Name: FM Caingcoy
City/State/Country: Portland, OR, USA
IP Address: 76.27.202.94

Comments

I would like to thank my dad for being a member of the Philippine Scout and escaping the Bataan Death March. Without his courage and the will to survive, I could not have written this small token of gratitude. To my father who is 94 years old and the rest of the Philippine Scouts that served during WWII, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

Dec 8, 1941.., Japanese bombers attacked Camp John Hay. kindergarten was on recess. My dad, in full military gear walked to me.., "Go home right now." I ran home. As I was going down the stairs outside our house, I heard.., "tac tac tac tac tac." I looked at the corrugated sheet metal siding of our house on my right side above my head, and saw gaping bullet holes. World war II for me and my family had just begun.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

As I posted earlier, I did my own way of heroism at age 4, without knowing it. In late '44, the Japanese camp were only a few kilometers away from our town of Tampakan. Fascinated by the Japanese airplanes flying over the town, us children (aged 4 to 8) would often trekk to the camp to see the planes close up. The Japanese tolerated our presence. It was no big deal to us when adults would asked us what we saw at the camp; how many "people" were there and how many planes. Our answers were always the same, "daghan" (many). After all who's counting? As I grew older, it dawned to me, did we spy for the guerillas that lead to the eventual pulverization of the camp by American bombers and fighter planes. I remember watching the dogfights front row from home. Bilibit or nat!

Name: JRH
City/State/Country: Montreal, Canada
IP Address: 70.81.198.36

Comments

My father served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. All thru/out the years, not once did I hear from my dad what he experienced during those horrible times. The only time he commented something is when I told him the I wanted to join the U.S. Navy. He told me that my timing is off cuz the Vietnam War is still going on. He said war is hell. End of the story. Filipinos could sympathize with old warriors of WWII including the Korean War. we Filipinos did our part during the WWII. They were the ones who made the ultimate sacrifices, bravery, & heroism. It's time that they are recognized & duly compensated.

Name: anthone
City/State/Country: austin,tx
IP Address: 99.190.130.41

Comments

Lingo ng beterano ang paksa ngayon. Sa tuwing magugunita ko ang isang pangyayari nang minsang nanood ng parada sa bayan ko sinilangan,napatunayan dito ang talagang garapal na gawi ng buktot kong kababayan. Pitong taon na ako noong panahon ng Hapon at ni isang guerilla ay wala akong nakita. May ilang tao na kung tawagin ay 'texas' pero sila pa ang nananakot sa amin. Sa parada, nakita ko na kahit ang magwawalis sa palengke at marami pang iba ay naka-uniporme.! Aba ay sa dami nila, hindi siguro kami yuyuko sa guardia ng Hapon na nasa ilang bahagi ng kalsada. Kung maaari po sana, suriin ang talaan ng nasabing 'guerilla.' Sa mga taong tatamaan, huag namang masyadong mapagsamantala.

Name: Rosauro Feliciano
City/State/Country: Kuwait
IP Address: 31.214.47.12

Comments

Yes, this is absolutely true. My father was a local hero in Zamboanga City. He served the United States Armed Forces in the Far East with the rank of SSgt. After the war, the USAFFE were not recognized and many did not receive their “Back Pay”. This time in our generation, America is much closer to countries that were not allied with her in fighting against Japan in WWII in terms of providing military hardware than the Philippines. We must not allow our country to be involved with American policies anymore. It is much better to be closer with China for our own benefits to uplift the living standard of our people.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

My dad was a Philippine Scout in Camp John Hay, and joined the guerrillas when Philippines fell to the Japanese 1942 to 1945. My mom and my siblings were always evacuating, and I did not see my dad until the US liberated the Philippines. I remember being told to wait inside a tent. My dad and other soldiers walked in. It was a tearful and joyous moment. He told me about a wounded Japanese soldier they encountered, hiding behind a rock, as they were descending a trail. They heard "Pic-bong," the sound of a Japanese rifle going off. The two soldiers in front of him fell down dead. Dad got the Japanese sniper with his Garrand.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

My dad's route, from Philippines scout, to Philippine guerrilla, back to Philippine Scout after the war, responsible of rebuilding Camp John Hay Scout Barrio, John Hay Chapel and EM's club, to member US 13th Air Force, Clark Air Force Base, Pampanga, to member Riyukyus Command, Okinawa, to retiring US Army Fort Lewis, Washington.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

My wife's dad was also a Philippine Scout, and her mom was a Filipina nurse, and they were both with general MacArthur inside Malinta tunnel in Corregidor. Both were in the Bataan Death March. When they came to Balanga, Bataan, a Japanese soldier, noticing my wife's mom pregnant, pulled her out of the death march. She was pregnant with my wife. My wife was born 4 months thereafter.

