Even after the Leyte landings in the fall, there were only 36 Japanese personnel total in Siquijor, including those serving in non-combat roles.

 

On 15 November 1944, the Japanese burned their garrison and voluntarily left Larena, bringing an end to the island’s occupation. They had presumably recognized the futility of defending a place whose strategic usefulness was quite limited.

 

Not long after, the 7th, 71st, and 76th Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, joined by irregular guerrilla forces, liberated Siquijor. Around this time, the Americans appointed Lt. Jumawan lieutenant governor, but he died in a car accident not long after, so they tapped Baldomero Samson for the role in his stead.

 

Unlike most of the country, and in sharp contrast to the completely ruined towns of Negros, Siquijor emerged from World War II almost entirely intact. Education resumed on 1 May 1945 at the Sub-Provincial High School in Larena, and on 1 July in elementary schools, by order of the Division Superintendent of Schools. 8 November saw the arrival of the first shipment of clothes and food in Larena. Huge crowds and loud cheers greeted the Supply Relief and Welfare Officers as they unloaded much-needed supplies at the pier.