag mountains or what’s left of it. We have found some tunnels on corners of the slopes covered with vines and stones but some are still open though we never tried to check the interiors. Sometimes, as we get pass through trails around Buhisan-Baksan-Lanipao we still can pick up bullet casings and world war 2 remains. Speaking of the Talisay Landing, There’s still one remaining japanese bunker facing the sea with an escape trench network on the rear still intact and was just beside a basketball court when I visited my friend near the site. but that was a few years ago. Hopefully, It’s still there.
    If you happen to visit Cebu again sir, perphaps you can arrange a meeting with our Group Founder Jing de Egurrola (PNP Retired) and our President Jhurds Neo (Fil-Am US Navy Retired) or we can guide you along the trails. or you can visit us (pinoyapache@blogspot.com & Facebook: Camp Red Bushcraft & Survival Guild) Most of us were also History buffs and our grandparents also participated in the 2nd world war as servicemen under USAFFE and some from the Guerilla Movements. We would be glad to assist.

  5. Dave Colamaria Dave Colamaria

    Hello Mark! I am very excited to hear from you. One of my big regrets of the trip was that we did not get to see those fortifications. Some day, I absolutely would love to see them. Do you have any photos of the Babag fortifications?

    We have talked of a possible return trip to Cebu (to also encompass Leyte) in a few years. We will see if we can make that happen. I’ve found your Facebook group and submitted a request to join it. Let’s definitely keep in touch. Interestingly, one of the things I suggested to my wife was to incorporate some sort of environmental tour if we go back – it sounds like you are good people to know on that front.

    Dave

  6. mark lepon mark lepon

    Good day sir, sorry for the late reply for I can only open my internet once or twice a week due to work. (^^,’) Feel free to open up your suggestions and proposals for your activity in our Facebook page if you happen to visit back here in the Philippines. By the way, we do have some of the Photos with the ruins of the fortifications or part of it behind us during our dirt-time trek as we happen to pass on the site we took some few pictures and perphaps I can tag you whenever I can open my FB account. I cannot access FB in my nightshift work. Actually, what you will be expecting is basically a pile of rocks atleast a shoulder high and some of the tunnels that are covered…. Interestingly, the stronghold was in a strategic position for it was overlooking both sides of cebu city and the Bonbon minicipality and below the Babag mountain range is a tough terrain. Once again, feel free to open up your request or concerns to sir Jhurds Neo or Sir Jing de Egurrola in Camp red Bushcraft & Survival Guild, the rest of the group will respond accordingly. (^^,’) thnx for the reply Sir. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

  7. Dave Colamaria Dave Colamaria

    Thank you! I have been following the group on Facebook and I am enjoying the connection to Cebu that I get through it. I would definitely be interested in seeing any of those photos on FB in the future if you get your account working. Also, I have mentioned your group to a colleague who was on the trip, and he is also excited that we have been able to connect. We both really want to see those ruins some day!

  8. mark mark

    you’re most welcome sir…..

  9. Anonymous Anonymous

    Thanks for this site. I’m an American history buff married to a Cebuana. The next time we visit Cebu we will check out the battle sites you document here. Nice work.

  10. Kim Kim

    Was Ireland also involved in the 12-13 Apr 1945 assault of Cebu City? We have a relative (Patrick DRUMM) who family say died in Cebu City, Philippines in 1942. I wonder if they mean this conflict. Were there battles there in 1942? Thanks to anyone who might help me sort this out!

  11. D C D C

    The Japanese invaded Cebu in 1942 and occupied the island until the Allied liberation in 1945. It is possible that he was on the island at the time of the Japanese takeover, though I have no way to verify that.

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