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County Ca USA
IP Address: 98.119.17.19

Comments

RE: The USAFFE - it stands for United States Armed Forces in the Far East.. It came about when FDR called the Filipinos to enlist in the armed forces to fight an imminent aggression from Japan. Of course hundreds of thousands of young and able bodied Filipinos enlisted. The bad thing was that all the promises of FDR died with him because after the war the new U.S. Congress repealed the law giving rights and privileges to the USAFFE. It was only just before the turn of the 20th century that some of our Filipino veterans got partial relief they still didn't get what was promised. Our leaders should have fought for these privileges. Most of what they received was from leaders here in the U.S.. the Phil government help to the Filipino WWII vet was negligible.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

The United States underestimated the fighting ability of the Japanese. The strength of the units including the incorporated Philippine army that faced the enemy was only a token contingent; ill-trained, ill-armed and ill-feed. Bravery was not enough. Their only consolation is that until now the current independent Philippine armed forces are also ill-trained, ill-armed and ill-feed.

Name: JRH
City/State/Country: Montreal, Canada
IP Address: 70.81.198.36

Comments

Lest we forget..it must be remembered that among the prisoners of war captured by the Japanese at Bataan were forced to undertake the infamous Bataan Death March to a prison camp 105 kilometers (55 miles) to the north. it's estimated that about 10,000 Filipinos & 1,200 Americans died before reaching their destination. The Japanese occupation of the Phils was opposed by large-scale underground & guerilla activity including the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Japon. The effectiveness of these valiant groups was such that by the end of the war, Japan controlled only 12 of the 48 provinces. The Phils suffered great loss of life & tremendous physical destruction by the end of the IIWW. Let's not forget.

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County, Ca
IP Address: 98.119.17.19

Comments

RE: Our Forefathers who fought in WWII...Before any of the FM loyalists would write again about the Marcos medals.. I would like them to read the Col. Gillego account in his book as the items about FM were based on interviews made by Gillego with COs of FM during the war ..Manriquez said he first saw FM reporting to him months after the landing of MacArthur in Leyte .. Manriquez was upset about the book of Hartzell Spence (For Every Tear a Victory ) was written for the 1965 Pres. Election. Those encounters Spence described in that book never happened

Name: Phil Reseacher
City/State/Country: LA County, Ca USA
IP Address: 98.119.17.19

Comments

Re: The Parity Amendment--The PH had suffered a lot of damage during WWII--We had a newly elected Pres. in the person of Manuel Roxas.. the 1935 Constitution had a provision that the Exploitation of natural Resources ,( timber , logging , mineral resources copper, gold and other metals )shall be exclusive to Filipino Citizens.. The parity Amendment actually revoked that to include Americans to exploit our natural resources. Manuel Roxas was already sick the Americans offered 800 million plus the Parity amendment. The parity amendment was approved 2 days before July 4, 1946 by our Phil Congress. he suffered a heart attack during a speech in Clark AFB in 1948.. He was Pres. for 1 year and 10 months when Quirino took over being VP

Name: LouiQ
City/State/Country: Philippines
IP Address: 66.91.245.36

Comments

I am an offspring of a USAFFE with all my life I knew how hard was it was for my father who suffered the worst of everything that anyone could think, but it served as my inspiration to strive and get to the point where I could continue the legacy that my parents had left in this world, as an armed forces member I am proud to say that I have done the very best that a citizen could do to serve the beloved Philippines. Politicians, before you mess around with our country, try to put yourselves in the shoes of uor heroes who died for this country. Don't join the politics if you're not sure to serve the country and willing to give your life to preserve its cause. Thank you and I salute the men and women who wear the uniform. Veterans service at it's best.

Name: John B.
City/State/Country: Sherman Oaks. Ca,US
IP Address: 76.216.152.14

Comments

The Filipinos have never been short of true heroes who had their real sense of purpose in bloody and brutal wars in defending their homeland. It always seem to beg the question for our modern leaders.. where is that sense of fortitude and duty to that 'higher cause', and why can't it translate to those noble principles that promote and protect the nations welfare during peace time? To RECOGNIZE our hero's extreme sacrifices is not enough, to truly honor them we should make it RELEVANT!

