A YOUNG FILIPINO WORLD WAR 2 HERO

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The liberation of the Philippines started  with the battle of Leyte. When people visit the Tacloban the concentration of people visit MacArthur Memorial Park which is very significant. When you read the history there are many stories that stand out. This is one of them.
 A heroic act by a young man
There is another significant hero during these times. His name is Valeriano Abello. From what I have read Valeriano Abello was a boy scout. Before landing by liberation forces in this area one could imagine there would be a large concentration of artillery bombardment on Japanese positions.

Valeriano Abello along with friends Antero Zunia and Vicente Tiston paddle out to sea from the beach towards the nearest allied ship. They used white cloth as flags to signal the message that there are civilians around the beach area. They offered to help allied ships in re directing shelling to enemy onshore positions.

This most definitely would have reduced the extent of civilian casualties. The destruction in the Tolosa area would have been so much greater.

There is a signal day commemoration in Tolosa and the bravery of Valeriano and his friends is recognized. There is a memorial in sea side Barangay Telegrafo (small village). The memorial marks the spot where they launched their boat and won recognition as heroes and a place in history.

Try and put yourself in Valeriano Abellos position at that time. Artillery coming from allied warships and shelling from Japanese onshore positions. Using a small boat to get to the nearest warship would carry such great risk. He also took the risk of being discovered by the Japanese forces.

I WONDER WHAT THE VIEW WAS FOR VALERIANO ABELLOS


When you drive through the town and Tolosa and barangay of Telegrafo you see people going about their daily lives. Looking out to sea from these shore lines is now is so peaceful.


 THE SHORE LINE IS SO BEATUTIFUL AND PEACFULL TODAY

One would not think such an act of bravery took place in this area unless you were aware of the history. A very brave young man.

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