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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/mac-arthur-pangasinan-t.webp"  alt="MacArthur landing in  Lingayen Gulf in Pagasinan" />
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The MacArthur landing in  Lingayen Gulf in Pagasinan (Photo credit: <a href="http://www.traveloutcrop.com/2011/06/lingayen-park.html" class="news_link" target="_blank" title="Photo credit">Travel Outcrop</a>).
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<p>
MacArthur's forces unexpectedly landed at Lingayen Gulf which took the enemy by surprise, which the Japanese could not offer stiff resistance, particularly because the number of their airplanes had dwindled. 
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<p>
The Japanese, in desperation, retreated to the mountains, while those in Manila prepared for a last-ditch battle.
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<p>
On July 4, 1945, MacArthur succesfully proclaimed the liberation of the country from Japanese forces.
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Reference:  Philippine News Agency archives
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January 9, 1945: General MacArthur landed at Bonuan in Lingayen, Pangasinan