Landmark· Lubang Island· Philippines
Hiroo Onoda Hold-out Country (Lubang Interior)
13° 46.0′ N · 120° 11.7′ E · approximate
The forested mountains of Lubang where Japanese intelligence officer Hiroo Onoda held out for 29 years after World War II, finally surrendering at the island's radar base in March 1974 - a remarkable piece of history behind the island's quiet beaches.
Practical
Position approx: OSM 'Lubang Island' centroid, standing in for the island's mountainous interior; no published source we could verify gives coordinates for an Onoda cave, trail or marker, so hire a local guide in Tilik or Lubang town and ask about Onoda sites. Wikipedia: Onoda led three men into the island's mountains, fought a guerrilla campaign for decades, and was relieved of duty by his former commander Major Yoshimi Taniguchi on 9 March 1974; he surrendered on 10 March 1974 to Philippine forces at Lubang's radar base. The film Onoda's War (2016) was shot around Vigo, Burol, Agkawayan and Looc. On a 1996 return visit to Looc, relatives of people he allegedly killed protested - treat the topic with sensitivity locally. Sail The Philippines also notes the 1974 surrender.
Best for
History walk with a local guide
Nearby
- Tilik Town Centre Eateries and Stores2.9 NM away
- Tilik Port Anchorage (Lubang)3.3 NM away
- Lubang Town Poblacion Market and Stores7 NM away
- Lubang Community Airport7.4 NM away
- Tagbac Cove Anchorage (Lubang)8.8 NM away
- Cabra Island Lighthouse12.4 NM away
- Golo Lighthouse15.6 NM away
- Cape Calavite Lighthouse20.3 NM away