Palawan: PRE-HISPANIC PERIOD

Circa 22,000 BC ..........

- The early Filipinos, Negritos and Proto Malays arrived via land bridges between Palawan
and Borneo, Luzon and Asia, and most likely Southern Mindoro and Celebes. (From:
"Outline of Philippine History,"Educator's Diary, 1987)

2​2​0 - 263 AD
- During the period of the Three Kingdoms, "Little, dark people” living in Anwei Province in
South China were driven south by the Ham People. Some settled in Thailand, others
stayed in Malaysia, and still others went farther south to Indonesia, Sumatra, Borneo and
the Philippines passing through land bridges between Palawan and Borneo. They were
known as Aetas and Negritos from whom our Batak tribe descended. (From: "History of
Palawan, Part I" by Diokno Manlavi)

Between this period, Tsung-Tse-Yang Kau, author of the book, "Chang Shik”,
mentioned 43 places in the Philippines. Among these were Camarines, Laoag,
Corregidor, Luzon, Cavite, Iling, Antik, Cuyo, Dapitan, Balayan and Palawan. (From:
"The Chinese in the Philippines," Vol. 1 - Historical Conservation Society, 1966)

982 A.D...
- As early as this date, ancient Chinese Traders knew Palawan as Palauyu.

Early 9th Century ..........

- Chinese who traded with the natives of the coastal regions of Calamianes knew the
place as "Palao yu," meaning "Land of beautiful safe h​a​rbors."

1209 & 1214 & 1349 ....

- Note: The wreck of the 15th Century Chinese or Indochinese junk was found by chance
in a pearl farm off Pandanan Island in Balabac, Southern Palawan. The wreck yielded
4,722 pieces of artifacts by the time the Pandanan salvage operations ended on May
15, 1995 ​Analysis: ​As early as the 9th Century, trade cultural contact existed between
the Philippine and her Southeast Asian neighbors, as well a China, Japan India and the
Arabian nations (From: "The Pearl Road," by Christophe Loviny)

1209 & 1214 & 1349 ....

- In between these dates, the names ​"Kaimaye​n​,” “Palao-yu,” and “Pakinuno
 me​aning C​alamia​n, Palawan and Busuang resp​ec​tively, were mentioned in Chinese
narratives as part of the dependencies of the Mai. (From: "The Chinese in the
Philippines," Vol. 1. Hi​stori​cal Conservation Society 1966)

1225...
- Chao-Ju-Kua, in his book, "Chua Fan Chi” wrote the most vivid and detailed
description of Palawan. He recorded that “San Su,” (three islands) were “Kiamayan”,
“Palau ye," and "Pakinung." The area contained many "lofty ridges and ranges of
cliffs that rise as steep as the walls of a house." This description fits exactly the cliffs
of Calis Island in Coron. (From "History of Palawan.” Part 1 by Diokno Manlavi)

12th Century….
- Sometime i​n this century, Chief Ma-Tuod arrived in Cuyo. He landed in Tab​unan,
Barangay Suba, on bancas c​alled "barotos." He came from Madia-as, old name of
Panay. (From: "T History and Culture of Cuyo," by Jose and Fel Fernandez, 1995).

1400...
- The arrival of Sheree Kabungsawan a ​Rajah Baginda. Kabungsawan
introduced Mohammedanism in Mindanao and founded the ​Sultanate of
Maguindanao. Baginda introduced Islam in Sulu. Later the Sultanate extended its
influence over Southern Palawan.

13th Century...
- So​met​ime in this century, Datu Magbanua, a brave Malayan Chieftain from Madia-as,
colonized Cuyo. He spread his settlement to Agutaya, under Cabongon. He introduced
the Malayan culture. (From: "The Hist​ory an​d Culture of Cuyo," by Jose and Fe T.
Fernandez, 1995)

Between 1506 & 1512 .. Ferdinand Magellan unknowingly visited

the Calamianes during his side trip to the Far East. (From: "History of Palawan,” by
Diokno Manlavi)
 II. SPANISH PERIOD

1521 ​....​ .
- Ferdinand Magellan landed at Homonhon, Samar, on March 16 and was killed on April
27 in a battle with Lapu-Lapu in Mactan. The first mass was celebrated on March 31.

After Magellan's death, remnants of his fleet landed in Palawan where the bounty of the
land saved them from starvation. Pigafetta, Magellan's chronicler named the place ​"Land
of Promise."

