Inside the Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
- Andi Dela Torre Griffiths
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 14
One of the spots we visited in Puerto Princesa is a museum where you can learn about the local heroes of Palawan who fought during the war. It is called the Palawan Special Battalion World War 2 Memorial Museum. It's only a few minutes away from the city proper, so you might as well check it out. Here's what to expect if you're planning to visit.
Address | Where to Find the Museum?
506 Rizal Avenue, Barangay Banaco-Bancao Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
The armored vehicles parked outside are the first thing you'll see when you visit. Guests are allowed to get in these, so if you want to take photos or have an idea what it feels like to be in an armored vehicle, go ahead. There are also uniforms on the side that you can check out.
The museum was a commemoration by Higinio Mendoza Jr. to his father, Higinio Mendoza (also known as Buddy), who led the guerrilla force that fought against the Japanese.
The establishment also honors the bravery of the Palawan's Fighting 1000 and the USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe), who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Palawan during the Second World War.
What to Expect
In this modest museum, you can find a lot of information, photos, and objects that tell the story of the individuals who fought for Palawan's freedom during the Invasion of Palawan. Below are helmets that soldiers from different parts of the world have used.
They had all sorts of recovered items- protective gear, cutlery, mugs, some accessories, and even foot powder (we've learned that it was important for soldiers to use this to keep their feet dry and avoid infections from damp environments).
On the walls are the photos of our brave heroes who fought for liberty, as well as the perpetrators from the Imperial Japanese Army who took their lives. It was saddening to hear about the horrors that took place during that time. But at least, with the help of Filipino guerrillas who belonged to the Palawan Special Battalion, some American prisoners of war were able to escape the Palawan Massacre in 1944.
The guides who showed us around were happy to assist and share their knowledge, so if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
The Exhibits
There were different exhibits for the countries that participated during the war, and here, you will find more personal belongings, flags, currency, weapons, and ammunition.
Firearms, artillery shells, and other items like typewriters and binoculars are also displayed. For a small museum, there's a lot to see here. I didn't know where to look first when I went to this section. Everything was interesting.
Look, there’s an old Singer sewing machine. Did you know they were the first to mass-produce sewing machines for home use? Amazing.
These ceremonial swords are so beautiful. I love the details.
Others
If you want to read, you can find a wide variety of books at the reading nook near the entrance (I saw one that contained love letters during the war, and I thought the messages were sweet).
Overall, our visit to the Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum was an educational experience. I felt more appreciative of the liberties we enjoy now because I can't imagine how difficult it would have been for those who have seen and gone through the war. Our generation is so lucky.
That would be all for today. Feel free to look around the blog for more travel posts.
