ILOILO CITY—Six living World War II veterans on Panay Island, all now above 90 years old, were recognized Saturday during the 72nd Anniversary of the Liberation of Panay, Guimaras and Romblon at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro here.
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator, retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina, underscored the contribution of the veterans who, “for the love of the country, have sacrificed, offered their lives, and made a significant mark in the history of the country, which serves as an inspiration to the Filipino youth today.”
Carolina joined Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and other city officials in the ceremony.
Among those receiving plaques and medals of recognition for their service was Sergeant Eladio Macasar Peñaranda, who turns 94 this July and is a native of Iloilo City. He joined the 6th Military District on Sept. 25, 1942, and participated in cordoning the Balabago-Bito-on line during the battle for the liberation of Iloilo City. Other honorees were:
Private First Class Cornelio Lustre Areño, 96, born in Lambunao, Iloilo. He enlisted on Feb. 13, 1943, and participated in the liberation of Iloilo City and in mop-up operations in the mountain towns of Alimodian, Leon and Maasin in Iloilo province.
Sergeant Ambrosio Alfeche Ambut, turning 99 this December, a native of Alimodian, Iloilo. He participated in the guerilla offensive during the liberation of Iloilo City, and in the offensive that led to the capture of Pamul-ogan Hill.
PFC Loreto Laru-an Lazo, turning 99 this April 12, a native of Lambunao, Iloilo. Lazo was enlisted as a heavy truck driver on Feb. 25, 1941 and was assigned to “A” Company, 14th Engineers, Philippine Scouts, and served with “D” Company, 1st Battalion. His unit participated in the liberation of Panay and was also responsible for the capture of Tering Landing Field in Iloilo province.
PFC Ramon Atintar Oro, turning 100 this May, joined the guerilla movement on Sept. 15, 1942 and was assigned to the “G4 61st Guerilla (F23)” group that fought the Japanese in strategic assaults. The group was also instrumental in the liberation of Iloilo City in March 1945.
PVT Fernando Alintitud Alecto, turning 100 this December, is a native of Dingle, Iloilo. His unit largely contributed in clearing the way for the United States’ 40th Infantry Division that went ashore on Panay. It also helped in freeing Iloilo’s capital city late March 1945, and the subsequent attack on a strong enemy garrison at San Jose. He was also part of an ambush that wiped out an entire enemy detachmentin Buenavista, Guimaras, including its commander.
Lazo recalled his war experiences and how he survived them. “If I will be asked if I want to go back and experience again the war I have lived before, never,” he said.
Aside from certificates, Oro and Alecto will receive a P50,000 incentive when they turn 100 this year.