Name: antonio jr
City/State/Country: Manila
IP Address: 112.205.85.94

Comments

The horrible sufferings of our soldiers during World War 2, should wake up our youth in this new generation who seem to ignore that the effort done by them along with the Americans is responsible for winning the war against Japan. The youth of today are showing their ingratitude towards the Americans and MacArthur who lead them to victory. Such is the world of today....Wars have transformed them into robots lacking in love and concern for their country and fellowmen.

Name: JRH
City/State/Country: Montreal, Canada
IP Address: 70.81.198.36

Comments

The brutal, barbaric, savage, & sadistic treatment of the American & Filipino prisoners of war during the Death March was due to the Japanese culture that any warrior or soldier who surrendered had no honor, thus not to be treated like human being. They felt that they were dealing with sub-humans & animals. As a result the prisoners were severely beaten, casually shot, routinely bayoneted, & worst were beheaded. In the end, war crimes trial was held & a lot of the leaders & commanders were found guilty of crimes against humanity & most of them were executed by hanging or imprisoned with long sentences.

Name: Steve R
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 98.234.19.64

Comments

I am very proud of my father’s service in the U.S. Army & U.S. Navy. After 2 yrs of service in the Army, he joined the Navy in Aug 1919. When Japan bombed the Phil in 1940 my father was stationed at the Navy Yard in Cavite. My father had left for work before the family heard the first bomb that fell near the Navy Yard. After the war, my father told me that he was on board a ship going out to sea to escape the attack but their ship was sunk. My father swam to shore & joined the U.S forces trying to slow down the attack on Corregidor. His group was captured & they were taken to the Capas prison.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

For all the traumatic years to the present, Philippine communism and Chinese Mao communism, has never done.., never.., not even an iota of a good deed, for Filipinos, except rivers of propaganda.., year after year to the present. Year after year US, have been giving/dying.., for the freedom and democracy we enjoy worldwide.., wherever freedom rings, bar none. In the Philippines, we will, till the end of this world, honor and maintain assurance, no matter the odds.., remembering and reminding ourselves always that freedom is not free. Thank you USA > LINK

Name: Steve R
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 98.234.19.64

Comments

In 1942, my father came home at mid-night with a group of guerrilla. He handed my mother a bag & asked that my mother put rice in the bag. My mother put just small amount as we were also short of rice. My father & his group left going door to door asking for more rice. In 1944 my father returned home & one day we saw a line of ship at sea. One brave person found an American Flag hoisted it on a pole & people started walking toward the beach with the American Flag. When the U.S. Flag was seen by U.S. Navy, the order to soften the beach with bombs was to start in 7 minutes but the line of people behind the flag saved our town from bombardment. As a young boy, I joined the people behind the flag carrying one of my father’s old U.S. Navy hand bag.

Name: Steve R
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 98.234.19.64

Comments

My father reported on board a Navy ship in February 1945. He continued his 29 years of Naval service without break-in service and retired in March 1948 as Chief Machinist’s Mate at Subic Naval Base near Olongapo, Zambales. Believe or not, when we realized that we were being bombed by Japan, we evacuated to a church. My uncle & mother took a headcount after we reached the church in Cavite & we found out that the youngest child in family was missing. My uncle & I went back to the house & found my young sister sleeping in her crib. My uncle carried my sister to join my family, mother, 5 siblings & uncle at the church. The following day, my uncle, nagmaakawa sa truck driver na papuntang Zambales, we rode on the back of the truck all the way to Zambales. Praise the Lord.

Name: Angelbert C. Parungo
City/State/Country: Staten Island, NY
IP Address: 68.174.226.201

Comments

My Grand Father was Martyred & 4 of his daughter died during WW2. Is to bad to see the 7,100 island still in civil war, Because of corruption's. Then My Grand Mother got Married to USAFFE guerrilla... I can only say the death & sacrifices of ancestors & the examples of our heroes make us become firm & strong against in-humane treatment by anyone & we will prevail against the oppressor's, because this is the message of our National Anthem...

Name: CPO
City/State/Country: Australia
IP Address: 211.30.181.46

Comments

I salute those soldiers who perished and sacrificed their lives in the war so that we may live ...

