Igorots role during World War II

Many believed that World War II ended in the Cordillera when Igorot-led forces cornered Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita in Ifugao which led to his signing of his surrender paper. To manifest the bravery of the Igorots during the war, here is an excerpt no other than from Gen. Mac Arthur himself.    

Excerpts on the Igorot warriors’ role in World War II:

After the Japanese invasion, a military unit from the Cordillera played a crucial role in the defense of Bataan, and in the desperate fighting there, won high praise and commendation from General Mac Arthur for valor in battle. After stopping an attack by the Japanese 20^th Infantry in hand-to-hand combat, the Igorot soldiers counterattacked riding atop tanks in jungle so thick the soldiers guided the drivers by banging on the turrets. Mac Arthur recounted the exploit, saying:

“Many desperate acts of heroism have fallen under my observation of many fields of battle in many parts of the world. But for sheer, breathtaking and heart-stopping desperation, I have never known the equal of these Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell the story stand tribute to these galiant Igorots.”