Battle of Ising heroes honored in DavNor

The people of Davao del Norte remembered the heroism, courage and sacrifice of both the living and the fallen heroes of the Battle of Ising during World War II by fortifying their commitment to the development and peace efforts in the province.
Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario led leaders and representatives of various sectors of society in signing the “Manifesto of Continuing Commitment to Development and Peace Efforts in the Province of Davao del Norte,” in a fitting ceremony celebrating National Heroes Day on August 30, 2009 at the Battle of Ising War Memorial, Barangay Ising, Carmen, Davao del Norte.
The celebration recalled the glory of the World War II Battle of Ising which was won by Filipino guerrillas of the 130th Infantry Regiment under the Davao-based 107th Division.
In May 3 to 10, 1945, a group of ragtag Filipino guerrillas fought the superior Japanese forces in a valiant bid to prevent them from occupying northern Davao and parts of Agusan. The guerrillas’ heroism led not only to the eventual freeing of Davao from Japanese occupation, but was also instrumental in the liberation of the whole of Mindanao.
The event was made more meaningful as it did not only honor the war heroes, but also forged a legacy of peace and development for Dabaonon children.
The signed manifesto was handed by Gov. Del Rosario to the youth sector represented by students from the Carmen National High School and members of the Boys and Girls Scouts of the Philippines, provincial chapter.
The governor was assisted by Carmen Mayor Marcelino Perandos and Major General Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
MGen. Mapagu said the sacrifices paid by the heroes of the Ising battle should not go in vain. He said “we may be fighting a different enemy this time on the fronts of poverty, injustice, ignorance, environmental decay, disease and terrorism. The130th Infantry Regiment who fought in the famous Battle of Ising can serve as our inspiration.” 
The governor conferred the medallion of continuing recognition to the 16 living guerrillas who were invited to join the affair. Three of them were not able to take part in the ceremony for being bedridden.
The event started with a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial led by the governor. A military chopper dropped confetti while the ceremony was being held.   
A 1940 vintage 3-inch artillery gun used in WWII, with an axle and four stabilizing outriggers, was also made part of the shrine.
Aside from the governor, the other heads of the joint committees for the event include Col. Domingo Tutaan, CO of the AFP 1003rd Infantry Brigade, PSSupt. Jose Pante, OIC Director of DavNor Police Provincial Office and Capt. Allan Rellon of the Army Reservist command.

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