The Cebuano war heroes

Cebuanos must pay tribute to Colonel Manuel F. Segura, who chronicled the exploits, heroism, and bravery of the Cebuanos during the Second World War. Segura, the Cebuano war hero, wrote the book “Tabunan, the Untold Exploits of the Famed Cebu Guerillas of World War II” (snappy salute to the (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. for publishing a new edition, with critical introduction by Prof. Resil B. Mojares, edited and annotated by Erlinda Kintanar-Alburo). The new edition is available at the Casa Gorordo Musem along Eduardo Aboitiz Street (formerly Lopez Jaena Street).

Among the hundreds of Cebuano patriots, a few of them received medals and awards, here they are:

CORPORAL MAGNO DIONSON - He became a lawyer on March 2, 1956 and married Jacinta “Tintay” Cortes. He served Mandaue City as councilor and became part of the “Brilliant eight of Mandaue City,” the councilors who ensured the cityhood of Mandaue with Demetrio Cortes as the last municipal mayor and the first city mayor of Mandaue. Dionson is also called the “Father and Mentor of the Canduman National High School” as it he was the author of the creation of the school which was formally approved by Deputy Minister Abraham Felipe on August 21, 1981. Dionson was part of the Talisay landing on March 26, 1945. He was later wounded in Gumbang, Tabuelan. He served Mandaue City for 32 years (as councilor from 1964-1995). He was also a working student at the Cebu Royal Plant (now San Miguel Corp.).

This is how his citation read:

“82nd Division, Philippine Army received a letter of commendation Maj. David J. O’Rourke, Battalion Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, 182nd Infantry, American Division dated August 1945 which reads: Corporal Magno Dionson, 82nd Division, Philippine Army served with this unit as a G-2 representative during the period 20 March 45 to 20 June 45. During this period Cpl. Dionson participated in the Cebu Beach-Head and the ensuing campaign. Corporal Dionson traveled with the 3rd Battalion Command Post at all times serving in an excellent manner.

One numerous occasions he was called upon to advance with our rifle companies. On one occasion Cpl. Dionson was wounded in the head, and although it was a painful wound he refused hospitalization and stayed with the Battalion. His work was at all times excellent, his coolness and bravery under fire exemplary. He set a high standard of proficiency in this unit and his assistance during the Cebu Campaign was invaluable. I find Cpl. Dionson to be of the highest character, his work of the highest caliber, and his reliability unquestionable.”