Leyte Gulf is a large body of water located in the central Philippines, between the islands of Leyte and Samar. It is known for its strategic importance in maritime navigation and its rich marine biodiversity. The gulf is also famous for the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf, which took place during World War II in October 1944. The battle was one of the largest naval engagements in history, involving forces from the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy. It played a crucial role in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation and marked a significant turning point in the Pacific theater of the war.