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County, Ca USA
IP Address: 98.119.17.19

Comments

Re:70th Anniversary of Bataan Death March--Today is the 70th anniversary of the Death march where several thousand of Filipino and American Soldiers marched from Manila to Bataan.. many of these soldiers died before reaching Bataan..Now there is a headline about a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives about the USAFFE where it states that Congressman Ron Paul who is running for President is supporting this Bill 210..Unfortunately for the USAFFE and Filipinos that bill won't pass because the U.S. House of Rep. is under the Republican majority.. The last time $$ for the vets was passed was in 2010 when the U.S Congress was Majority controlled by Democrats.

Name: Beteranong Banal
City/State/Country: Limay, Bataan
IP Address: 64.40.183.70

Comments

After all the "heroisms and sacrifices" fighting under the star and stripes-- Filipino Veterans were amply rewarded by the 1946 Recission Act. And the Filipinos accepted it with a smile and proper kow-tow-- lest uncle Sam will not help in the rehab and reconstruction era. No wonder many Filipinos are considered door mats and the country in general taken for granted by uncle Sam.

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.237.27.95

Comments

We have always considered ourselves as allies of the United States. This country had fought side by side with the United States in World War II, in the Korean War, and in Iraq War of Dubya. We were even planning to send combat engineers to South Korea during the Vietnam War. If the US is dragged by Israel into war with Iran, I wonder if we would commit the lives of Pinoys? I know some Filipinos have died in Afghanistan which leaves us the question: "what are those Pinoys doing in that country?" Desperate for foreign work and unmindful of a fatherless family back home! Ask 7 gtg.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

Addendum. As I posted already, my wife's mom was a nurse, and her dad was Philippine Scout, and both were with General MacArthur in Corregidor's Malinta tunnel.., and were in the Bataan death march, until a Japanese soldier pulled my wife's mom, who was pregnant with my wife, out of the death march in Balanga, Bataan. To that Japanese soldier, my wife and I are forever grateful. After their daughter and I got hitched, They went back to the Philippines, and retired in Balanga, Bataan, where, years later, they passed on to glory.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

Some people still don't get it. I will repeat it again once more for the last time. When Pres. Roosevelt boasted the strength of the US forces in the Philippines, it was only selected units of the Philippine Army was incorporated into the USAFFE. And only individual member of the units WHO ACTUALLY REPORTED were eventually recognized, albeit, late. There's no doubt those did not report fought any way during WWII. That's where the problem lies. They were unrecognized by the U.S. govt. When finally what's due was granted to the recognized member of the incorporated units in the 80s the problem was exacerbated by people filing for benefits who were just 4 or 5 years old during WWII. What would the U.S. do? Kayo mangyan!

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.237.27.95

Comments

"The United States underestimated the fighting ability of the Japanese. ", Deo said. May I add that at that time US was more worried about Hitler than Emperor Hirohito. The attack on Pearl Harbor caught US by surprise and not enough forces were really committed to repel the Japanese aggression in the Pacific. Many historians believed that the gallant defense of US forces in the Philippines with the help of the locals slowed down the forward movement of the Japanese Imperial Army towards Australia. Deo, now 73, remembers that.

Name: Rodolfo Balao
City/State/Country: Lynnwood WA USA
IP Address: 50.135.239.138

Comments

Thanks for posting my poem but its garbled. Here's how it should read: VETERANS HOSPITAL SCENE By: Rodolfo Balao Why are you here? For pain. Where? All over! And You? Pain, too. Where? My heart! It's bad? Very bad! How bad? In a month I go, May be less! Go, where? Pearly Gates. I hope. That place any good? Heavenly, they say. Can I come with you? When you are ready We can go together. We're buddies, right? Don't make it soon, Please not too soon! Let's stay awhile, Life is good! Isn't it?

Name: Lord Gago
City/State/Country: Oswego
IP Address: 166.250.74.228

Comments

The sacrifices of the members of the USAFFE in Pinas has been watered down by the suprising revelation that the Pinas and American forces were numerically superior over the Japs', with a ratio of about 10 to 1. Yet they surrendered to a far less or fewer enemy, with the pretext of superior fire power of the Japs. 10,000 Japs forces were able to capture PhilAm forces of more than 100,000 soldiers by just giving up the fight. So that stories of sacrifices by PHilAm soldiers might have been self-inflicted.

