Philippine Unsung Heroes Nobody Remembers Part 1

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

Hello again guys. So today we will continue our research of unsung heroes around the world. This time we will move to Philippine country. Lets role it!

1. Gen. Simeón Ola y Arboleda

Ola sacrificed himself and his team for his country sake

Simeon Arboleda Ola was born in Guinobatan, Albay, first only as a Philosophy student at the University of Nueva Caceres. Known for his strong, “never say die” personality, Ola led the Filipino soldiers in the battle against the American Forces, and recruited more men to join his group including the town prisoners. He then promoted as a Captain and succeed to lead an ambush mission against the Americans.

After his cousin died in war, Ola seem to very upset. However he still continue his mission. Together with his men, Ola attacked the town of Oas, Albay as well as an enemy detachment at Macabugos, Ligao, leaving Americans with no option but to negotiate for Ola’s surrender. After a negotiation, Ola finally surrendered.

As we can see here Ola have to risk himself and his team to leave Americans with no other choice but to negotiate with them.

2. Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua

Paua raise funds to help the revolutionary
 army during the war.

He also known in his Chinese name Hou Yabao, was only 18 when he and his uncle migrated to the Philippines from Fujian province in China. He later apprenticed as a blacksmith in Binondo where he became known for producing weapons and repairing ammunition.

As part of the Katipunan, Paua helped set up the official arsenal of the revolutionary group. He also fought the Spanish Forces during the Battle of Binakayan and subsequently promoted Captain two days later. He then became a general. With the help of his Chinese friends, Paua was able to raise funds for the revolutionary army. He also set up the Katipunan arsenal with the efforts of other Chinese blacksmiths. Besides that, Paua and his group refilled bullet cartridges, repaired arms and ammunition and produced bamboo cannons for the army. 

Lastly, Paua became a mayor of Manito, Albay after the war and later died of cancer. There are two monuments were built for the appreciations for him.

To be continued....