Still Stampin' (Darthphilatelist in Hyper Mode...): September 2023

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Sofia Tiaozon Reyes de Veyra

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 30, 1876

Sofia Tiaozon Reyes de Veyra (September 30, 1876 – January 1, 1953), was born in Arevalo, Iloilo City to Santiago Reyes and Eulalia Tiaozon. She married the journalist Jaime Carlos de Veyra, who was governor of Leyte and the appointed Philippine Resident Commissioner to the United States in 1917. They had four children.

She was a Filipina suffragette, social welfare worker, teacher, school founder, and member of several government boards. De Veyra co-founded (with Mary E. Coleman) the Asociacion Feminista Filipina, the first women's club in the Philippines established in June 1905. It marked the beginning of the Feminist Movement in the Philippines.

She also organized the Manila Women’s Club which became the nucleus of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs, and was at the forefront in the campaign to give women the right to vote and other rights.

She was co-author of the pre-war public schools book "Character and Conduct." She was vice president of the Centro Escolar University and the private secretary of four presidents - Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña Sr., Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.

Sofia Reyes de Veyra died on January 1, 1953.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

USS Bowfin Sinks Japanese Barge

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 30, 1943

On September 30, 1943, the USS Bowfin (SS 287) left the Mindanao Sea, and chanced upon a diesel-propelled barge carrying over 100 Japanese soldiers. She opened fire on it with her four-inch gun. When the Japanese responded with machine gun fire, the submarine's 20-mm guns entered the fray. The battle came to an abrupt end when a four-inch round struck the enemy's magazine and blew apart the already sinking barge.

A day earlier, the USS Bowfin delivered supplies and evacuated people from Siquijor Island.

The USS Bowfin (SS/AGSS-287), is a Balao-class submarine of the United States Navy named for the bowfin fish. The submarine was laid down by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard at Kittery, Maine, on July 23, 1942, and launched on December 7, 1942 by Mrs. Jane Gawne, wife of Captain James Gawne.

The USS Bowfin was commissioned on May 1, 1943, with Commander Joseph H. Willingham in command. Nicknamed as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the Bowfin completed nine successful patrols during World War II but also sank 44 Japanese ships. She played a key role in defeating Japan.

The USS Bowfin has been open to public tours at the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii since 1981.

Photo credit: history.navy.mil

Rizal's "Filipinas Dentro De Cien Años"

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 30, 1889

"Filipinas Dentro De Cien Años" (The Philippines a Century Hence), a famous essay written by Dr. Jose P. Rizal was published in “La Solidaridad”, the reformist propaganda newspaper of the Filipinos.

This four-part essay focused on the relationship between Spain and her colony, the Philippines. Rizal gave Spain two choices, reform or independence and warned that the people may seek civil liberties and a national identity that is different from Spain.

He also mentioned that Spain would be overthrown and replaced by another foreign power.

Photo credit: wowlaguna.com

Friday, September 29, 2023

The Anti-Money Laundering Act Of 2001

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 29, 2001

President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo signed on September 29, 2001 Republic Act No. 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. It is an act defining the crime of money laundering and providing penalties therefore and for other purposes. It covers the following institutions:

(1) Banks, non-banks, quasi-banks, trust entities, and all other institutions and their subsidiaries and affiliates supervised or regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(2) Insurance companies and all other institutions supervised or regulated by the Insurance Commission; and

(3) Securities dealers, brokers, salesmen, investment houses and other similar entities managing securities or rendering services as investment agent, advisor, or consultant, mutual funds, closed-end investment companies, common trust funds, pre-need companies and other similar entities, foreign exchange corporations, money changers, money payment, remittance, and transfer companies and other similar entities, and other entities administering or otherwise dealing in currency, commodities or financial derivatives based thereon, valuable objects, cash substitutes and other similar monetary instruments or property supervised or regulated by Securities and Exchange Commission.

R.A. 9160 also created the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) composed of the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as chairman, the Commissioner of the Insurance Commission and the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission as members.

On January 29, 2021, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11521 which gives authorities more power to go after suspected cases of money laundering. It strengthens the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) of 2001, including giving additional powers to the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and expanding the list of covered persons.

Money laundering is a crime whereby the proceeds of an unlawful activity are transacted, thereby making them appear to have originated from legitimate sources.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Lorenzo Ruiz Martyred

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

SEPTEMBER 29, 1637

San Lorenzo Ruiz (ca. 1600 – 29 September 1637), born in Binondo, Manila and the first Filipino saint, was hung upside down in a pit in Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki, Japan.

Ruiz and his companions arrived in Japan during the time the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 17th century persecuted Japanese Christians.

He was arrested, tortured and killed for his refusal to leave Japan and renounce his Roman Catholic faith.

