1898 to 1946

It was during the American colonial period that the Igorots experienced more direct interaction with colonial governance. Unlike the Spaniards, American administrators employed strategic diplomacy: respecting indigenous traditions while introducing infrastructure projects such as schools, roads, and administrative buildings⁷. They also reorganized tribal boundaries based on dialect similarities to facilitate census-taking and governance⁸. This effort led to the formal creation of Mountain Province in 1908, the administrative name for the Igorot homelands, which was followed by the naming of subprovinces Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga⁹.

One of the most decisive battles in Northern Luzon during World War II was the Battle of Bessang Pass, fought from May 12 to June 14, 1945 near Loo Valley in the municipality of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur¹³. The pass served as a strategic gateway to the Cordillera mountains and was heavily fortified by Japanese forces under General Yamashita. Filipino guerrillas from the 121st Infantry Regiment, many of whom were Igorots, played a central role in the assault, navigating the mountain and enduring harsh conditions including malaria, dysentery, and constant bombardment. The victory at Bessang Pass split open Yamashita’s final defense line and led to the eventual surrender of Japanese forces in the region. Prior to the battle, Yamashita had retreated with thousands of troops into the mountains surrounding Loo Valley, where Igorot communities had already fled deeper into the highlands to escape occupation. The terrain again proved critical—both as a refuge for civilians and a tactical advantage for guerrilla fighters.

The liberation of the Philippines culminated in the surrender of Japanese forces following the Allied victory at Bessang Pass and other key battles across Luzon. On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II in the Pacific Theater. This also ended nearly four years of brutal Japanese occupation in the Philippines, during which an estimated one million Filipino civilians died¹⁴. The surrender restored the Commonwealth of the Philippines, paving the way for full independence on July 4, 1946. Filipino guerrillas, including many Igorots, were recognized for their critical role in resisting occupation and aiding Allied forces throughout the mountainous regions.

Following Japan’s retreat from the Philippines in 1945, rumors spread of vast amounts of looted treasure hidden by Japanese forces in mountain caves, tunnels, and remote valleys (including areas in the Cordilleras.) This alleged hoard, known as Yamashita’s Gold, was said to include gold bars, jeweled artifacts, and even golden Buddha statues, buried by General Tomoyuki Yamashita and his troops as part of the secretive Golden Lily operation¹⁵. Though no definitive proof has ever confirmed the treasure’s existence, but stories of hidden vaults in Luzon’s highlands have captivated treasure hunters for decades. Some believe that the caves near Baguio, Kiangan, and even Loo Valley may conceal remnants of the plunder. The tale gained international attention in the 1970s when Filipino treasure hunter Rogelio Roxas claimed to have discovered a golden Buddha and gold bars, only to have them allegedly seized by the Marcos regime¹⁶. Today, Yamashita’s Gold remains one of the Philippines’ most enduring wartime legends, blending history, mystery, and folklore.

Januario Galut, a Tingguian Igorot, is historically remembered for guiding American troops through a mountain pass that allowed them to flank and defeat Filipino revolutionary forces led by General Gregorio del Pilar at Tirad Pass in 1899. While U.S. military records confirm his role, Filipino accounts are sparse and often lack corroboration. Galut’s actions have led to the widespread labeling of Igorots as “traitors,” despite the broader community’s neutrality during the war. Historians now urge a more nuanced understanding, recognizing that Galut may not have fully grasped the political implications of his actions—or may have simply been helping foreigners navigate terrain, a common practice among highland guides.