https://pjmedia.com/richardfernandez/2013/01/26/the-siege-of-merimna/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 06:57:30 -0400<![CDATA[When Halsey&#8217;s TF 38 tested the Japanese defenses of the central Philippines in late 1944 the admiral was stunned by the imperial weakness.  &#8220;We had found the central Philippines a hollow shell with weak defenses and skimpy facilities. In my opinion, this was the vulnerable belly of the imperial dragon. The time might be ripe not only to strike Manila, but perhaps to mount a far larger offensive. Specifically, I began to wonder whether I dared recommend that MacArthur shift to Leyte the invasion which he had planned for Mindanao, and advance the date well ahead of the scheduled November 15.&#8221;]]>Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:21:14 -0500<![CDATA[Richard Fernandez]]>https://pjmedia.com/richard-fernandez/2013/01/26/the-siege-of-merimna-n192398