Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):
FEBRUARY 20, 1942
President Manuel L. Quezon together with his family, Vice President Sergio Osmeña, Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, General Basilio Valdez, Manuel Nieto, and Fr. Ortiz boarded the submarine Swordfish in Corregidor, on their way to San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.
The previous day, the evacuation of the civil government began after it became evident that Corregidor will soon be captured by the Japanese.
Incidentally, it was also the birthday of First Lady Aurora Quezon and Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos. US General Douglas MacArthur advised President Quezon to leave for Australia.
The Swordfish left Corregidor while Japanese forces bombarded the island fortress from Cavite.
The group arrived at their destination on February 22, 1942 at 2:40 A.M.
From Antique, Quezon’s party went to Iloilo City by land then left for Bacolod City on board the MV Princess of Negros.
Before he left, President Quezon gave General MacArthur his ring and said: “When they find your body, I want them to know you fought for my country.” Two days later, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ordered MacArthur to leave for Australia.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: pinterest
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