On 13 February, her division began pre-invasion sweeps in Manila Bay in preparation for landings at Mariveles and Corregidor. While operating off Corregidor on the 14th, the minesweepers came within of the island and were repeatedly straddled by Japanese fire before supporting ships silenced the enemy's guns. "Scuffle" continued sweeping in Manila Bay through 18 February, and her unit earned a Navy Unit Commendation for the operation. On 24 February, "Scuffle" re-entered Manila Bay with 15 YMS's to clear the harbor of mines and submerged wrecks. Her force, plus the salvage ship , accomplished the task by 10 April, sweeping of water and opening the Harbor to supply ships. On 22 April, she rejoined Mine Division 34 in an 8-day sweep of the Sulu Sea off Palawan. On 9 May, the minesweeper arrived at Morotai to prepare for operations in the Netherlands East Indies.