Name: Gen Homma
City/State/Country: Tokyo
IP Address: 184.144.65.98

Comments

Remembering how MacArthur Oplan Orange doomed his USAFFE army at Bataan and Filipinos are so happy for it-- gave them a chance to be US Citizens!!

Name: tonyo
City/State/Country: pinas
IP Address: 111.68.59.97

Comments

Wow! Phreng Deo was a child guerilla at 4. Adre, there were reportedly bogus guerillas during the Japs occupation of Pinas kaya na delayed ang USA compensation package for their services. I think, though, you were not recognized as a guerilla because of your tender age. Bilibit or nat? UNBILIBABOL. You can’t even carry a Garand rifle then.

Name: As I See It
City/State/Country: Cebu City/SF, CA
IP Address: 72.207.74.29

Comments

KUMANDER WANGWANG tells war vets, "we owe you, and it's not only money." I believe if only Noynoy stops talking & promising and just give whatever benefits that are due to them, then every war vet will feel satisfied and happy and they won't be annoyed no more with Noynoy's noynoying attitude!

Name: ALM
City/State/Country: Canada
IP Address: 96.49.79.48

Comments

They are the Heros of World War II in the Pacifc . Without them the Americans would not have won the war. They prolong the war so the US Arm Forces can rebuild all its Air Force and Battle Ships that got swept at Pearl Harbor. The Philippines suffered a lot during the war. Children are thrown up the air and killed by Japanese and with Koreans soldiers using their bayonets. Our Filipino contingent during the Korean War are left at the war front while all the allied forces are forced to move back. Without them there would be no South Korea now. MABUHAY AND ATING MAGA SUNDALO na nagbigay nang karangalan sa ating bansa. it is so sad that some of them are not even recognized by the US Government on what they have done.

Name: Jorge Villanueva
City/State/Country: Canada
IP Address: 142.162.189.40

Comments

I am thanking the Filipino and U.S. veterans for helping the country during the second world war. Now it's our turn to help. The populations of Japan, South Korea, Vietnams, etc., became united to turn their countries from total devastation into success. We have the same mental and physical ability plus the fact that we are tired of being the " sickest man in Asia ". The weight that is dragging the country down is the massive graft and corruption which discourage foreign investments. Let's act together.

Name: Steve R
City/State/Country: California
IP Address: 98.234.19.64

Comments

My sentiment about USAFFE benefits received for their heroic deeds during WWII is the amount they received compared to Japanese family members who were interned & received $20,000 each for being taken out of their communities & interned in different areas in the United States. Filipinos who served side by side with U.S. Forces, many died, suffered during the Bataan Death March only received a onetime monetary benefit of $15,000 if they are in the USA & $9,000. if they file their claim in the Philippines.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

In the news: "WWII: Tales Of Their Fathers". While others are telling stories heard from their fathers, I will be telling my personal experience of the horror of WWII. Check this out: It was a sunny morning of the summer of 1945 when bombs start falling in the village center. It was a miracle only 1 was killed. He just have his head shave (fatal mistakes?). Fathers gathered us children and into the fox holes we went. I can see from the fox hole the planes circling the village; it was with stars marking! Yes American planes bombed the village but it was a mistakes. It should have been a few kilometer farther where the Japs camp were located. Was I horrified? No. We started playing right away in the holes made by the bombs.

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

I don't think it is inherent in the Filipino culture to remember the past and even preserve the relics of the past. We offer no parades in memory of our soldiers. We only see gatherings of people to say their prayers when the Manalos of INC, Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ or Brother Eddie Villanueva's Jesus is Lord Church call for their faithful. We should honor our soldiers as an act of patriotism. Do we have that in the Philippines?

Name: pinaskongmahal
City/State/Country: usa
IP Address: 199.96.203.220

Comments

Early on during my PMT days at Binalonan High, we've discussed the war effort of our gallant men (USAFFE, guerrillas, civilians) who fought the Japs' war machine to take root in the entire Phil. We also talked about our 100,000 men forced into a death march from Samat to Camp O'Donnell. Only 54,000 made it to O'Donnell. We also talked about the brilliant mind of Gen MacArthur as a strategist. Why did MacArthur allow 100,000 USAFFE troops to surrender when the ratio then was 7 to 1 Jap. With that ratio, they should have ran to the hills instead and fought in a fierce guerrilla warfare Viet Cong style. Our ragtag Flip army can lead the Americans to fight and delay the Jap war machine. Our PMT conclusion: Gen Mac, the West Pointer, made an infamy in our war effort. What's your take deo?

