LOCATION: F.

ORTEGA HWY, SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION

COORDINATES: 16.62°N, 120.36°E

YEAR: MARCH 16, 1945

SOURCE: Google Earth

SOURCE: https://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/csflu_website/life-in-csf/
BACSIL RIDGE

Bacsil Ridge is historically known as a hilltop where the Filipino guerillas, together with the US
soldiers, fought against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. The site is in Barangay Bacsil,
about 10 kilometers from the city proper, where a symbolical marker and a monument for the heroes
were built to honor them. The 1stBattalion made a general attack to the ridge on 16 March 1945 and
fought the Japanese defenders until the capture of Bacsil on 19 March. On the same day, the 3rdbattalion
captured the Reservoir Hill. The Battle of Bacsil Ridge between the Filipino guerrillas and the Japanese
Forces resulted in the recapture of the city of San Fernando, La Union. It was liberated on 21 March and
the military offensive throughout the province ended on 24 March.

The siege of Bacsil from the enemies was significant because it opened the north to the Filipino
and American Forces. As it cracked the resistance of the Japs, it paved the way to more successful battles
that eventually led to Battle of Bessang Pass where Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered. Surviving
veterans are annually commemorating the anniversary of the victory of the Battle of Bacsil Ridge. The
government of San Fernando City will always give recognition to the veterans and their significance to the
society.