Ilonggo war vets reunite, ecstatic over 'Obama Bill'
Eighty-eight year-old Nicanor Altamarino Samilo traveled all the way from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. All by himself too, never mind that he had to travel by land and across the sea just to get to Iloilo City.
With his military papers dating back at least 60 years securely on his lap, he talked to The News Today (TNT) about his moments during World War (WW) II. Or at least what he can fully remember.
A WWII combatant in the 63rd Infantry Regiment, Samilo is now among the hundreds of thousands of Filipino war veterans who became naturalized American citizens. His Iloilo visit was brought by today's arrival of American officials of the United States Embassy. His purpose – to apply for the United States Equity Bill Benefits due to him and fellow surviving WWII veterans.
He gamely showed his American Naturalization papers and his blue American passport, optimistic of the forthcoming interview set today and tomorrow. With numerous documents on hand, Samilo or Seargent Samilo at one time, is ready.
Married with eight children, 'Sergeant Nick' recalled to TNT his war memories with the eventual detail somewhere in the Province of Antique.
He said his regiment fought with a lot of Japanese soldiers and come shooting time then, it was seemingly “free for all.” Till today, he has so much respect for fellow soldiers and his weapon, a “30 caliber Winchester rifle.”
Within minutes into the wait, he met up with fellow war vets, their small group among the fortunate to still be able to personally hand in the application.
Similar intent albeit dissimilar circumstances for 86 year-old Juan Ortigoza of Janiuay, Iloilo. Unable to get up without aid, Ortigoza's daughter, Yolanda Cresencio was the one who went to the Veterans Office and get the requirements.
Yolanda or her father is applicant number 811. And unlike Samilo, Yolanda's father failed to apply for his American citizenship thus only getting Philippine benefits. With today's interview though, Yolanda is hopeful that her father will be able to avail the Equity Bill Benefit.
And yet another similar take for the family of 87 year-old Pedro Tasin of Tigbauan, Iloilo. Now in the care of his daugther Maria Fe Andon in Passi City, Tasin is applicant number 812. He is a US citizen by now though yet opted to go back home to the Philippines.
“Better to die here than in America,” Maria Fe shared of her father's wishes thus the application made in Veterans Office Iloilo.
Iloilo in particular and Western Visayas in general has the most number of recorded living war veterans outside Luzon.
The interview is set at the Capitol.