The Spaniards saw the people's cultivated fields and their weapons consisting of
blowpipes, spears and bronze Lombard, and witnessed for the first time cock fighting
and fist fighting. Pigafetta likewise discovered that the pre-Spanish Palaweños had their
own system of writing consisting of 13 consonants and 3 vowels. They had a dialect of
18 syllables. He further wrote that in ​Palawan, ​th​e local king ​h​ad 10 sc​ ribes w​rote down
th​e King's dictations ​on leaves. ​(From: "​ H​istory of Pala​wan," by Diokne M​anlav​i)

Piga​f​etta further cal​le​ d the isl​an​d "Puliana name closel​y sim​ilar t​o ​"Pulaon",
according to Dr. ​Jose ​ Rizal. ​(From: ​"Early Names of the Archipelago," by Eu​logio
Rodri​ g​uez).

The first ​ever recorde​d act of piracy in the Philippines ha​ppened ​ in Palawan when
Chief Tuan Mohamad and his staff w​ere c​ aptured aboard their vessel ​an​d taken
hostage by the Spaniards w​ho ​de​man​de​d r​ ansom within 7 days ​consisting ​of 4​00
sukats or 1 ​ 9​0 s​acks of clean rice, ​450 ​chickens, 20 pig​s, 20 go​ats and several jars
filled with tuba. (From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi)

1540 ......
"In an edition of Ptolemy's Map​, "Puloan” ​must have been originally the island of
Palawan, while "Maniolas", which is v​ery ​similar to Maynilad, must have been the
name given to the vast region around Manila" said Dr. Jose Rizal. (From: Early
Names of the Archipelago, by Eulogio Rodríguez)

1574….
 - Fifty-three years after Magellan's "discovery" of our country, there was a plot to
drive the Spaniards away, but its uncovering led to the execution of its leaders
including those from Calamianes who were very much involved in the plot. (From:
"Palawan: A Historical Sketch," by Fr. Federico dela Rosa)

1622 ...
- This period highlighted the ecclesiastical and colonial presence of the Spaniards
in Palawan through the zealous missionary efforts of the Recollects. (From:
"Palawan Historiography, 1622. 1​898: Issu​es and Insights,” by Regino P.
Paular,NHI)

1622...
- His Excellency, Señor Don Pedro de Arce, Bishop of Cebu, in a decree, instructed the
Agustinian Recollect Fathers to take charge of the Christianization of Palawan, including
the Cuyo Islands. That same year, Cuyo and Taytay were Christianized. Five Spanish
Agustinian Recollect Missionaries from Cebu, led by Rev. Fr. Juan de Santo Tomas,
arrived in Cuyo which he called "Garden of Nature", because of its spectacular
pleasantness and beauty. (From: "The History and Culture of Cuyo," by Fernandez and
Fernandez)

1636.....
- Fourteen years after the Spanish missionaries started their Evangelization Mission, the
impact of Christianization began to be felt in majority of the ​pueblo​s in Palawan. This
enraged the Muslims who considered this as an encroachment upon their territory,
religion, independence and culture. (From "The History and Culture of Cuyo,” by
Fernandez and Fernandez)

June 20, 1636..

- A powerful Muslim fleet headed by Datu Tagul, brother of Sultan Kudarat, attacked Cuyo,
Agutaya, Culion and other places in Northern Palawan spreading fear, terror and havoc
among the inhabitants. (Source: “The Philippine Islands," by Blair and Robertson)

December 21 ....
- A Spanish naval flotilla of 6 vessels and 250 men under Capt. Nicolas Gonzales
intercepted Tagul and his men with their loot and booty off Punta Flechas. In the naval
battle, ​Tag​ul was slain and 300 of his followers were captur Source: "History of
Palawan," by Diokna Manlavi)
 1660...
- A petition was presented to the Spanish government which was signed, among
others, by Don Jose Alamita "who designated himself as "Governador dela
Paragua," (From: "Looking ​Back to the Pa​st," Peacock Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 2

1667...
- Start of the construction of the Taytay Fort, which was finished 71 years later. (From:
"Palawan's Fighting 1000," by Diokno Manlavi)

1680..
- Cuyo Fort and Church was completed under the supervision of the Rev. Fr. Juan de
San Severo, an Agustinian Recollect. (From: Inscriptions on a National Historical
Committee Marker, found outside the Cuyo Church)

