Our next stop after the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception was the Plaza Cuartel. According to our tricycle drive Kuya Loel this place was used to be a military headquarters during the Spaniards and then eventually by the Americans. During World War II when Japanese invaded the place, 154 Americans (Prisoners of War) were imprisoned in the garrison. On the final year of the war, these Americans were put down the dungeon, drum of petrol was poured unto them and being lit. 143 of them was burnt to death and 11 survivors swam towards Iwahig. These 11 survivors were the ones who told the story.
Upon hearing the story, we had some goosebumps. I can't imagine being burnt and aside from that I had that freaky feeling that the souls of those being burnt are still in this place.
After the war, it was occupied again by the Americans then the National Constabulary. National Police occupied this place until 1997 when it was transformed into leisure park and tourist spot. One of the listed spot when you go for city tour in Palawan.
No comments:
Post a Comment