Pope John Paul II beatified San Lorenzo Ruiz on February 18, 1981 in Manila and canonized him on October 18, 1987 in Rome.

Photo credit: saints.sqpn.com

First Act Of The Malolos Congress

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 29, 1898

The “Act of the Declaration of Philippine Independence” was ratified by the Malolos Congress also known as the Assembly of Representatives. This was the first official act of the lawmaking body of the First Republic.

The Malolos Congress was a unicameral body composed of representatives, one-third of whom were chosen by the officials of the municipalities under the control of the Revolutionary Government. The others were appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo to represent the areas under American control which could not send delegates.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Pres. Diosdado P. Macapagal

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 28, 1910

Diosdado Pangan Macapagal (September 28, 1910 - April 21, 1997), born in Lubao, Pampanga, was the 9th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Macapagal graduated at the University of the Philippines and University of Santo Tomas. He topped the 1936 Bar examinations with a score of 89.95 percent. He earned a Master of Laws degree in 1941, a Doctor of Civil Law degree in 1947, and a Ph.D. in Economics in 1957.

Known as the "Poor Boy from Lubao," he won in the 1949 elections for a seat in the House of Representatives representing the 1st district Pampanga. Macapagal was among the Ten Outstanding Congressmen during his term and was selected as “the Best Lawmaker” during his second term in Congress.

He was elected as vice president in 1957 and defeated President Carlos P. Garcia in the 1961 Presidential Election.

His achievements as president include the abolition of tenancy accompanying the land reform program in the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963, changing the Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, and placing the peso on the free currency exchange market, and liberalized foreign exchange and import controls.

He retired from politics after his defeat to President Ferdinand E. Marcos in the 1965 Presidential Election. He then spent his time reading and writing books.

On April 21, 1997, he died of heart failure, pneumonia and renal complications and was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

President Diosdado P. Macapagal was the father of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the 14th President of the Philippines.

Photo credit: Presidential Museum and Library

Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Dies

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 28, 1989

President Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989), the 10th President of the Philippines died in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 28, 1989 at St. Francis Medical Center due to kidney, heart, and lung ailments, 17 days after his 72nd birthday.

President Corazon C. Aquino refused to allow the body of Marcos to be brought back to the Philippines. It was only during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos that the body was allowed to be brought home.

From 1993 to 2016, his remains were interred inside a refrigerated, frozen crypt in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The late president's remains were finally buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 18, 2016 as ordered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte despite opposition from various groups.

Marcos was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, and became a lawyer and a politician. He was 2nd District Representative of Ilocos Norte from 1949 until 1959, became a senator from 1959 - 1965, and was elected president in 1965. He won his second term in 1969 and declared martial law in 1972. President Marcos was the longest president to stay in office. He ruled for 21 years and was ousted by the EDSA People Power revolt in 1986. He and his family lived in exile in Hawaii until his passing.

Marcos was married to Imelda Romualdez Marcos and they have three children - Ferdinand, Imee and Irene. They later adopted Aimee.

President Ferdinand E. Marcos was the father of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the 17th President of the Philippines and Senator Imee Marcos.

Photo credit: President Ferdinand E. Marcos fb page

The Balangiga Massacre

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 28, 1901

The Balangiga Massacre started when 500 bolomen led by Valeriano Abanador, the chief of police of the town of Balangiga in Samar, attacked Company C of the US 9th Infantry Regiment.

Church bells earlier pealed, signaling the men to attack the American garrison. Abanador and Capt. Eugenio Daza, a staff member of Gen. Vicente Lukban planned the attack.

Of the 74 soldiers, 48 were killed or unaccounted for, 22 were wounded, and 4 escaped. Pres. Theodore Roosevelt ordered Gen. Adna R. Chaffee, military governor of the Philippines to pacify Samar.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Balangiga Fiesta 1901

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 27, 1901

On September 27, 1901, the people of Balangiga, Eastern Samar celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the parish. It was also the day that revolutionaries led by Valeriano Abanador, the town's police chief were preparing to attack the American troops of Company C of the 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment on the following day.

Abanador and Captain Daza disguised some men as a work force for the town's local fiesta. The women and children were sent away to safety. So as not to be noticed that the women left, 34 men from Barrio Lawaan cross-dressed as women worshippers during the dawn service of the church.

These "women" carried small coffins that were used to hide the bolos and other weapons. At the sentry, they were stopped by Sergeant Scharer who opened one of the coffins with his bayonet. After seeing the body of a child, he let the "women" pass after being told the dead child was a cholera epidemic victim.

Days earlier, the parish priest, Fr. Donato Guimbaolibot was approached by Pedro Duran Sr., a local leader who disclosed to him the plot by saying, ''Father, make up your mind, to stay or to leave; there will be a fight on Saturday." Disturbed by the revelation, the priest immediately left on a banca headed for Tanauan, Leyte, where he was previously assigned. The plotters made sure that their priest will not be involved so they asked him to leave.

