FOLLOWING three decades of writing and exhaustive research, “Buried in Ruins,” a book exploring the untold stories of World War II in Davao, was launched on February 22nd at Holy Cross of Davao College. Historian and journalist Antonio V. Figueroa and retired Brigadier General Nelson J. Estares, the book’s authors, presided over the event.
This meticulously researched book unearths untold stories of Davao during World War II, revealing hidden chapters of its wartime history. The city suffered devastating destruction from intense bombing by both Japanese and Allied forces, experiencing some of the most severe damage in the Philippines, second only to Manila.
At the launch, the authors shared the story behind their collaborative project. Figueroa explained that despite gathering source materials from around the world, he felt the project was incomplete. “My research on the military’s role in liberating Davao from the Japanese was fragmented and insufficient,” he recalled. “This changed when I reconnected with my longtime friend, General Estares, a fellow history enthusiast.”
Estares highlighted the contributions of local civilians to Davao’s liberation. “The liberation of Davao was a combined effort of American soldiers and Filipino guerrillas, many of whom were civilian volunteers,” he said. “These unsung heroes risked their lives to free Davao from the Japanese occupation.”
Rhys Lacia, focal person for the HCDC-Institute of Davao Studies (IDS), added, “our goal has always been to provide opportunities for our community’s stories, especially historical accounts, to be told, published, and shared. We are proud to support this publication, which showcases the valor, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Dabawenyos during this turbulent period in Philippine history.”
“Buried in Ruins” is available at the HCDC-IDS for PhP700
