As we are celebrating the Veterans Week 2024 to include the Filipino Valor in the Battle of Bataan and the enduring spirits in the Bataan Death March, as well as the resilience of the Filipino people especially the guerrillas during Japanese Occupation and the events of the Liberation 1945, we would like to extend our highest salutation and honor to our WWII veterans.

Last year, the U.S. Government, through the cooperation of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office – PVAO, awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino WWII veterans. At Bamban WWI Museum, we extended cooperation with PVAO for the listings of our very own WWII heroes from this town and that of Mabalacat, and after the usual processes and documentation, the following were considered:

-Adelaida Villareyes
-Ceasar Arcilla
-Castor Guilas, Jr.
-Francisco Aguilar
-Pablo Santos, Jr.
-Macario Dela Cruz (grandfather)
-Kudiaro Laxamana (Aeta)
-Pedro Margarito (Aeta)
-OlimanRamos (Aeta)

Some of these WWII Heroes from Bamban fought as soldiers in the Commonwealth Army in the battlefields of Bataan, while others were recognized guerrillas from Bamban Battalion, Bruce Guerrillas South Tarlac Military District. Three; Kodiaro Laxamana, Pedro Margarito and Oliman Ramos are Aeta Negritos from Squadron 30 and Squadron 155.

At Bamban WWII Museum, these gallant soldiers are enshrined at the Hall of Heroes of WWII, a fitting recognition for their role in WWII and their sacrifices as Filipino soldiers who endured the struggles in the ultimate goal for freedom.

Join me in honoring them and all Filipino and American WWII veterans who served in our Country.

Rhonie Dela Cruz
Bamban WWII Museum
Bamban Historical Society