Balangiga was created as a parish and dedicated to the martyr St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo) by a Diocesan decree of September 27, 1859 through Superior approval on April 1, 1854,

Prior to being a parish, Balangiga was a visita - a village that was part of Guiuan which was a bigger parish. The Church of San Lorenzo de Martir has three bells in its belfry with different cast dates - 1853, 1889 and 1895.

Photo credit: nolisoli

Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Signs Proclamation No. 1789

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 27, 1978

Proclamation No. 1789 was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on September 27, 1978 declaring September 27 of every year as Physician's Day in honor of Filipino physicians. President Marcos approved the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) project of the Philippine Medical Care Commission. It was the PMA that started the idea of Medical Care which became the Philippine Medical Care Commission, then it became Philhealth.

The Proclamation mentioned that the physician’s profession calls for service to humanity regardless of sex, creed, color or nationality; that the physicians play a vital role in the development of human society as vanguards of the people’s health and well-being; so it is but fitting and proper to focus public attention on this vital role played by physicians in the service of mankind.

On September 27, 2021, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 916 that seeks to honor the country’s physicians for their invaluable service and sacrifices especially amid the government’s struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak in March 2020.

The first lady physician of the Philippines was Dr. Honoria Acosta who graduated at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit (1955), Gold Medal, Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (1959), and Most Outstanding Woman Physician, Philippine Women’s Medical Association (1959).

Photo credit: britannica

Gen. Miguel Malvar

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 27, 1865

Miguel Malvar y Carpio (September 27, 1865 – October 13, 1911), a general who fought during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine–American War was born in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

One of the original Katipuneros under Andres Bonifacio, he coordinated offensives with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite and Gen. Paciano Rizal in Laguna.

He fought with Gen. Edilberto Evangelista in the Battle of Zapote Bridge and became a general after Evangelista’s death. Malvar surrendered to American Gen. James Franklin Bell on April 13, 1902.

Photo credit: malacanang.gov.ph

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Sen. Imee Marcos Unveils Seven-Point Plan

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 26, 2022

The US-Philippines Society and the Stimson Center’s Southeast Asia Forum sponsored a luncheon program on September 26, 2022 in Washington, D.C. where Senator Imee R. Marcos unveiled a Seven-Point Plan for consideration by Philippine legislative leaders and the new Philippine administration headed by her brother President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.

Senator Marcos, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed the roundtable forum held at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She described key elements of her plan as:

(1) Re-examination of the US-PH Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and progress on implementing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).*

(2) Pursuit of increased military assistance; more support for local defense contractors.

(3) Exploration of regional Multilateral Defense Arrangements.

(4) Expansion of new trade opportunities, including a “Green Metals Initiative,” deep sea fishing access, and cooperation under the 2022 CHIPS Act.

(5) Improvements in Social Protections and public safety nets (she commended USAID and the USPHS on disaster relief and recovery).

(6) Acceleration of Professional Exchanges, e.g., health care workers, teachers and academics.

(7) Engagement with China, including joint development, confidence-building measures, and a code of conduct in the South China Sea.

*Senator Marcos clarified that she is not calling for a revision of the MDT or VFA, but an examination of how language in those agreements is implemented. She also supports full implementation of EDCA.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. already made statements on the importance of strengthened bilateral ties with the United States.

Participants who were at the discussion included representatives from leading think tanks, companies, universities, and embassies, along with members of the US-Philippines Society, USIP, the US-ASEAN Business Council, CNAS, and the Asia Foundation.

Bilateral and regional issues, including strategic challenges, post-COVID economic recovery, energy needs, food security, climate change, trade and investment, among others were discussed.

US-Philippines Society Founding Director Henry Howard, who was instrumental in arranging Senator Marcos’ participation in the program, was the event's moderator.

On April 30 to May 4, 2023, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C. for an official visit to boost ties on food security, economy and energy. US President Joe Biden welcomed him and was given US military honors at the Pentagon. He went home with $1.3-B investment pledges.

Photo credit: usphsociety.org

Pres. Sergio Osmeña Signs Executive Orders

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 26, 1945

President Sergio Osmeña signed on September 26, 1945 Executive Order No. 69, creating two awards to be known as the “Resistance Movement Medal” and the “Resistance Movement Diploma” in recognition of the services rendered by the guerrilla forces and patriotic citizens in resisting the enemy.

The design and specifications of the medal and the diploma as well as the regulations for the award, were determined by the Secretary of National Defense.

Any person, regardless of nationality, who has taken active part in the resistance movement or has given aid, comfort and sustenance to that movement, is entitled to the above-mentioned awards.

The award and diploma were given to recognize the sacrifices and patriotism of Filipinos who volunteered for the cause of liberating the Philippines.

