Steaming via Leyte Gulf and Surigao Strait, "Manning" entered Mindanao Sea on 2 January 1945. That evening the task group repulsed enemy bombers, and during the next two days American gunfire effectively drove off additional air attacks. "Manning" reached Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, 4 January, and until 21 February she operated out of Mangarin Bay in support of Luzon operations. Beginning on 7 January, she screened fleet oilers during refueling of Lingayen attack ships in the South China Sea. She provided anti-aircraft and anti-submarine protection for tankers and ammunition ships anchored at Mangarin Bay, and she made ASW sweeps along the coast of Mindoro and Luzon. Thence, she returned to San Pedro Bay, Leyte, on 22 February and underwent tender availability until early March.