Panay News

Honoring a Living Legacy: A WW2 Veteran’s Story

- ❙ By Ma. Theresa Ladiao

IN commemorat­ing the 79th Liberation of Panay, Romblon, and Guimaras Islands on March 18, stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience echo through the generation­s. Among the revered figures is Abello Eler, a 103-year-old veteran of World War II, whose remarkable journey during the war continues to inspire.

Abello’s granddaugh­ter, Kim Eler-Paloma, shares snippets of her grandfathe­r’s remarkable life with Panay News.

Abello, born in 1920, was a member of the Panay Guerilla Forces and actively engaged in the resistance against the Imperial Japanese Forces that occupied the region.

Despite his advanced age, Abello remains in remarkably good health today, a testament to his resilience and inner strength.

Kim fondly describes him as a kind and gentle soul, always obedient and respectful—traits that have endeared him to his family.

According to Kim, Abello vividly remembers his wartime experience­s, recalling details of battles, comrades, and moments of peril with remarkable clarity. Despite sustaining injuries during combat, including gunshot wounds to his hand and feet, Abello’s spirit remained intact.

One particular anecdote from Abello’s wartime recollecti­ons highlights the complexiti­es of human nature amidst conflict. Despite the brutality of war, Abello recounts encounters with Japanese individual­s who showed kindness and compassion, a testament to the nuanced dynamics of wartime relationsh­ips.

Kim recounts a harrowing incident when Abello was injured and sought refuge in Cabatuan Hospital, only to face imminent danger from Japanese soldiers. Miraculous­ly, Abello’s former employer, a J apanese businessma­n, intervened, sparing his life and demonstrat­ing the unexpected twists of fate in times of war.

Despite the challenges and dangers he faced, Abello’s pride in serving his country as a soldier shines through. Kim emphasizes that her grandfathe­r never expressed fear or trauma from his wartime experience­s but instead carries a deep sense of pride in his role as a hero.

Beyond his wartime exploits, Abello is celebrated by his family for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. Kim fondly recalls Abello’s gentle demeanor and his profound wisdom, encapsulat­ed in his simple yet profound advice: “Wherever you’re happy, just go with it.”

As Kim reflects on her grandfathe­r’s legacy, she extends a message of gratitude and pride to all current and future members of the armed forces. She acknowledg­es their sacrifices and contributi­ons to the nation’s defense, echoing sentiments of pride and appreciati­on shared by civilians like herself.

79th Victory Day Commemorat­ion

On Monday, March 18, the 79th Liberation of Panay was commemorat­ed at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro district, Iloilo City.

Veterans a nd t hei r families, as well as Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo, Executive Assistant Jay Treñas of Iloilo City, Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Michael Samson, Police Regional Office 6 director Jack L. Wanky, and Iloilo City Police Office director Colonel Joeresty Coronica, were present at the ceremony.

The program included the conferring of World War II Service Medals on living heroes and posthumous awardees. Among the living recipients were Corporal Simon A. Hinola, Private First Class Gregorio M. De Asis, Private First Class Abello A. Eler, Private First Class Claro O. Daulo, Private Angeles M. Calmorin, Private First Class Espiridion R. Dalida, Private Resurrecio­n M. Salazar, and Sergeant Pablo A. Balsamo. Posthumous honors were conferred upon Sergeant Nicholas J. Pulmones, Private Filomeno F. Flamiano, Private Joaquin C. Katipunan, Private Potenciano N. Madrigal, and Private Francisco Dimalaluan./

 ?? ?? Abello Eler, a 103-year-old veteran of World War II
Abello Eler, a 103-year-old veteran of World War II

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