Pres. Osmeña also signed Executive Order No. 68 which called for the demobilization of elements of the Philippine Army and other guerrilla units in the field.

This EO was issued after taking into consideration the advise of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Army Forces, Pacific, that the termination of hostilities and the surrender of the Japanese forces has rendered unnecessary the maintenance for further field service of the elements of the Army of the Philippines in addition to regularly activated units and of those guerrilla units already recognized.

It further stated that "the demobilization of guerrilla units in the field will not prejudice the continuance of recognition of such guerrilla units as can produce evidence showing that they have maintained organized military forces in the field in effective opposition to the Japanese, which will be the basis for award of such benefits as may be authorized to members of such units."

Photo credit: brittanica

Emilio Aguinaldo Issues A Decree

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 26, 1898

Emilio Aguinaldo issued a decree designating department secretaries and directors.

They were: Sec. Cayetano Arellano (Foreign Affairs); Dir. Trinidad Pardo H. de Tavera (Foreign Affairs); Dir. Pascual Ledesma (Marine & Commerce); Dir. Felipe Buencamino (War); Dir. Arsenio Cruz Herrera (Public Instruction); Dir. Jose Alejandrino (Agriculture & Industry); Dir. Severino de las Alas (Public Works); Dir. Jose Vales (Communications); Dir. Jose Albert (Health); Sec. Gregorio Araneta (Justice); Dir. Jose Basa (Justice); and Dir. Juan Tangco (Registry).

Photo credit: philippineamericanwar.webs.com

Monday, September 25, 2023

Gen. Simeon Ola Surrenders

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 25, 1903

General Simeon Ola surrendered to Governor A. U. Betts and Colonel Harry H. Bandholtz on September 25, 1903. He was the last revolutionary general to surrender after the end of the Filipino-American War.

Prior to his surrender, Ola took into consideration the efforts of the peace negotiating panel as well as the well-being of his men, who were all tired from battle. He was open to the agreement set by Colonel Bandholtz, the Assistant Commander of the Constabulary in Lucena, Tayabas, for his surrender. The agreement included general amnesty, fair treatment and justice to his comrades in arms.

The negotiating panel was composed of Ramon Santos, Eligio Arboleda, Epifanio Orozco, Frank L. Pyle, John Paegelow, J.B. Allison and Joseph Rogers. They went to his camp in Malagnaton, Mapaco, Guinobatan.

Judges Adam Carson and James Blount presided over his case and he was charged with sedition and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment on November 10. 1903.

Simeon Ola was born on September 2, 1865 in Guinobatan, Albay to Vicente Ola and Apolonia Arboleda. He joined the Katipunan in Albay and became its leader. He fought in the battle of Camalig in 1898 and was promoted as captain. He raised funds amounting to P42,000.00, which he turned over to General Mariano Trias, Secretary of Finance of the Revolutionary Government.

Ola fought the Americans and got promoted in January 1900 after staging an ambush and capturing three American soldiers. A month later, he fought the Americans in Arimbay, Legaspi, and in the 1901 Battle of Binogsacan in Guinobatan, Albay. The following year, he raided the towns of Oas, Ligao and Jovellar in Albay.

After his surrender, he was given an executive clemency and was released from prison on October 8, 1904. He joined politics and won as town mayor of Guinobatan, which he served until 1913. He was again elected to the same position in 1916 and served the term until 1919. Simeon Ola died on February 14, 1952.

Photo credit: alchetron.com

Pres. Sergio Osmeña Signs Commonwealth Act No. 682

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 25, 1945

President Sergio Osmeña signed Commonwealth Act No. 682 on September 25, 1945 which is an act creating a People's Court and an Office of Special Prosecutors for the prosecution and trial of crimes against National Security committed during the Second World War, and for other purposes.

The law provides the necessary machinery to deal with political offenders with utmost dispatch and with the guarantees essential to a fair and impartial hearing.

One of its features is that those who served the puppet governments during the Japanese occupation are disqualified from appointment to the People’s Court and the Office of Special Prosecutors.

The jurisdiction of this Court is not limited to the political prisoners who are now being turned over by the United States Army to the Commonwealth, but to all persons charged with similar crimes against our national security.

This law assured the Filipino people and the whole world that all who are accused of collaboration with the enemy will be tried by the processes of law and justice, which are as firmly established in the Philippines as they are elsewhere in the civilized world.

The People’s Court will carry out its judicial tasks without fear and without favor, and that it will punish the guilty and exonerate the innocent.

Many were arrested and charged with treason after the law was passed. On January 28, 1948, President Manuel Roxas granted amnesty to all Filipinos who collaborated with the Empire of Japan. Among those given amnesty were prominent leaders Jose P. Laurel, Emilio Aguinaldo and Artemio Ricarte.