1719..
- Construction of the Palawan fortifications in Labog, Brooke's Point. (From: "Palawan:
A Historical Sketch,"by Fr. Federico dela Rosa)

1720...
- Demolition of Fort Labog by the Muslims, causing devastating effects on peace and
order in Palawan. (From: Father Aquilino Bon)

July 1720..
- The Muslims hit hard on Linapacan, destroying the Spanish outpost and killing
some Spaniards. (From P.L. Ruiz)
1721......
- Agutaya was attacked, catching the ​Spaniards by surprise. From P.L. Ruiz)
1728..
- Construction of the fortifications in Linapacan. (Palawan: A Historical Sketch, by Fr.
Federico dela Rosa)
1730 ...
- The daring and boldness of the Muslims reached its peak. They attacked the military
base in T​aytay​. During this period, several noted battles were fought in Palawan
between the Spaniards and the Bruneians and Joloanos involving hundreds of fighting
men on both sides. (From: P.L. Ruiz)
1749..
- Two hundred twenty-eight years after Magellan's "discovery" of our country in 1521,
Don Antonio Fabia was designated Negotiator for the ceding of Southern Palawan to
Spain from the Sultanate of Borneo. The Sultan approved it with some reluctance
(From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi)

After the cession, Spain established its authority over the entire province. It was called
Calamianes with the capital in Taytay.

1750 ..
- Until this circa, sporadic Muslim attacks against the Calamianes Islands and other
places persisted. This was in retaliation against Spain's military campaign of fire and
blood (​guerra​ a f​ uego y​ ​sangre​) against the Mindanaoans, Joloanos and Borneans.
(From: "History of the Indian Archipelago" by John Crawford)

1753 December - 1754

June..
- The Cuyonons valiantly defended Cuyo from the Muslims who continuously besieged
the island for almost six months. For vigorously and successfully resisting the Muslims,
the Cuyonons were granted a year's exemption from paying taxes by the Goveror
General. (From: "Cedulario, 1743 - 1755," as reported in Luis C. Dery).

17​57...
- Muslims invaded the town of Calatan. Six times they attacked the place, but the
inhabitants' valiant defense stopped the invaders from realizing their goal. (From:
"Historia General de Filipinas, " by Jose Montero y Vidal)
1761…
- Building of the fortifications in Dumaran. (From: "Moro Raids in Palawan," by Luis C.
Dery)
1818…
- Practically all the territories which now belong to Palawan, were known as the
Province of Calamianes with the capital at Taytay. Note: this is both a confirmation
and a re-affirmation of the 1749 event.
 1858..

- Calamianes was divided into 2 provinces, “Castilla" and "Asturias.” “Castilla,"

comprised the Calamianes, the adjacent islands and the northern portion of Paragua.
Its capital was Taytay. "Asturias” included the rest of Paragua together with the island
of Balabac, which early that year was made into a politico-military province with the
name of Puerto Principe Alfonso.

This year, a naval station was established at Puerto Principe Alfonso (Balabac) by
Governor General Narciso de Claveria. The station proved to be effective against
Muslim attacks and onslaughts. (From: "The Province of Palawan: A Historical
Sketch," by Fr. F. dela Rosa)

With the garrisoning of Balabac, Governor-General Claveria effectively brought to

the attention of the Muslim inhabitants of nearby islands the determination of the
Spanish colonial government to end Muslim resis​tance. (From: ​"Cartas," 1858 to
1861)

1872 March 4...

- Puerto Princesa was founded as a Spanish ​settlement. Don Jose Sostao was the
Head of the Expedition

March 10, 1872..

- The first mass in Puerto Princesa was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ezequiel Moreno. (From:
"History of Puerto Princesa - 100 Years of Puerto Princesa, 1878-1972​," -​ A Souvenir
Programme)

1873...
- The capital of Palawan was transfered from Taytay to Cuyo. (From: "The History and
Culture of Cuyo," by Fernandez and Fernandez)

1876...
- Muslims attacked the towns of Linapacan and Busuanga. They burned Linapacan and
its church. (From: “Cedulario, 1717 to 1722," Folio 114 to 164)
1879...
- A partial census of the inhabitants of Palawan were distributed as follows:

Cuyo - 9,476

Dumaran - 1,416

Agutaya - ​2​,258

Calamianes - 2,438

Puerto Princesa - 573

Balabac - 581

Barrios in the island

of Palawan - 3,219

(From: "The Introduction of Christianity in Cuyo and Other

Parts of Palawan," by Bishop Gregorio Espiga)

