Wenceslao Vinzons

Today in a Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

DECEMBER 17, 1941

Wenceslao “Bintao” Vinzons led his men in their first battle against Japanese troops in Tigbinan, Bicol, days after their arrival to occupy the Philippines. 

The following day, he led a raid against the enemy in Basud, Camarines Norte. 

He confiscated all the explosives used in the gold mines of his province to be used against the Japanese troops. 

His guerrilla army grew to around 2,800 men and between December 1941 to May 1942, 3,000 Japanese soldiers were killed by them. This made him the prime target of the Japanese authorities. 

On July 8, 1942, Bintao was seized by the Japanese with the help of a guerrilla member who became an informant for the Japanese. 

After his refusal to pledge allegiance to Japan, he was brought to a garrison in Daet. 

He was bayoneted to death on July 15, 1942. The Japanese also killed his wife, two children, his father and his sister. 

Wenceslao Vinzons was 32 years old when he was executed. 

A building at the University of the Philippines was named after him.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: Philpost stamp