Photo credit: awm.gov.au

Lope K. Santos

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 25, 1879

Lope K. Santos (September 25, 1879 – May 1, 1963), a novelist, poet, labor leader, governor, senator, and the Father of the Philippine National Language and Grammar was born in Pasig.

He finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1912 at the Escuela Derecho de Manila (now the Manila Law College Foundation).

He wrote "Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa" which became the basis for the grammar of the Filipino language while his "Banaag at Sikat", the first Tagalog sociological novel, earned him the title “Pillar of Philippine Literature.”

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Governor-General Manuel de Leon Arrives In Manila

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 24, 1669

Don Manuel de Leon y Sarabia arrived in Manila on September 24, 1669, and took over as the new governor-general of the Philippines. He was appointed by royal provision on June 24, 1668.

He was a military officer who was born in Paredes de Nava, Palencia, Castile and León, Spain.

The troublesome times experienced in the islands during the rule of most of the governors from Corcuera to Salcedo, became that of peace and prosperity during the term of De Leon.

He made commerce with China, India, Java, the coast of Malabar and Santo Tomé, called the Coromandel coast; and those of Suratte, Macán and Batavia. Cacao seeds were brought to the Philippines and planted in Carigara, Leyte.

In April 1671, in the convent of San Pablo at Manila, an election for provincial was held. He interfered and prevented the election of Fray Francisco de Medina Basco, who is desired by the chapter as provincial. At one time in 1673, he had a conflict with the archbishop.

Governor de Leon endeavored to take all precautions after hearing that a Chinese named Kinsie or Sipoan, son of Kuesing, plans to attack Manila. He warned the Pampangan and Cagayan peoples (who are the most warlike ones) to be ready. He regulated the Manila garrison and appointed experienced leaders. He commanded the armed fleets of the Pintados to be made ready; those of Panay and Ogton were taken by Captain Don Jose de San Miguel to be united with those of Cebu and Caraga, together they formed a fleet of more than a hundred joangas. This armada arrived in Manila. However, the attack did not happen.

His term as governor-general ended on April 11, 1677 when he died due to excessive obesity. Governor-general Manuel de Leon left all his property for charitable purposes.

Immediately after his death, the Audiencia took charge of political affairs until September 21, 1678.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

The National Historical Institute

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 24, 1972

A day after his Martial Law declaration, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 1, which established the National Historical Institute (NHI).

It is mandated to promote and preserve Philippine cultural heritage by undertaking, among others, history-related activities and maintaining national shrines, monuments and landmarks.

Through its Historical Preservation Division, the NHI also implemented Presidential Decree No. 260, and Presidential Decree No. 1505. Presidential Decree No. 260 declares specific structures as national shrines, monuments and/or landmarks and vests the NHI with the right to declare historic sites as National Shrines, Monuments and/or Landmarks. PD 1505 amends Presidential Decree No. 260 by prohibiting the unauthorized modification, alterations, repair and destruction of original features of all national shrines, monuments, landmarks and other historic edifices.

On May 12, 2010, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 10086, a law reverting the National Historical Institute into its original form as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Chief Justice Jose Yulo

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 24, 1894

Jose Yulo (September 24, 1894 - October 27, 1976), the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (1942–1945) during the Japanese Occupation, was born in Bago, Negros Occidental.

He graduated with honors at the Manila High School in 1910 and was a classmate of Jose Laurel and Elpidio Quirino, who became Philippine Presidents.

He finished Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines and placed third in the 1913 Bar.

Yulo was Justice Secretary, Negros Occidental Representative at the National Assembly, and Speaker of the House.

Photo credit: en.academic.ru

Saturday, September 23, 2023

The Cavite Navy Yard And The First U.S. Flag In The Philippines

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 23, 1917

A commemorative tablet was erected and dedicated at the Cavite Navy Yard of the U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point on September 23, 1917 under the administration of Yard Commandant, Captain Edward Simpson, USN.

It marked the flagstaff on which the first United States flag was raised in the Philippines by Commodore George Dewey, USN on May 3, 1898 at 8:00 a.m.

The Cavite Navy Yard or Cavite Naval Base is now the Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, a military installation of the Philippine Navy in Cavite City. It was named after Commodore Pascual Ledesma (May 17, 1843 – June 6, 1917), a leader of the Philippine Revolution and the first Officer-In-Command of the Philippine Navy.

During the Spanish times, it was called Astillero de Rivera (Rivera Shipyard). Cavite was the main seaport of Manila and the staging port for the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. It became the Spanish Arsenal when the galleon trade ended.

After the Spanish–American War, the United States took over all the military stations left by the Spaniards including the Cavite Naval Yard. They made modifications and improvements, but also demolished Fort Guadalupe and partially Fort San Felipe. Before World War II, it was the only ship repair facility of the US Navy. The 16th Naval District was established in the navy yard in 1941.

