Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel is a restored World War II memorial park in central Puerto Princesa, Palawan, located on Taft Street near the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It preserves the ruins of a former Japanese garrison where American prisoners of war were held. The site features a memorial wall, markers, and remnants of the original structure. It is notable as a historic landmark commemorating the Palawan Massacre of December 1944 and serves as a place of remembrance and education for visitors.

Visitors can expect a small, open-air park in downtown Puerto Princesa with the restored ruins of a former garrison. The site contains concrete remnants, a memorial wall with names, historical markers and information boards explaining the World War II history. The area is paved with seating areas and surrounded by trees, located close to the cathedral and baywalk. It is a quiet, reflective space for sightseeing, photography and learning about local history.

Plaza Cuartel was originally a US military garrison and later used as a Japanese garrison during World War II. On December 14, 1944, approximately 150 American prisoners of war held at the site were killed in an event known as the Palawan Massacre; 11 survivors escaped. After the war, the ruins were preserved and converted into a memorial park to commemorate the victims.

The site serves as a memorial and place of remembrance for World War II victims and is an important historical landmark for Puerto Princesa. It is visited for education, commemoration, and reflection on wartime history and is included in city heritage tours.