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By APD writerMelo M. Acuña
**Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Jan. 26 (APD) ** - National and local government officials including academicians gathered early Sunday morning at the town square to honor the main characters in the liberation of the town from the Japanese Imperial Army 75 years ago.
Acting Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines said the joint efforts of the Wha Chi 48th Squadron, the peasant-based Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) and the Hunters’ ROTC Guerillas began the liberation of the town on this day 75 years ago.
“We will always remember the heroism of our guerillas that led to the liberation of the town among other important areas,” she said.
A touching part of the program was the ceremonial bell tolling where the soldiers, guerillas, women and children and the civilian population who took part in the liberation of the town were acknowledged.
Engineer Albert Lu, now 90 years old, Wha Chi historian, offered a wreath along with other government officials at the foot of the memorial.
Electrical Engineer Alberto Lu, Wha Chi historian, now 90 years old lead other officials in wreath laying rites during the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War Ii in the Philippines. /Melo M. Acuna photo
Mr. Aquino Lee, president and descendant of a Wha Chi 48th Squadron guerilla said the Chinese guerillas became a World War II Anti-Japanese guerilla group.
“Like most overseas Chinese of the pre-war era, they possessed a strong attachment to their motherland. When Japan invaded China, they were much hurt and affected by the sufferings of their homeland,” he said. He added the Chinese in the Philippines joined activities and projects to support and raise funds for the anti-Japanese war efforts.
“As the inferno of war engulfed the Philippines, they chose to rise up and join their adopted land in fighting their common enemy and with the help of the HUKBALAHAP, the WhaChi 48th Squardron was founded on May 19,1942 in Mt. Pasbul in Pampanga,” Lee said in his remarks.
He said the group started with 52 recruits and grew to five squadrons, a guerilla force of 700-strong in three years.
“It operated in 14 provinces, including the Bicol region and Manila and engaged in 260 battles, killing, wounding and captured more than 2,000 Japanese soldiers. WhaChi had 77 casualties and scores wounded.
In Sta. Cruz town, the capital town of Laguna province, on this day 75 years ago the battle for the town’s liberation began.
Mr. Lee said the Chinese guerillas, assisted by the ROTC Hunters Guerilla and Hukbalahap captured the town and killed about 200 enemy fighters.
He added he learned for the WhaChi exploits through his father’s accounts. He also took the occasion to thank the residents of the town who provided information on the precise location of their adversaries, logistics whenever they ran short and cover whenever they were in danger of being captured or killed.
After a series of fierce military engagements, the town was liberated on March 8, 1945.
With the country’s liberation, the Chinese guerillas went back to their normal lives, some returned to China while others pursued careers in business and the Academe and have always involved in civic projects over the decades.
“Seventy-five years later, we, the descendants (of the WhaChi) are no longer the Overseas Chinese Workers (OCWs) of my father’s era,” Lee said as he vowed to adhere to the Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran creed that they consider the Philippines their home, “the land of our birth, the home of our people.”
“Our blood maybe Chinese but our roots grow deep in Philippine soil. Our bonds are with the Filipino people. We are proud of the many cultures which have made us what we are. It is our desire, our hope and aspiration, that with the rest of our people, we shall find our rightful place in the Philippine sun,” Lee concluded, further quoting from the Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran creed.
While acknowledging the heroism of the Wha Chi 48th Squadron, HUKBALAHAP and ROTC Hunters Guerillas 75 years ago, Sta. Cruz Mayor Edgar San Luis said the country still needs to address current problems like climate change, illegal drugs among others. He enjoined his audience to learn from History and further strengthen efforts to improve people’s lives.
(Cover: Businessman Aquino Lee, President of the Wha Chi 48th Squadron Veterans Legion and a descendant of one of the guerillas who saw action in the liberation of Sta. Cruz town in Laguna province in memorial rites Sunday morning. /Melo M. Acuna photo)
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
