Pacific Wrecks - Malabang Airfield, Lanao del Sur Province, Philippines

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Malabang Airfield Lanao del Sur Province | Mindanao Philippines

Location
Lat 8° 10' 0" Long 125° 4' 0" Malabang Airfield is located to the north of Malabang in Lanao del Sur Province inland from the southern coast of Mindanao in the Philippines.

Construction
Built by the U. S. Army prewar.

Wartime History
After the Japanese attacks on the Philippines in December 1941, Malabang was briefly used by US Army Air Force (USAAF) aircraft and personnel until their surrender to the Japanese.

Joseph St. John recalls the airfield in 1942 in Leyte Calling, page 16-17:
"The squadron was moved to Malabang and operated there for a couple of months. The situation around Malabang was all disordered, and it became every man for himself. Each one of us had to decided whether or not to surrender."

During 1942 occupied by the Japanese Army. Used by the Japanese as an airfield until the middle of April 1945.

American missions against Malabang
January 14, 1945–April 22, 1945

On April 17, 1945 the U. S. Army landed near Malabang and advanced. On April 22, 1945 Malabang Airfield was liberated and the runway was immediately repaired and put into use by U. S. Army and U. S. Army Air Force (USAAF) liaison aircraft. That same day, U. S. Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Air Group 24 (MAG 24) arrived at Malabang Airfield to provide close air support for ground operations elsewhere on Mindanao. During 1945, designated U. S. Army Post Office 159 (APO 159).

American units based at Malabang
25th Liaison Sqn (UC-78, L-5) Dulag April 19 - June 22, 45 Del Monte
MAG 24 April 22, 1945
MAG-61
US Marine PBJs were also based at Malabang in 1945

Today
Still in use today as Malabang Airport. Airport codes: ICAO: RPMM IATA: MLP.

References
Index to Air Bases - Research Report No. 85, I.G. No 9185 - July 30, 1944
US Army Campaigns of World War II - Southern Philippines pages 24, 26
Thanks to Tony Feredo for additional information

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Last Updated
June 16, 2020

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