12 WWII veterans cited in WW2 Victory Day rites

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

KIANGAN, Ifugao -- Twelve World War II heroes in Northern Luzon were cited during Victory Day celebration in this municipality.

Keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Allan Martin of the Philippine Army led awarding of plaques and pinning of medals to the 12 WWII veterans in recognition to their contributions that led to the surrender of General Tomoyuki Yamashita to American and Filipino troops on Sept.  2, 1945 in this town.

The honorees were 2nd  Lt Romeo Lim-ang,  Staff Sergeant Lorenzo  Pakinkin Sr, Private First Class Marcelo Munar and Estigoy Sison, Privates  Ogao Abag,  Luis Carabacan, Jeronimo Codamon,  Benito Annoque, Teofilo Gano, Bunoy Gano, Nena Masferre and Fangsosot Tangkawan,

“The contributions of these awardees during the war are made part of a glorious chapter in the history of the Philippines and will be etched forever in the rich history of the Philippines. Hopefully it will serve as an inspiration to the youth of this generation, to love and serve the country and to fight for peace and freedom at all cost,” Martin said.

       Martin commended awardees and other individuals who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the province and the country as a whole.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat  Jr. said there can only be peace when there is justice, and there can only be justice when freedoms and liberties are intact.

He added freedom is worth fighting for and true progress can only happen under a regime where people are free to think and to act, without doing harm to other people. 

Baguilat said he filed a bill in Congress declaring Sept. 2 as a non-working holiday in the country considering its importance to the country’s history.

Gov. Pedro Mayam-o said the new challenge today is not anymore the battle of guns but the battle against corruption and drugs affecting the country. He urged  "Immipugos" (Ifugaos) to work for a corrupt-free and drug- free province to achieve genuine development.