 However, by then the Japanese had made the Casa, in Malitbog, their headquarters for southern Leyte.On 1 Feb. 1944, Kangleon's forces went on the offensive, which included attacks on Japanese garrisons at Anahawan and Linoan, forcing the Japanese to not venture away from the coastal towns of southern Leyte.Kangleon's contribution to the war was the reason for his appointment to the defense portfolio.