FYI, a new book just out by John D. Lukacs titled "Escape From Davao" is a great read and also touches on the issue you bring up. - PNL

Name: JRH
City/State/Country: Montreal, Canada
IP Address: 70.81.198.36

Comments

What a bloody shame. P5,000 only for our WWII veterans? This is a big joke or the ultimate insult to those Filipinos who made the ultimate sacrifice serving during the war. Unlike Filipino U.S. veterans who all received full benefits & compensation far beyond anything else. I know cuz I'm a living witness & experienced what the U.S. benefits were meant to be. All of my siblings got free education, free boarding, etc. $89/ monthly allowance, free books up to age 26, monthly PX privileges etc. My dad got a substantial monthly pension & during his old age getting medical treatment extensively at the Veterans Memorial Hospital. Our gov't should triple those monthly benefits. They deserve it.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

Comments

I almost forgot. My uncle was picked up by the Japanese for interrogation because someone or some folks told the Japanese that his brother, (my father), was a guerrilla. So, the Japanese hanged my uncle by the thumb nails, as he was being interrogated. The wife, having just given birth to a baby boy, went down to the garrison to plead her husband's case.., for the Japanese to spare his life. The Japanese captain was well taken with the baby because they were spitting image. "If you name the baby after me, I will set your husband free." Cousin "Kawano" is still kicking today.

Name: mockingmaya
City/State/Country: taft avenue, manila
IP Address: 67.182.75.243

Comments

1UP wrote: "I know some Filipinos have died in Afghanistan which leaves us this question: what are those Pinoys doing in that country?" Pure nonsense. Your question is at odds with patriotic sentiments of freedom-loving people of the world. The essence of a modern slave like 1UP is that he'll not perform his military duties unless with million pesos pabaon & being watched. I do believe that Filipino-Americans soldiers stationed in Afghanistan value freedom than rights. Rights are meaningless without freedom. They took their oaths seriously as patriotic soldiers. They read Polybius, Thucydides, & other historians.

Name: tonyo
City/State/Country: pinas
IP Address: 111.68.59.100

Comments

Phremg Deo said of bogus WW 2 veterans “When finally what's due was granted to the recognized member of the incorporated units in the 80s the problem was exacerbated by people filing for benefits who were just 4 or 5 years old during WWII…” Adre, you were 4 years old during the Japs occupation of Pinas but did a little guerilla activities. I’m sure you never filed any claim for backpay benefits from the USA because you were only 4 years old then. Ang tapang mo dong.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

In the news: "WWII Veterans: Give It Now Before We Die". I hope the vet named Ildefonso Perez the news featured aged 80 was a Korean War vet not WWII. Isn't he too young to be WWII vet? No matter who figure it out, he was nine (9) when WWII broke out in 1941; about 14 in 1945 when the war ended. Unless the Philippines was the first to field "child soldiers", if you understand what my beef.

Name: tonyo
City/State/Country: pinas
IP Address: 111.68.59.97

Comments

As I See It said “Kumander Wangwang tells war vets, ‘we owe you, and it's not only money.’" Penoy’s family enjoyed the Japs occupation, together with the other Jap collaborators during WW2 and I quote. His grandfather, Benigno S. Aquino, Sr. (1894–1947) was a prominent member of the World War II Japanese collaborationist government of José P. Laurel,.. His father died while ninoy was in his teens prior to coming to trial on treason charges resulting from his collaboration with the Japanese during the occupation.”

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

Comments

The question that keeps nagging me is whether this country is better off if the Japanese had won and claimed PH in WW II. We would see respect (bowing the head) and discipline. Walang basura sa kalye at sa gobiyerno. Let us revisit the history of the Korean peninisula that was once ruled by Japan. 天気の良い日の人々を持ちなさい (Translation: have a nice day, people)

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

tonyO: I did not claim I was a guerilla per se during WWII. Ano ka ba naman?! Yes, I was only 4 but being able to gave some information to military elements of the PH/U.S. during WWII without realizing it was something else. That's the meat of my "heroism". Of course I was not alone as I said. Read again my entry about this. hehehe.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

Tough luck for those who lived in the cities during WWII. In our town of Tampakan (that is in South Cotabato), the only shortage items were clothing and salt. Yes salt! In our farm chicken, pigs, cows and carabaos were available if necessary. But we did not even have to butcher them. Fish and escargot in the forest will do. And the bananas! different varieties. You see, the farms boundary (12 hectares of it-that' 1.2 km long) was planted with bananas on one side and coconuts on the other. I remember it well, us children, our "baon" going to Japanese camp were bananas fresh from the trees. Bilibit or nat!

