Ilonggo vets give a thumbs-up on AB 15
Thank you for the honor before we leave this world, former WW2 soldier says

By Florence F. Hibionada
Correspondent

Assembly Bill (AB) 15 is awaiting approval before the California Legislature. It basically moves to incorporate in the State's school curiculum under its Social Studies subject the recognition of Filipino soldiers during World War II. If realized, 83 year-old Manrico Lataquin of Lapaz, Iloilo City is a happier man. And prouder soldier of the World War II.

He was one of the 200,000 Filipino soldiers who risked their lives with the American forces. Now a naturalized American citizen, the former seargeant of the 66th Signal Company, 66th Infantry Regimen Combat Team of the 6th Military District is back home.

He takes special delight and personal glory when told of AB 15 saying, "at least someone remembered. I hope it passes so the People and children of California will know how hard we fought in that war."

It has been over 60 years yet for this WWII soldier, the connection remains with his other war buddies as he takes extra pride of being vice-president of the Filipino-American Veterans Association of Iloilo.

"I went to California and stayed there for years after I became a naturalized American by virtue of the ammended Immigration Act of 1990. But I have been home (Iloilo City) for four years now," he began in a The News Today interview. "I hope the Bill gets approved because only a few people there (California) knew of our roles. In fact when I was there in 2000, I got acquainted with a Filipino who works in a military musuem and library in Sacramento. According to him, they are trying to put up an exhibit regarding the activities of the Filipinos during World War II especially in the Visayas because the battles in the Visayan islands did not get much publicity. Remember, the biggest and last battle in the liberation of the Philippines were fought in Panay and Negros islands. We had the strongest in Japanese force resistance then," he shared. "Assembly Bill 15..we need this so before we leave this world, our efforts and service will be recognized. Thank you if it materializes. Thank you for the honor before we leave this world..before the twilight of our years. Now everybody will know including my children."

Same sentiments from noted historian, lawyer Rex Salvilla who said "that is very good, Assembly Bill 15. You see most of the soldiers I was with during the post-war were from California."

An author to several WWII books with personal accounts, Salvilla shared his recollection of his light moments with the U.S. soldiers from said State.

"One asked me, do you know how to speak Spanish? I said, "of course" then I began to count uno, dos, tres...I didn't get to reach 50 and he said he is already impressed!," Salvilla shared in jest. "I hope the Bill gets passed then. It is important for us all and for them to know that."

AB 15 awaits Third Reading in the California Legislature's Senate Committee on Education chaired by Senator Jack Scott. Thus far, the measure has not met any opposition and passed with a majority vote in the Assembly level.