1892 August 30 .....

- The Cape Melville Lighthouse in Balabac started guiding ships passing through the
waters between Palawan and Sulu. Lit with an oil lamp, the 150-foot-tall lighthouse
made sure the Spanish galleons would not get lost in their voyage. (From: "A
Century-Old Lighthouse." Gimba, the Mindanao Magazine of Popular Ethno Culture,
Vol. 3 No.2 by Ricardo )

1894...
- Puerto Princesa received the distinction of ​being one o​f the most beautiful towns ​(uno
​ ​as bellos) i​ n the country because of orderly distribution of streets, buildings and
del m
houses, and ​its cleanlines​s.” (From: “100 Years of Puerto ​Puerto P​rincesa, 1872 -
1972." . A Special C​enten​nial Anniverary Issue)
1898 July 2​7.....
- Birth of Dr. Higinio A. Mendoza in Puerto Princesa. Dr. Mendoza was destined to
become the Hero of Palawan. (From: “Some Palaweño Personalities, Vol. 1 by Jose
and Fe T. Fernandez)

Nov​ember 8, 1898 .......

- Sgt. Vicente Reynoso freed the prisoners at Puerto Princesa which was then the
dumping ground for all the prisoners in the province. The liberated prisoners fought
the Spaniards who later escaped to North Borneo where they had a garrison. (From:
“Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi)

December 10, 1898 .......

- Signing of the Treaty of ​Pari​s in which ​Spain ceded ​the Philippines to America for
20 million dollars. After the Treaty was signed, Captain Elmick received instructions
to take ​possess​ion of Palawan. (From: "History of Palawan” by Diokno Manlavi)

March 28, 1898 .....

- Birth of Doña Trinidad Fernandez Legarda inside Cuyo's ​Cotta ​or fort. Mrs. Legarda
was destined to become the Cuyono of the Century", the "1924 Philippine Beauty
Queen, an outstanding social worker, and the "Philippines ​First Lady
Ambassado​r." (From: "S​ome Palaweno ​Personalities." by Jose and Fe Fernandez)

December 1898 ...

- Founding of the “Govierno de Revolucion Dictatorial" in Lucbuan, Cuyo Island, by Don
Casiano Padon. Popularly known as "Lu​cbuan ​Republic", this government was
short-li​ved. It ​was an offshoot of the Philippine Revolution and the only one of its kind in
the entire country. (From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi)

Note:: On the creation of Political Sub divisions: “The rigodon of creating political
subdivisions continued until the last days of the Spanish regime. At the turn of the
century, the province was divided into three separate politico military districts
Calamianes, Paragua and Balabac.” (From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi)
 III. AMERICAN REGIME

1901 .....
- Establishment of the American Military Government

1902 June 23...

- After the Filipino-American War, the Americans established the Civil Government of
Paragua with Major John Brown as the First Appointed Governor.

Paragua then included practically the same territory as the former province
of“Castilla" or Calamianes, the Cuyo and Calamianes Island groups and Dumaran
Island. Cuyo was the capital. (From: "Philippine Commission Act 422, enacted June
23, 1902").

1903 May 14 ....

- The Provincial boundaries were further revised to include all the Paragua of Palawan,
together with essentially all of the other islands ​and territory ​it has today. (From:
"Philippin ​Commissio​n Act 747, enacted May 14, 1903")

1904...
- A new American Governor, Wright was appointed. His most important achievement
was ​the transfe​r of jurisdiction and control of Culion ​from the Munic​ipality of Coron
and reserving the same as a leper colony and a government stock farm. (From:
“History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi).

This year al​so marked the arrival of some ​Thomasites, ​the American teachers who came
on ​board t​he US Transport Thomas, in Palawan. Seven were assigned in Cuyo. They were:

1. Irah D. Cobb

​ illiam B. Dawson
2. W

3. Nellie E. Knapp

4. W.C.Spencer
 5​. Chas H. Stone

6. Horace E. Morrow

7. Charles D. Hart

Others came earlier aboard the transport “Lawton" and "Sheridan.”

1905 June ......

- The Division Office was transferred from Puerto Princesa to Cuyo. At the opening of
classes in school year 1909-1910, there were 24 primary schools in the whole division (
From: “Historical Background of the Division of Palawan” by Felipe Venturillo, Jr.).