At the start of World War II, Japanese bombers destroyed the Cavite Navy Yard. They then used the yard for repairing small boats and made it their headquarters.

In 1945, Filipino and American forces retook the yard. The United States turned it over to the Philippine government for the Philippine Navy in 1947.

Photo credit: history.navy.mil

President Ferdinand E. Marcos Appears On TV

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 23, 1972

President Ferdinand E. Marcos appeared on television to publicly declare Martial Law. He justified on air at 7:15 p.m. the clampdown of democratic institutions in the country. He later issued General Order No. 1, s. 1972, transferring all powers to the President who was to rule by decree.

Some time later, President Marcos announced that September 21, 1972 was the day he signed Proclamation No. 1081 making it the official date that Martial Law was established.

Prior to his nationwide appearance on television, people who were considered threats were already arrested after September 21. These included Senators Benigno Aquino Jr., Jose Diokno, Francisco Rodrigo, and Ramon Mitra Jr. Media personalities included Joaquin Roces, Teodoro Locsin Sr., Maximo Soliven and Amando Doronila. By 4:00 a.m. of September 23, many personalities were already detained at Camp Crame.

The military closed all media, flights were cancelled and incoming calls from overseas were prohibited. At 3:00 p.m. Press Secretary Francisco Tatad went on air and read the text of Proclamation No. 1081.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

The British Invasion

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 23, 1762

A British fleet of 13 ships from the East India Company, under the joint command of Rear-Admiral Samuel Cornish and Brig. Gen. William Draper arrived in Manila Bay with an order from King George III to capture Manila and a demand for a Spanish surrender.

Archbishop and acting Gov. Gen. Manuel Antonio Rojo turned down the British ultimatum. A battle ensued in the following days with the British smashing all Spanish and Filipino opposition.

On October 5, 1762, a white flag was hoisted at Fort Santiago. Archbishop Rojo handed Manila to the British invaders.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org and bayanihannews.com.au

Friday, September 22, 2023

September 22, 1944 Communiques

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 22, 1944

A Pacific communique and a U.S. communique reported on September 22, 1944 that the U.S. Task Force attack, the first in the area of Manila on September 21, 1944 was successful and caught the enemy by surprise.

The primary targets were shipping in Manila Bay and Subic Bay, installations at Clark Airfield and Nichols Airfield and the naval base in Cavite. Much damage was done to military objectives on and near the two aerodromes, and to the aerodromes themselves.

Ships probably sunk or damaged were a destroyer, 27 warships, two large tankers, a large transport, 10 large cargo ships, and 13 medium-sized cargo ships. A floating dry dock and two barges were probably sunk or damaged. 110 Japanese aircraft were shot down while 95 were destroyed on the ground.

The U.S. lost 15 aircraft and several U.S. flyers were rescued. There were no damages to the surface ships.

Also on the same day, Tokyo Radio reported that four waves of 200 American planes attacked Manila from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The air raid concentrated in the harbor and airfields and slightly damaged the Japanese Embassy. Anti-aircraft guns shot down 111 planes and interceptors shot two. Japanese naval aircraft attacked the American task force and set fire to two carriers.

Task Force 38 made the naval air strikes against the Japanese forces from Sept 21 to 24. Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, was in command of Task Force 38 from the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. The US Third Fleet was under the command of Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey aboard the battleship USS New Jersey.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Pres. Jose P. Laurel Issues Presidential Decree No. 211

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

SEPTEMBER 22, 1943

President Jose P. Laurel issued Presidential Decree No. 211 declaring the Philippine National Anthem and the National Flag as official symbols.

During General Emilio Aguinaldo’s proclamation of Philippine Independence in his mansion in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898, the flag was raised while the anthem was played.

The National Anthem, which was called the Marcha Filipina Nacional was composed by Julian Felipe and played by the San Francisco de Malabon Band.

A year later, Jose Palma wrote the Spanish lyrics. The flag which was designed by Aguinaldo, was sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, the niece of Jose Rizal.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Pres. Jose P. Laurel Signs Proclamation No. 30

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 22, 1944

Pres. Jose P. Laurel signed Proclamation No. 30, proclaiming a state of war existed between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America and Great Britain effective September 23, 1944 at 10:00 o'clock in the morning.

The Proclamation also declared the Pact of Alliance between the Philippines and Japan, and appealed to all nations and peoples of the world for amity and goodwill.

It pleaded to the United States that the Philippines be spared the suffering and destruction owing to the resumption of military operations on Philippine soil.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Happy Birthday Edmund Gruenbaum!

Today is the birthday of a very good friend through the years and Cebu Stamp Club's official representative to Germany and Europe.

