BY GALLEN RAY CANILLO & CLAIRE JOSEPH BUGOY/UM Interns
DAVAO City on Saturday held its first Liberation Day tribute to two World War II veterans, an honor previously given during Araw ng Kagitingan, at the historic Masonic Cemetery, on Saturday, May 3.
At 102, veteran Teofilo Gamutan was the oldest living among five veterans in the city who personally accepted a certificate of recognition during the first part of the ceremony at Magsaysay Park.
Gamutan served as commanding officer of the 84th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army Reserve in Bohol during World War II.
A wreath-laying ceremony was also held at several sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Masonic Cemetery, the Veterans Memorial at Ponciano Rotonda, and Magsaysay Park.
In a speech, Councilor Pilar C. Braga, who authored the city ordinance strengthening the celebration of May 3 as Davao City Liberation Day, urged Davaoeños to celebrate the historic occasion with duty and pride, as the “victory did not come easily.”
“We close this historic occasion not with finality, but with a renewed sense of duty, a renewed sense of pride, and who we are as a people.”
Braga also highlighted the role of guerrillas and civilians who helped the American and Filipino soldiers in resisting the occupation.
Deputy Consul General of Japan Inoue Junya also joined the celebration and extended respect to the sacrifices of the Filipino war heroes.
“To Filipino veterans, I extend my sincerest respect to each one of you. That unwavering dedication and service played a crucial role in the peace, prosperity, stability, and dignity of this great nation,” said the deputy consul general.
He also reflected on the shared history of Davao and Japan, stating that the city once held the largest Japanese community in Southeast Asia and was home to over 20,000 Japanese residents at the time.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte was not present but sent a message of commemoration, read by Office of Culture and Arts (OCA) head Oscar Casaysay.
The event also drew other dignitaries, including the President of District 1 Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Sons & Daughters Association, Inc., Pastor Luis Moran; Ms. Remedios Josol, head of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office XI; Ms. Luzviminda C. Ilagan, president of Davao Historical Society; and veteran Michael Petinglay of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.
Veteran Florante Mallari, who received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal alongside veteran Gamutan, a recognition for his heroism during World War II, at the 80th Manila Liberation Anniversary on February 22, 2025, was unable to attend the event due to health reasons.
The celebration is held under Proclamation No. 653, s. 1993, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, directing LGUs to commemorate key World War II liberation events annually.
