DID YOU KNOW: Manila declared Open City in World War II

On Dec. 26, 1941, amidst the threats of the Japanese attack, Manila was declared an Open City by Field Marshal Douglas MacArthur in an effort to spare the city and its inhabitants from damage and harm.

All military installations were ordered removed as local policemen were left to maintain order.

However, this was ignored by the Japanese as they still dropped bombs on the city, causing fire and damage. —Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research