Maasinhon in US suggests hero citation for late mediaman Agustin Arnaiz
Maasin City — A Maasinhon now residing in Virginia, USA, has called on the “big three” local leaders — City Mayor Maloney Samaco, Gov. Damian Mercado, and Cong. Roger Mercado — to award a posthumous hero citation to Agustin Cerro Arnaiz, 85, for having actively served as member of Philippine Scouts during the last world war.
Arnaiz succumbed to a massive asthma attack Saturday, December 27, around 7:20 in the evening, at his home in barangay Mantahan, this city, according to a news item posted at thereporteronline.com.ph.
“Having f
ought for us in World War II as a Philippine Scouts against the Japanese, Inko Dadoy (nickname of Agustin Arnaiz, other than the more popular “Gus” — bp) should be declared a hero,” stressed Yel Cobile, a Maasinhon in Virginia, USA, in his response to the online report.
“As a footnote, he fought side-by-side with my uncle, Filomeno Kangleon Sr., a corporal in the Philippine Scouts, with the U.S. forces.”
He added: “I profoundly urge Maloney Samaco, my cousins Mian and Oging Mercado to posthumously award him as such in recognition for his contributions that set the people of Maasin and Southern Leyte free from the atrocities of the Japanese army. I believe in my heart Inko Dadoy unquestionably deserves it.”
Aside from his war exploits — he just received his $ 9,000.00 lump sum pension from the US government last month — Gus was also best remembered as a veteran Journalist and Publisher of The REPORTER weekly newspaper, who minced no word at exposing the evils of bad governance, particularly during the martial law years, among other socio-political issues.
He is survived by his wife Salud, grown-up children Eleanor, Agustin Jr., Jani, Fe, Ayet, Vicky, Maya, and Marina, and also Siter Emilia and brother Narciso.
His remains lies at his Mantahan residence. Interment will be on December 31, it was learned. (PIA-Southern Leyte)
The 50th Anniversary for Southern Leyte as a Province will be the best time to realize this Award. I hope our local officials will start the ball rolling for the realization of this. Thanks Yel for the suggestion.
I agree! He truly deserve that award!
Happy new year everyone!
Yel is on the right track on this one! Having served his time in the US Army, he knows how it feels to give everything (including the sacrifice of one’s life) for the sake of freeedom or country. I salute you, Yel, for your never-ending thoughts for our fellow men. I sincerely hope that our our province’s pre-election events will not keep our politicians from generating the necessary documents and ceremonies that will officiate Gus’ posthumous award. As a serviceman myself, I truly believe Gus Aranaiz deserves it! I second the motion on calling on the big politicos to briefly set aside political activities just so, like Rico said, they can “start the ball rolling”. As for the Mercado brothers, they should realize that there are now two cousins of theirs (Yel and Rico(?)) calling their attention. Listen up, Folks!!!
I’m only related to the Mercado’s through my wife. I will follow up on this next week. I’ll be in the area (Cebu/Bohol/Leyte) for about 12 days.
@Rico O. Cruz,
Thanks, Bay! You’re the Man… Sorry, I think I was a little inaccurate about using the word “cousin”. I’m afraid I used the word loosely as I know your relationship with 7th Mil. Nevertheless, I strongly imposed my previous post on the Mercado brothers. Please do enjoy your visit at our beloved province, Bay! I wish I could be there, and perhaps, shake your hand for your personal achievements as well. Maybe someday… if I make it. you know what I mean?
[...] bu ilk ayeti bir beÅeri eylem ile sÄnÄrlandÄrmak yanlÄÅ olur. …Maasinhon in US suggests hero citation for late mediaman …By Bong Pedalino Maasin City — A Maasinhon now residing in Virginia, USA, has called on the big [...]
@ayet:
what are you trying to say. is this a DEVLISH talk youre starting to
initiate.
vote wisely everybody.
you deserve the best.
man, if you dont vote wisely this time. nako uyamut gajud mo.
for the next four years.