Hapunang Banoi Gun Position?

Hapunang Banoi Gun Position?

I was hiking a

mountain called Hapunang Banoi. One of the few eagle mountains in the Philippines. It’s one of several almost vertical limestone peaks in the Wawa area. The area was the scene of a bitter battle in World War 2 where American and Japanese troops fought to the death. There were some heavily defended and fortified positions that were fought over.

Over the valley from the limestone peaks the topography is very different. It’s a grassy steep sided mountain with many ridges called Mt Parawagan (Pacawagan old name). And over the next ridge line is its sister hill, Mt Mataba, another green multi summit feature. Both were the scene of battles; Parawagan was openly defended from trenches and positions while  Mataba was full of caves and tunnels.

The Japanese had limited troop numbers and a high number of peaks to defend. They chose to defend the steep green grassy peaks rather than the sheer limestone peaks with their very different geology; why is this? They would have been mountain fortresses requiring multiple air and artillery strikes to subdue the defenders followed by the ground assault.

But all is not what it seems. There are natural caves on the limestone mountains that would give excellent cover and shelter for any Japanese soldiers there. Think of small squads, not an army. On Hapunang Banoi I found a man made feature while climbing it. A small wall of stones, filled in to provide a small level platform. It over looked the Wawa valley, a stunning view. At the top of the small platform was an equally small cave. Today it’s full of empty plastic bottles and trash.

Soldiers could shelter there while their 150mm mortar or Type 42 machine was ready to go when the Yankees came. Is the place a small defensive position? It looks like it but I could be wrong. It’s not a home or general store or storage place. Who knows its purpose? Ideas? As far as I know there are no Japanese positions on this peak.