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

Comments

This story is true. While a lot of military personnel were waging war, some people are having a good time. Check this out: This is a first hand narrative from our cashier. He was married before WWII. He was eager to have children but fate don't agree with him until WWII broke out. So his doctor advised him to keep trying day, night and in between. So with pride he told his story to us that while bombs were exploding around him, he was having a good time. The soldiers sacrificed would have been in vain if he was not successful. He was. I met the product of his efforts in PH and immigrated, too in the U.S. The cashier followed him and died in the U.S. Bilibit or nat!

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

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I was wondering what would have happened if Hitler had won in WW II. The middle east would have been quieter since there would no Jews but Palestinians in Israel. Europe would have been much stronger economically than North America and Japan would have dominated the Pacific and the East. China would never be a threat to the Spratley Islands where PH has a claim. Deo's grandchildren would have blue eyes and homosexuals are a thing of the past. I would be fluent in German, Italian and Japanese. Auf Wiedersehen Sauger! arrivederci polloni!, さようなら吸盤!

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

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We only pay lip service to the gallantry and fortitude of our USAFFE soldiers who fought side-by-side with their American counterparts during WWII. These heroes have long been forgotten. What were left in their memories were the Araw ng Kagitingan and the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Mt Samat, Pilar, Bataan. USA was more generous. America honored these gallant men with a naval vessel USS Bataan (already decommissioned), Bataan Death March Memorial Monument in New Mexico and Bataan Memorial Bridge in Chicago, Illinois. Did I miss anything on the Philippine side?

Name: Jorge Villanueva
City/State/Country: Canada
IP Address: 142.162.190.49

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I was a small boy when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. I remembered or at least heard the story of our family's evacuation and how my father carried me on his shoulder as we crossed the mountains by foot and traversed body of waters by small outriggered boat. By the grace of God we were able to reach the safety of a far distant barrio of southern Cebu where we survived until liberation. I cannot forget seeing a GI from his tank turret throwing Babe Ruth chocolate bars as the tanks rolled to the town square. In fact when I moved to Canada in my mature years the first thing that attracted me in a shoppers drugmart display was this Babe Ruth chocolate bars. I enjoyed it immensely.

Name: Lee Buyagan
City/State/Country: La Trinidad
IP Address: 37.104.40.54

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It was a great success of our veterans for their brilliant sacrifices during the world war and there is no doubt about that. Leaders today especially those in the highest rank of police and military services must treasure those formidable sacrifices by serving the country honestly.

Name: Jorge Villanueva
City/State/Country: Canada
IP Address: 142.162.190.49

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I know the story of Bataan Death March and of the many other sufferings that was perpetrated against the Filipino people. But there are stories of humanity also by individual Japanese soldiers. It happened to our family as we were evacuating to escape the Japanese force. Our family of five (dad, mom, two sisters and I) were crossing this small road and to our surprise a Japanese sentry saw us and told us to stop. My mother was pregnant at that time and we lined up on the side of the road. The soldier looked at us carefully and when he noticed my mother was big with a child he beckoned us to go ahead with a smile on his face. My sister was born in the safety of the mountain hideout where our family survived until liberation came. We thanked that soldier for saving us.

Name: Phil Researcher
City/State/Country: LA County, CA USA
IP Address: 98.119.17.19

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RE: Pinaskongmahal Analyis of MacArthur Retreat.. The reason was the U.S.A could not fight two fronts at the same time. The U.S. had to send most of their resources to Europe to fight the Axis..(Hitler, Mussolini Etc.)..So Gen. D. Macarthur had to retreat to Australia.. There was no time to evacuate the Americans who were trapped in Manila..all those who were captured were interned at UST many Americans died in UST compound..Great decision because later when the US. started to reclaim the Pacific islands they realized the Japanese do not surrender.. they fight to the death.. To avoid a lot of bloodshed. One A-bomb in Hiroshima another A-bomb in Nagasaki.. results in an unconditional surrender.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

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The weirdest thing I experienced as a kid when Japanese soldiers were surrendering. Curious, us kids watched Japanese soldiers in a single column treading along to the surrender area. Then, we watch bewildered, when some Japanese soldiers carrying their sick comrade in a stretcher, suddenly stopped.., dug a shallow hole on the side of the trail, and buried their sick comrade up to his neck, facing the surrendering column of Japanese soldiers passing by. The sick Japanese soldier, buried to his neck, watched the surrendering column with us. He finally rolled his eyes and closed them. US and Filipino soldiers took him away later.

