Chapter 11. National Massive Rescue and 3rd Death of Hiroo Onoda

Kozuka’s body was sent to Manila immediately following his death. The Japanese government’s high officer confirmed that the body was that of Kozuka Kinhichi itself, Kozuka died at 51 years old, this confirmed that the Imperial Army was still alive because a deceased member had come to Japan. This meant that the Philippines government also needed to consider the last Japanese soldier on Lubang island. The public opinion in Japan was heated hearing that. The Onoda issue was not just about rescuing him, it also became a political issue. The Japanese government got nonstop calls and letters from many Japanese citizens regarding the rescue of the last survivor. The hot mood in Japan was transported to the Philippines government. Both governments recognized the existence of the last Japanese soldier, causing the last survivor’s issue to return to the fore.

Many search parties looking for Onoda

However, there was a difficulty in rescuing Hiroo, because Hiroo was guilty of causing major issues such as gunfights with the village residents. There was a risk of revenge from the village residents since both countries were making diplomatic negotiations, they decided on how to deal with Hiroo. The reigning head President Marcos vowed to make a national determination to cooperate with the Japanese government. The Japanese government made a suggestion to compensate Lubang island. Japan never paid money to any individual so it was provided in the form of development or welfare service for Lubang Island. President Marcos committed to make a decision to rescue Onoda alive, he gave a command from police to the air force and a special unit was formed.  A unique authority was given to Lt.Col. Pedro, an expert in special operations in the mountains. He went to Lubang Island to request all civilians and police to cooperate, he also tried to persuade them not to hurt Hiroo and that anyone who would hurt him would be given a severe punishment.

Why could President Marcos do that although Hiroo seriously injured the Lubang residents? It was because of his enormous power; his absolute authority could do it. President Marcos was higher than the cabinet and decided to invoke commander in chief power under the constitution. He controlled congress, and suppressed communists and had a dominant power. Whenever, there was an invasion, insurrection, rebellion, imminent threat and dangers, he suspended the issues of human rights and could declare martial law.

He was thinking about his country, its relation to the world, its relation to Japan, China, US and Europe. Marcos was thinking far beyond his time.

10th President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos

This time, the Japanese government spent 100 million yen from the national treasury and sent over 100 search parties to the island. From the Philippines side, over 300 military soldiers joined in this mission. Both of  the countries launched a massive search for him. Hiroo’s brothers, his sister, his father, Tanejiro, whose age was over 85, and his relatives went to the island. His mother was not able to go there because she was physically disabled. So, Tanejiro took a lock of her hair as a symbol of her presence. Kozuka’s brother also joined in the search while containing his grief. The Japanese Welfare and Health Minister was there, too. In addition, the Nakano Army Academy alumni made their first public appearance and joined in the search and rescue operation. Originally, they were secret soldiers, but, after the war, the US military grilled the Japanese military harshly, so they had lived in obscurity for a long time. However, they stepped out of the shadows to rescue their comrade. They sang the Nakano Academy hymn because this song was known only to the alumni. Everybody shouted out his name, dropped leaflets from the sky and waited for his appearance.

Many leaflets were dropped from helicopter

Hiroo heard his brother giving a speech, his elder brother’s singing and his sister’s shouting. His sister had cancer, and after she returned to Japan, she died without seeing Hiroo. However, Hiroo would not come out of hiding. He thought that the US troops which occupied Japan forced his family to come to Lubang Island to capture him because he saw armed Filipino soldiers beside them. There were helicopters flying and trained army dogs as part of the search and rescue team. These seemed very punitive for Hiroo. Hiroo was quite familiar with the ins and outs of jungle and mastered every route. He also walked into the rivers to confuse military dogs searching for him. Finally, the rescue team were not able to find him.

helicopters and trained army dogs did not look search party

After a half year, the Philippines and the Japanese governments terminated the search for Hiroo. The Japanese government made a report to Hiroo’s family. It was the 3rd report of Hiroo Onoda’s death.

Kozuka’s grave marker and Japan flag

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Chapter 12. A Fortunate Encounter