1909 January 1 .......

- Paragua Province was renamed Palawan. The Capital was transferred from Cuyo to
Puerto Princesa, the third capital. (From: Philippine Commission Act 1363, enacted June
28,1905).
Governor Edward Y. Miller succeeded Gov. Wright. Miller conducted an extensive study of
​ is interest in the minorities
the needs of the province and set up a ​policy of attraction. H
resulted in the establishment of the farm school in Aborlan and the construction of schools
through out the province. (From: "History of Palawan,"Diokno Manlavi)

1911 to 1913...
- Gov. John F. Evans served as Governor. He hunted pirates and criminals and
promoted agricultural development. Health centers started to spring up during his
term​. ​Note:​ ​During the terms of office of the American Governors great emphasis was
laid on education. Because of their democratic policies, the Americans succeeded
easily in uniting the people. Gov. Herbert Dittricks was the last American Governor
General. (From: “History of Palawan,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1914...
- World War I broke out. For the first time, Ambrosio Pablo was appointed the first
Filipino Governor. (From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno Manlavi).
-
-
-
1919...
- The first popular election for Governor was held. Vicente Sandoval from Coron was
elected First Palawan Governor.
He devoted most of his term laying the groundwork for a long-range development
program of Palawan. (From: Palawan Politics," by Diokno Manlavi).

1922 to 1925..
- Anastacio Manalo served as Governor. His most notable achievements were the
construction of the present wharf in Puerto Princesa, the north and the south roads
lead​ing to ​the Iwahig Penal Colony and the capitol building near the wharf. ( From:
Palawan Politics,” bị Diokno Manlavi).

1926 ....
- The Office of the Division Superintendent was transferred from Cuyo to Puerto
Princesa. (From: Palawan Politics, "by Diokno Manlavi)

1934..
- Pa​lawan​, under Governor Higinio Me​ndoza, ​filed a petition of secession from the
Phil​ippines ​and decided to attach itself permanently as a dominion of the United
States. The resolution was an expression of the popular sentiment against the
Philippine Government's indecision, apathy and inaction to help the Palaweños. Then
Secretary of Interior Elpidio Quirino stopped the move on time. (From: Palawan
Politics,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1935 November 15 .....

- The Commonwealth of the Philippines ​was inaugurated w​ith Manuel Luis Quezon
as ​First Commonwealth President. Palawan under Governor Mendoza,
continu​ed to be a regular ​provinc​e of the Phillipines. (From: Palawan Politics," by
Diokno Manlavi).
1936...
- Sofronio T. Española ​was elected ​Provincial Governo​r. The asphalting of Puerto
Princesa roads ​and the construction of other ​roads; ​north and south, and the
improvement of ​trade and commer​ce were attributed to his administration. (From:
"Palawan Politics," by Diokno Manlavi).
1940 March ​22 & 2​3 1941..
- Maiden visit of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon to Puerto Princesa and
Cuyo. It was the first time a Philippine President came to Pal​aw​an. (From: “The
History of Culture of Cuyo," by Fernandez and Fernandez).

IV. JAPANESE OCCUPATION, RESISTANCE MOVEMENT

AND WORLD WAR II

1941 ...
- Española resigned as governor and ran for Congressman. Gaudencio E. Abordo was
appointed governor and served the unfinished term of Española until the outbreak of
World War II. (From: "Palawan Politics,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1941 December 8 ...

- The Pacific War broke out in the ​Philip​pines. Many gallant Palaweños joined the
USAFFE and saw action in Bataan, Corregidor and other battlefronts in the country,
until the surrender of Bataan and Corregidor on April 9 and May 6, 1942, respectively.
The three long years of Japanese Occupation started. (From: "Palawan History," by
Fernandez and Fernandez).

1942 January 20 ........

- Lt. Vicente T. Fernandez was killed in action while defending Abucay-Mabatang Line in
Bataan against the Japanese. He was the first Cuyuno and Palaweño. USAFFE Officer
who sacrificed his life. (From: "Interview with Lt. Jose Rodriguez, a Bataan Veteran).