Cheers Edmund! 🎁🎉🎂🍻

The Start Of U.S. Air Raids

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 21, 1944

In the morning of September 21, 1944, the Japanese were doing anti-aircraft gun practice using a towed aircraft target while Japanese planes dived and circled around the city and its harbor. They have been practicing since September 16.

Suddenly at around 9:20 a.m., a swarm of American planes blasted the plane and target. The sky was filled with planes estimated around 150 to 300.

In Manila Bay, there were almost 40 Japanese supply vessels that were anchored, while some were moored at the Manila harbor. American planes were on a bombing spree. They destroyed and sank 15 ships. Grace Park, Camp Murphy, Nichols Air Field and Neilson Airport among others were also bombed.

Later in the day, President Jose P. Laurel issued Proclamation No. 29, declaring martial law in all of the Philippines and suspending the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus. He also issued Proclamation No. 30 the following day announcing the existence of a state of war between the Philippines and the US and Great Britain.

After September 21, the air raids were done everyday by dive bombers and later by the P-38 fighter-bombers. The skies in Manila, during and after an air raid, would be darkened by the mushroom-like puffs of exploding anti-aircraft shells that were aimed at the Allied airplanes.

The first American air raid over Manila on September 21, 1944, was the prologue to the forthcoming Battle of Manila. This month-long battle, resulted in the death of more than 100,000 civilians and the complete destruction of the city.

Photo credit: history.navy.mil

Pres. Jose P. Laurel Declares Martial Law

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

SEPTEMBER 21, 1944

President Jose P. Laurel issued Proclamation No. 29 placing the entire Philippines under Martial Law and suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus. This declaration came after Allied forces bombed Davao on September 18, 1944.

On September 22, 1944, he issued Proclamation No. 30 declaring that a state of war existed between the Philippines against the United States and Great Britain.

Laurel, who took his oath of office as President of the 2nd Philippine Republic before Supreme Court Chief Justice Jose Yulo on October 14, 1943 was later superceded by the Makapili which was organized in December of 1944.

While American forces and Filipino guerrillas engaged the Japanese forces in different battles and defeating them, Laurel’s government was moved to Baguio in the last month of 1944, and Laurel’s small party was taken to Tokyo, Japan in March of 1945.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos Declares Martial Law

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 21, 1972

Proclamation No. 1081 was signed by Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, placing the Philippines under Martial Law.

The declaration, announced on live radio and television broadcast was attributed to the assassination attempt on the life of his Defense Secretary, Juan Ponce Enrile and the threats of the Communist and Muslim insurgencies.

It led to the closure of Congress, arrests of opposition leaders and militant activists, and the curtailment of press freedom and civil liberties. It was lifted on January 17, 1981, almost a month before Pope John Paul II’s pastoral visit.

Photo credit: malacanang.gov.ph

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The USS Bataan

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 20, 1997

The USS Bataan (LHD 5), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship in the United States Navy, is commissioned on September 20, 1997.

Named after the Battle of Bataan, it is the second US Navy ship that honor the valiant American and Filipino troops in the Bataan Peninsula during World War II.

The ship's sponsor, Linda Sloan Mundy, the wife of former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Carl E. Mundy, Jr., christened the new ship "in the name of the United States and in honor of the heroic defenders of Bataan." at Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Around 100 members of veterans groups associated with the Battle of Bataan, the "Bataan Death March," the Battle of Corregidor, and the aircraft carrier Bataan (CVL-29), were at the christening ceremony.

During World War II, Japanese planes bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. They then proceeded to the Philippines and started bombing targets. The Japanese conducted air raids for weeks and beach landings in Luzon's north.

The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and American-trained Filipino forces fought the Japanese invaders. Disease, malnutrition, insufficient supplies and ammunition did not stop the “Battling Bastards of Bataan” from defending the peninsula until April 16, 1942. Shortly after, Corregidor fell on May 6, 1942.

American troops died in battle or in the “Bataan Death March,” that claimed the lives of more than 21,000 allies in less than a week. It is marked as one of the greatest tragedies of World War II. Those who survived the march faced starvation and disease aboard “hell ships” during transportation and later in prison camps until Japan's formal surrender in 1945.

Bataan was the last American stronghold in the Pacific theater to fall. General Douglas MacArthur fulfilled his famed promise, “I shall return,” two-and-one-half years later and liberated the Philippines.

The Battle of Bataan and the “Death March” are regarded as among greatest examples of allied courage, endurance and sacrifice in the history of military conflict.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Pfizer Announces COVID 19 Vaccine For Children

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 20, 2021

Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE announced the results from a Phase 2/3 trial showing a favorable safety profile and robust neutralizing antibody responses in children 5 to 11 years of age using a two-dose regimen of 10 µg administered 21 days apart, which is a smaller dose than the 30 µg dose used for people 12 and older.

