BY GLENDA TAYONA and IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – “I am proud to be a son of a veteran.”
Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Western Visayas president Hannibal Lipardo declared this as the Ilonggos marked on March 18 the 77th “Victory Day” in the islands of Panay, Romblon and Guimaras, including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas, over Japanese Imperial Forces during World War 2.
“This (day) is important. We gained our freedom from the (occupying) Japanese forces,” said Lipardo whose father was wounded a day before the final Panay guerilla assault on Japanese forces in Tigbauan, Iloilo on March 18, 1945.
To mark the victory and honor the heroism of World War 2 veterans, a memorial was held yesterday morning at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro district here – the only military cemetery established outside Metro Manila.
Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Jr. who graced the memorial said Ilonggos should always hold dear “the value of freedom and democracy” which the veterans fought for.
March 18, 1945 was of great historical and sentimental significance to both the veterans and the people of Panay, Romblon and Guimaras because it was the day when the Free Panay Guerilla Forces launched the final assault on the Japanese occupation forces, coinciding with the landing of the American Liberation Forces in Tigbauan as prearranged between then Colonel Macario Peralta Jr., founder and overall commander of the Free Panay Guerilla Forces, and Lieutenant General Robert L. Eichelberger, commanding general of the 8th United States Army.
“Sa aton nga mga kabataan, study our history. Balikan naton ang mga husto nga mga educational materials so that we are accurately informed of our history,” Defensor stressed.
Wreaths were offered to the tombs of unknown soldiers, guerilla leader Peralta and wife Natividad, and to the “wall of memory” on which is inscribed the names of 1,421 casualties of the 6th Military District Panay Guerilla Freedom Fighters during World War 2.
General Peralta was a recipient of the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action in Panay for leading his men against the Japanese soldiers.
Defensor said the hardship and sacrifices of the war veterans should “serve as inspiration for us to strengthen our sense of patriotism and love for our country.”
“Because of their selfless service and patriotism we have regained our liberty. Indeed, their act of courage should always be well remembered. They changed the course of our country’s history,” added Defensor.
For his part, Mayor Jerry Treñas, in a virtual message, said Ilonggos should be proud that Iloilo City happened to be the place with the most successful resistance movement during the war.
“We may have a hybrid celebration today due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic but our courage and virtues as Ilonggos do not waver. It is this same courage and bravery that made us victorious 77 years ago that will help us achieve great things, most especially in this challenging times,” he said.
Proclamation No. 430 signed by President Corazon Aquino on July 21, 1989 declared March 18 of every year as non-working special day in Panay, Guimaras and Romblon to give way to the celebration.
“The Free Panay Guerilla Forest, 6th Military District, composed of the officers and men of the 61st Division Philippine Army (USAFFE), who preferred continuing the fight to surrendering after the fall of Bataan, together with those of other units of the United States Army Forces in the Far East and the civilian volunteers from all walks of life — lawyers, doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, fishermen, farmers and students — who joined the underground resistance movement — harassed, sabotaged and decimated the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces in the islands of Panay and Romblon throughout World War II in the name of country, freedom and democracy,” part of Proclamation No. 430 read. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
