Talisay marks “Takas”

CEBU, Philippines - Rep. Eduardo Gullas paid tribute to the veterans of the Second World War as Talisay City yesterday celebrated the 68th “Takas sa Talisay” with a reenactment of the landing of American forces in the city.

“The celebration is dedicated to the veterans who shed their blood for our freedom,” Gullas said.

Gullas said the veterans showed courage, patriotism, and love for country for everybody’s freedom.

The Congressman said he authored House Bill 3496 that declares March 26 every year as a special working holiday in the province of Cebu.

He said the bill was approved by Congress on October 15, 2012 and one month later was approved in the Senate, which became Republic Act 10359 or “An act declaring March 26 of every year as a special working public holiday in the province of Cebu to commemorate the historic liberation of Cebu from The Japanese occupation during the World War II.”

The law was signed by President Benigno Aquino III January 9, 2013.

Like in past years, one of the activities performed during the celebration was offering wreaths to the liberation shrine.

This year, offering wreaths at the shrine were Rep. Gullas, Commodore Reynaldo Yoma, commander of Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN), and Talisay City officials headed by Mayor Socrates Fernandez.

Also highlighting the event were the raising of the Philippine, American, and Japanese flags and a 21-gun salute.

The most awaited of the events was the reenactment at the sea shore in barangay Poblacion where the liberation shrine is located.

Explosives were detonated in a bid to mimic the actual battle that took place on that day.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Edsell Divina, of Public Affairs Office of NAVFORCEN, said the Central Command was in charge of the deployment of personnel for the civic military parade and wreath lying.

He said the patrol gunboat 140 “Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Emilio Aguinaldo” and BF341, two rubber boats, and a chopper of the Philippine Air Force were employed for the reenactment.

Acting as American soldiers were the Philippine Navy Seals and Navy reservists.

In another development, a man lost an iphone-4 worth P25,000 while watching the reenactment.

The Talisay City Police Station deputy Senior Inspector Alan Cuizon said that aside from the pickpocket incident, the reenactment was successful and generally peaceful.

Cuizon estimated at 1,500 to 2,000.

Thirty veterans attended the event, fewer this time compared to previous years.

Angelo Alo, 86 years old, district commander of Cebu Veterans District, said almost 1,000 veterans are still alive in region-7.

He said he joined the Philippine Guerilla movement when he was 15 or 16 years old and stayed with it from 1942 to 1945with the rank of Corporal.

He said he also joined the US Army for three years.

According to him, he said he is happy that the veterans are honored by commemorating the liberation.

Also at the event were acting Governor Agnes Magpale, board members Julian Daan and Serie Restauro, and other officials of the AFP and the PNP.  (FREEMAN)