The antibody responses in the participants given 10 µg doses were comparable to those recorded in a previous Pfizer-BioNTech study in people 16 to 25 years of age immunized with 30 µg doses.

The 10 µg dose was carefully selected as the preferred dose for safety, tolerability and immunogenicity in children 5 to 11 years of age. These are the first results from a pivotal trial of a COVID-19 vaccine in this age group.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and the disease quickly spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Josefa Llanes Escoda

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 20, 1898

Josefa Llanes Escoda (September 20, 1898 – January 6, 1945), the founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and an advocate of women's right of suffrage, was born in Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

She was a social worker of the Philippine Chapter of the American Red Cross and together with Pilar Hidalgo-Lim, organized the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

During World War II, the Japanese imprisoned her and her husband, Col. Antonio Escoda. In 1944, her husband was executed with Gen. Vicente Lim. It was presumed that she was also executed.

Photo credit: msc.edu.ph

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Lt. Hamoy's Bravo Company Guerrilla Unit

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 19, 1942

2nd Lieutenant Francisco "Iko" S. Hamoy organized and commanded the guerrilla unit Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion, 107th Infantry Regiment under the 10th Military District of the United States Forces in the Philippines on September 19, 1942.

Hamoy's guerrillas fearlessly operated and launched offensives through hit and run tactics against the Japanese forces in Dapitan while supplying intelligence reports to the higher chain of command.

Some members of the unit include Lorenzo Adasa, Cirilo Abila, Florentino Baje, Marcelino Camazo, Beda Carreon, Godofredo Carreon, Arsenio Carreon, Miguel Eguia, Catalino Gahum, Dominador Hamoy, Antonio Ico, Antonio Jacinto, Ramon Limosnero, Pacifico Padao, Benjamin Padao, Sr., Cenon Ras, Vicente Ricamara, Lorenzo Tabilon, and Jesus Tan.

Hamoy was the commanding officer of the Philippine Constabulary Company in Tagbilaran, Bohol. When the war broke out, Bohol surrendered to the Japanese on May 30, 1942 but Lt. Hamoy never did.

He escaped to Baliangao in Misamis Occidental on a small sailboat called the “binigiw” and walked through the jungle of Baliangao until he reached Dapitan, his hometown.

Lt. Hamoy wrote in his diary on September 15, 1944: “… suddenly… airplanes (with engine sound) much different from (that of the Japanese planes that) we used to hear, was heard from the south. Two planes came at high altitude and close to each other, but later they gradually separated from each other. Both threw white and milky ribbon of smoke forming the biggest letter V. (These are) the first American planes I saw after a period of two and a half years.”

A month after those two planes appeared in the sky, General McArthur fulfilled his promise and returned to the Philippines.

Photo credit: NHCP Museo ni Jose Rizal Dapitan

Click the link 👇 for additional read featuring my guerrilla grandfather and my guerrilla stamp

http://darthphilatelist.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-grandfather-and-my-guerrilla-stamp.html?m=1

U.S. Ambassador Emmet O'Neal Arrives In Manila

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 19, 1947

The new United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of the Philippines, Emmet O'Neal arrived in Manila on September 19, 1947.

He was accompanied by his wife Glessie and their daughters, Lydia Wright and Mary Hamilton. They sailed from San Francisco on August 22, 1947 aboard the S.S. President Monroe.

United States President Harry Truman nominated him for the position on May 23, 1947 with the U.S. Senate concurring and giving a unanimous confirmation to the appointment on June 10. He took the oath of office ten days later, on June 20.

Emmet O'Neal became the second American Ambassador to the Philippines, succeeding Paul V. McNutt.

On the day of his arrival in Manila, he paid a courtesy visit to Vice-President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Elpidio Quirino at Malacañang.

On September 22, 1947, he presented his letter of credence to President Manuel Roxas. The president and his wife honored Ambassador and Mrs. O'Neal with a state dinner and a reception and ball the following evening.

He served six successive terms in Congress and helped secure financial aid for the Philippines. President Manuel L. Quezon gave him a personal gratitude and commendation for his efforts.

Emmet O'Neal served as ambassador to the Philippines from September 22, 1947 to April 28, 1948. He later was part of the Corregidor-Bataan Memorial Commission and eventually became the chairman for the commission.

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

The Civil Service Act

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

SEPTEMBER 19, 1900

Act No. 5 or the Civil Service Act was issued which was “An Act for the Establishment and Maintenance of an Efficient and Honest Civil Service in the Philippine Islands.”

By authority of U.S. Pres. William McKinley, the act was enacted by the United States Philippine Commission (Second Philippine Commission) led by William Howard Taft. This started the appointments and promotions in government based on merits.

The act established a three-member body known as the Philippine Civil Service Board composed of a Chairman, Secretary, and Chief Examiner.

Photo credit: celebratepcsa.wordpress.com