1942 March 12 .......

- General Douglas McArthur and party took refuge at Tagawayan Island, Magsaysay
Municipality in the Cuyo Island Group, during their spectacular escape from Corregidor
to Mindanao. From there they proceeded to Australia by submarine to evading the tight
Japanese cordon. Their mission was to reorganize and prepare adequately the
American Liberation Forces in their return to the Philippines. It must be recalled that
Bataan fell on April 9, while Corregidor, on May 6. The three long years of ​Japanese
occupation started. (From: “History and Culture of Cuyo,” by Fernandez and
Fernandez).
1942 May 15... ..
- Arrival of ​52 ​American soldiers in Cuyo. led ​by Ma​jor Say and Lieutenant Bagget. The
party came on a sailboat from Mindoro. (From: “Hi​story an​d Culture of Cuyo," by
Fernandez and Fernandez).

1942 May 18 .....

- The Japanese Imperial Forces occupied ​Palawan ​12 days after the Fall of Corregidor.
(From: “The History of Palawan,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1942 May 20 ....

​ mericans who arrived 5
- Japanese soldiers landed for the first time, in Cuyo. Of the 5​2 A
days earlier, almost half of them headed by Major Say, surrendered. The rest, led by
Capt. Whitehead, hid and later joined the Palawan Underground Movement. (From:
“History and Culture of ​Cuyo," by Fernandez and Fernandez).

1942...
- After the occupation of Palawan on May 18 by the Japanese Imperial Ar​my, ​a civil
government was established. Called ​“Free Palawan,​ " this Commonwealth Government
was never surrendered to the Japanese by the intrepid Governor Gaudencio E.
Abordo. It functioned while simultaneously supporting the Palawan ​Special Battalio​n
until the end of the Second World War. It was easily and immediately reorganized and
normally restored during the early days of the liberation. Palawan was one of ​the few
local governments that had this ​distinction. (From: "History of Palawan," by Diokno
Manlavi).

1942 October 2 ..
- The infamous Patonga ​(Alcoba) M ​ assacre was perpetrated. The Japanese brutally shot
twenty innocent male inhabitants of this island for being suspected as guerillas. Two
luckily escaped death to tell the gruesome tale. (From: "Local Heroes of Cuyo Islands,”
by Fernandez and Fernandez).

Note:​ This massacre was the second most atrocious act committed by the Japanese in
Palawan. The worst was the burning of 154 American War Prisoners at Puerto Princesa in
1944.
1943 September .....
- Birth of the Palawan Special Battalion composed of 1,154 officers and men.

The battalion was organized by Major Pablo P. Muyco, pursuant to a directive of

Colonel Macario Peralta, dated August 13, 1943. (From: “Palawan's Fighting One Thousand,”
by Diokno Manlavi).

1944 January 24 ....

- The execution of Dr. and Capt. Higinio Mendoza, gallant Palaweño Guerilla Leader, for
his vehement refusal to support and cooperate with the Japanese Imperial Forces. His
death was as glorious and heroic as that of Justice Jose Abad Santos in 1942, for the
same principle. While Abad Santos is the country's hero of World War II, Dr. Mendoza
is the Palawan Hero. Both are martyrs for a truly noble and patriotic cause. (From:
"Some Palaweño Personalities, Vol. I" by Fernandez and Fernandez).

1944 June 28..

- A group of radio operators popularly known as Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) landed
secretly at Ramos Island in Balabac.
In this group were: M/Sgt. Amado Corpuz, leader; Sgts. C.S. Placido, R.F. Cortez, J.
Reynoso, Cpl. T.J. Rallojay and T. 5 R.D. Dacquel, all of the 978th Signal Comapny.
(From: "Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

1944 August ...

- Another group landed at Tinintinan, Araceli. This party was headed by “Colonel”
Pulahan, "Major Eightball," "Captain” Jack and "Captain" Dag. (From: “Palawan's
Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

The service of the AIB provided valuable direct radio contact with Panay and Australia.
(From: "Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

1944 October 20 ........

- American Liberation Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur landed in Leyte. “I have
returned!” declared the Commanding General. The Liberation of the Philippines had
started. (From: "Teaching Significant Events in Philippine History).
1944 December 15 ...
- One hundred fifty four (154) American ​Prisoners ​of War were burned alive inside a
tunnel below the P.C. Headquarters in Puerto Princesa. The Japanese poured gasoline
and set the pit on fire. Twelve were known to have survived the macabre massacre, the
worst and most inhuman, in Palawan history during the Japanese Occupation. (From:
"Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

1944 December 23..

- The battle of Araceli, the biggest raid of the entire guerilla campaign in Palawan.
Casualty: 46 Japanese killed; 3​6 wounded. ​Guerilla losses: 3dead; 5 wounded. The
brilliant strategy of attack in this area was planned by Lt. Andres Baaco. The incessant
raids were launched by Company “B” under Capt. Tomas Timbancaya. ( From:
"Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

1945 January 6...

- A company of American soldiers led by Capt. Purdeau landed in Cuyo to install a
radar station in Balaguen. The group stayed until February 17. ( From: History and
Culture of Cuyo,” by Fernandez and Fernandez).