Name: deo
City/State/Country: flour-flower city
IP Address: 74.65.5.42

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Pinaskongmahal: As you may have known, it was not the superior number of the Japanese forces that befallen the Philippines forces but the Japanese' experience in combat. History tells us it's been proven over and over again. The forces that eventually conquered the Philippines were the same Japanese forces who's been leapfrogging all over Asia. There was not even a trained Philippine army to speak about when the islands were attacked. So it was "like taking a candy from a baby" as far as the Japanese was concerned.

Name: GFJBHEDF
City/State/Country: Hercules
IP Address: 67.188.19.40

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We were always evacuating away from Japanese soldiers in WWII. One funny ha ha deadly story we heard, was about a Japanese patrol that went berserk. They were tracking some guerrillas up a trail, when suddenly, a spear, perpendicularly tied to a bowed shaft sprung, after the lead Japanese soldier tripped and broke the thread string preventing the bowed shaft from releasing., and the spear went through the Japanese soldier, so that he was impaled.., whereupon, the rest of the patrol opened up, "bang bang bang," on nothing.

Name: 222 Lange
City/State/Country: NY
IP Address: 166.137.138.157

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We are all heroes to our children, wives and girlfriends unless we do something bad or evil that we become villains. Pinoy soldiers who lost their lives and came out of WW Ii alive went to war not because they wanted to but because they no choice. Pilipinos were US nationals. America gave us a taste of democracy but we perverted it. Spain taught us to be religious but some of us went too far by crucifying themselves in the cross like Christ. JC must be searching his head in disbelief.

Name: Marie
City/State/Country: Batangas
IP Address: 178.190.206.57

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Do not expect too much that our government can afford big compensations for the soldiers of WWII. Philippines is not as rich as US. It's good to have not much than they have expected than nothing. They sacrificed for our country and they will continue to sacrifice for the heck of all. Our country is also poor you must understand.

Name: 222 Lange
City/State/Country: NY
IP Address: 166.137.138.157

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Antonio jr: Pinoys have no recollection of WWII except Deo and others who were born in the late 30s. Even the younger generation have no interest to even learn the history of People Power. They are preoccupied with the Manila Film Festival and catching a glimpse of their favorite movie stars if not watching a rock concert at Araneta Coliseum. I even doubt if younger Pinoys have a hero after whom they would model their lives.

Name: Edward
City/State/Country: Angeles City
IP Address: 203.87.152.50

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That was than and this is now. Filipinos are a sorry race, crooks, that's what the nation has become. Sure those men were heroes but their sons are bums.

Name: tonyo
City/State/Country: pinas
IP Address: 111.68.59.99

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Phreng Deo said “tonyO: I did not claim I was a guerilla per se during WWII. Ano ka ba naman?! Yes, I was only 4 but being able to gave some information to military elements of the PH/U.S.” That’s what you say or believe. But kung nalamang ng mga japok ang ginawa mo, hindi ka na sana tumandang bruho ka. Tiyak tepok ka. Why did’nt you file a claim for WW2 benefits from the USA? Nagbayaran na a few years back. Ang daming bogus guerillas na nag claim for benefits, baka nakalusot ang iba.

Name: As I See It
City/State/Country: Cebu City/SF, CA
IP Address: 72.207.74.29

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TONYO: Adre, thanks for the link! Now we see PNoy's grandfather was also a collaborator of the enemy (Japs) as we were seeing the Junior (Ninoy) coddling the enemy of the State (NPA & its political arm, the CPP/NDF and in the same manner Benigno III is treating & protecting with care the likes of CPP chairman Joma, Jalandoni, Llamas, and other leftist elements in present time!

Name: 1 UP
City/State/Country: GOTHAM CITY
IP Address: 207.38.182.120

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I am so proud of the patriotism of a 4 -year old tot in Davao during WWII who provided the Allies information regarding the Japanese "military strength" The information I guess must have turned the tide. What Deo SAW makes him the male counterpart of "Mata Hari." He he he LMAO