War hero Segura dies of heart failure

CEBU, Philippines - Decorated war veteran, Colonel Manuel Segura, who helped liberate Cebu from the Japanese during World War II, died yesterday. He was 95.

Segura, born on January 1, 1919, was pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m. yesterday at the Asia Hospital in Manila. He died of cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial secondary to coronary disease, according to his nephew, The Freeman columnist Valeriano "Bobit" Avila.

Segura was a colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  He is the author of "Tabunan: The Untold Story of the Famed Cebu Guerillas of World War II," and "The Koga Papers."

Avila said that his uncle's systems crashed suddenly.

"Perhaps Tio Manning died just like the way my mother, Ascension Segura Avila, died. She was in the pink of health then six years ago, at 84 years old, her systems just crashed and she died in her sleep," said Avila.

Segura's brother, Dr. Oliverio Segura, said it has been a while that he last saw his elder brother, who has been staying in Manila with his children. Oliverio said his brother, despite being already very old, was always very active.

Among the many awards that Segura received while serving the military was the U.S. Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in Ground Combat, Distinguished Unit Citation with Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, American Defense Service Medal (for foreign service), and a World War II Victory medal.

"There is no doubt that Cebu lost a favorite son. I'm proud to be related to one of Cebu's greatest war heroes who fought in World War II for our freedom. May we request for prayers for the repose of his soul," Avila said. (FREEMAN)