1945 February 28..

- The famed 41st Division of the US 8th Army landed siultaneously in Canigaran and
Puerto Princesa Bay. Three guerilla guides, Lt. Antonio Palanca, Sgts. Pascual dela
Cruz and Vicente Aizo were with the American Liberation Forces. The liberation of
Palawan took place 1,177 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (Palawan's
Fighting One Thousand,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1945 March...
- The Provincial Commonwealth Government of Palawan under war-time Governor
Gaudencio Abordo was re-established. It operated at Iwahig where most of the high
ranking Filipino Officials who served in the Japanese Government were sent by the
Americans as prisoners. (From "Palawan's Fighting One Thousand,” by Diokno
Manlavi).
 1945 March .....
- Death of Claudio R. Sandoval of Coron after having been flown to the US for medical
treatment. Sandoval was the First Palaweño to become a Department Secretary
under President Quezon's Cabinet. He authored Commonwealth Act​./ N ​ o. 1, the
National Defense Law. (From "Some Palaweño Personalities, vol. 1," by Fernandez
and Fernandez).

1945 March..
- The Palawan Special Batallion was reorganized. Under American supervision, the
Palawan Special Batallion did mopping up operations from March 8 to May 8 which
resulted in at least 39 encounters with the Japanese.

The Palawan Special Batallion was recognized as 3rd Batallion, 51st Infantry
Regiment, 41st division, Philippine Army, with an authorized strength of 35 officers and
825 men.
(From:" Palawan's Fighting One Thousand," by Diokno Manlavi).

V. LIBERATION AND POST LIBERATION

1945 September .......

- Japan surrendere​d unconditionally. World War II finally ended. (From: "Teaching
Significant Events in Philippine History').

The Commonwealth Government was ​reestablished. Since t​he Palawan

Commonwealth Government never surrendered, there was no problem in the
re-organization of the government. Gov. Gaudencio E. Abordo continued to serve ​until
his res​ignation to run for a seat in Congress. From:" History of Palawa​n, "by Diokno
Manlavi).

1946..
- Ramiro Castro was a​ppointed Acting ​Governor ​to fill the vaca​ncy ​left by
GovernorAbordo who lost against Sofronio T. Española in the 1946 Congressional
Election. (From: “Palawan Politics," by Diokno Manlavi).

1946 July 4 ..
- America granted the Philippines political independence after forty-eight years. (From:
"Teaching Significant Events in Philippine History).
1947..
- Alfredo M. Abueg, Sr. became Provincial Governor. He was besieged by numerous
concerns. The Province lay prostrate. Issues of war damage, rehabilitation, settlement
of guerilla indebtedness, commerce, industry, public works and education faced his
administration.

1949...
- The election for Congressman was a rematch between Abordo and Española. This
time Abordo made it, but his election was contested by Española who after three
years, was proclaimed Congressman-Elect.

1956 ......
- Alfredo M. Abueg, Sr. sought re-election, won and served until 1960 as Governor.
(From:" Palawan politics,” by Diokno Manlavi).

1960..
- Teles​foro Paredes was elected Govrenor, the first Palaweño Governor to be
re-elected consecutively. ( From: “Palawan politics, - by Diokno Manlavi).

1962​...
- A t​ eam of anthropologists from the National Museum led by Dr. Robert Fox
unearthe​d fossils that were classified as those of "Homo Sapiens" at Lipuun Point,
now known as the Tabon Cave Complex in Quezon Palawan. ​Carbon dating
​ ,000 years old. The recovery of the Tabon Man
established the find to be 22,000 to ​24
and other significa​nt findings in the area gave rise ​to Palawan's imag​e as the
"Cradle of the Philippine Civilization." ​(​From: "Discover Palawan," Public Affairs and
Information Office - ​a Brochure).

1965..
- Ramon V. Mitra, Jr. was elected Congressman. He took active participation in
National affairs and projected the image of Palawan in the right perspective. He was
credited a number of important legislations for funding