Now that I have found you, In the coolth of your evening smile, The shade of your parasol, And your love flows through me, Though I drink at your pool, I burn for you”
Dedicated to the Philippine firemen executed by the fascist Japanese for underground resistance activities against the alien interlopers: Deputy Chief Captain Lope Pinpin, Capt. Simplicio Pangan, Capt. Sabino Garcia, Lt. Victorino Vicente, Lt. Vicente Asinas, Lt. Toribio Vasquez, Lt. Dionisio Agoncillo, Lt. Francisco Canlapan, Lt. Hilario Ignacio, Lt. Damaso Tagude, Lt. Leoncio Garcia, Lt. Arsenio Fabian, Lt. Emiliano Zaide, Lt. Mariano Manalo, Fireman Sotero Gutierrez, Fireman Mamerto Ignacio, Fireman Fernando Castro, Fireman Melecio Morales, Fireman Jose San Pedro, Fireman Macario Baculi, Fireman Pedro Almojuela, Fireman Graciano Almojuela, Fireman Agustin Orencia, Fireman Silvino S. Liwag, Fireman Ramon Del Rosario, Fireman Justino Bernardo, Fireman Pedro Apecial, Fireman Florentino Fontanilla, Fireman Manuel Gasingan, Fireman Angel Gasingan, Fireman Francisco Libunao, Fireman Pastor Ma. Sunga, Fireman Rosendo Reyes, Fireman Taymundo Cruz, Fireman Regino Tolentino, Fireman Agustin Nuguid, Fireman Juan Dijamco, Engr. Marcos Garcia, Engr. Modesto Trinidad, Lineman Flaviano Ramos, Lineman Eufronio Ramos, Lineman Mariano Rivera, Lineman Antonio N. Lopez, Lineman Juan Mangaban, Lineman Luis Pangan, Electrical Inspector Miguel Aquino, Electrical Inspector Emilio Francisco, Electrician Apolinar Villamor, Foreman Candido F. Bilbao, Telephone Repairman Apolonio Quilao, Clerk Sotero Maglipon, Clerk Juan B. Estrella, and Helper Carmelo Pestano.
These personnel were murdered by the Japanese Imperial Army Kempeitai in November 1944 and for them a marker stands in Manila’s North Cemetery. These heroes were remembered last 06 December 2022 at the Fireman’s Monument by the National Council of Fire Volunteer Organizations of the Philippines (chaired by Rolley C. So) just in time for the 81st anniversary of the Nipponese bombings of Pearl Harbor and Manila.
‘We are confident that the Bureau of Fire Protection (created by virtue of RA 6975 with the vision of a modern fire service fully capable of ensuring a fire-safe nation by 2034) shall continue to honor the Filipino firefighters of World War II.’
“At around midnight of November 1944 when the firemen were asleep, they were roused by the clanging of bells. They immediately struggled for their clothes and fire suits, thinking that there was a fire. The firemen were surprised to see Japanese soldiers around them. A civilian interpreter… was with them, holding a piece of paper containing the names of firemen suspected of underground activities. The interpreter called the names on the list one after another. Those called formed another line. As they formed, they sensed what their fates would be. The interpreter signaled to those whose names were called to follow him, while the Japanese soldiers quickly moved to guard the line toward vehicles waiting outside the station. The firemen were shocked to see more enemy soldiers who have circled the station. Minutes later, the vehicles sped off into the darkness. A total of 53 firemen were rounded up that night. These brave men of the Manila Fire Department never returned.” [Miguel Deala Parungao. The Saga of Manila’s Firefighters]
These heroes were remembered with a 21-hose water salute at the NCFVOPI ceremony whose guest of honor was Manila Fire District 1 Director SSupt. Crosbee B Gumowang (represented ably by Deputy District Fire Director and Administrative Branch Chief Supt. Ronaldo E Sanchez).
“Stars will fall from dark skies, As ancient rocks are turning, Quiet fills the room, And your love flows through me”
Dedicated to the Filipino firefighters massacred by the imperialist Japanese during the Battle and Liberation of Manila: City Electrician Jacinto M. Ortega and firemen Domingo Reyes, Bartolome De Leon, Pedro Castro, Clemente Manzano, Eulalio Gutierrez, Clemente Nombre, Alejo Ilan, Jose Bautista, and Jose Rodriguez.
We are confident that the Bureau of Fire Protection (created by virtue of RA 6975 with the Vision of a modern fire service fully capable of ensuring a fire safe nation by 2034) shall continue to honor the Filipino firefighters of World War II. [https://bfp.gov.ph/about-us/mission-vision-and-function/]
“Though I lie here so still, I burn for you”
