Entering Philippine waters she protected transports in the assault landings at Dulag, Leyte, on 20 October 1944, firing to drive off Japanese air attacks as the unloading proceeded. On the eve of the epic Battle for Leyte Gulf, "Badger" guarded the retirement of empty transports to New Guinea, but returned to Leyte convoying reinforcements in mid-November. In December, she reported in Huon Gulf, New Guinea, for rehearsals of the Lingayen landings, for which she sailed 27 December. On 8 January 1945, as she entered Lingayen Gulf, her force was attacked by Japanese "kamikazes", one of which crashed into . Unloading of transports began 9 January, while "Badger"s accurate AA fire helped protect the unloading during frequent enemy air attacks. Two days later, she escorted "Kitkun Bay" to San Pedro Bay, where she herself took up patrol duties. On 29 January, she guarded the landing of troops on the Zambales coast north of Bataan.