037 - The Mountain Fortress

As the Philippine Scouts and the U.S. Infantry held the Abucay Line in Bataan, General MacArthur was forced to retreat to Corregidor Island. Located at the inlet to Manila Bay, Corregidor was a crucial piece towards total control of the Philippines, and in turn, control of the War in the Pacific. At the heart of Corregidor sat Malinta Hill, known as “The Rock” by many of the soldiers.

Within Malinta Hill existed a complex network of tunnels called Malinta Tunnel Main tunnel construction started in 1922 and finished in 1932. It ran almost three football fields long and cut through Malinta Hill, east-to-west. Originally the tunnel featured 24 smaller tunnels extending north and south. This construction made Malinta tunnel the perfect operations headquarters for both General MacArthur and President Quezon.

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On December 30, 1941, a formal ceremony was conducted to inaugurate Filipino leaders, President Manuel Quezon and Vice-President Sergio Osmena. From there, the U.S. Army and Philippine government could conduct business. Although the encampment of the important administration personnel had been taken care of, Japanese air attacks quickly destroyed military garrisons, general barracks, and Army Headquarters. Quickly, President Quezon, General MacArthur, and their staff had to move into Malinta Tunnel.

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As the War progressed, Malinta tunnel evolved into a 1000-bed hospital facility. Additionally, two more series of tunnels were constructed, one on the southwest and one on the northwest corners of Malinta Hill. During the first half of 1942, Malinta Tunnel became an important part of Philippine Operations, serving both as Headquarters and Hospital for USAFFE Troops.