Colonel Manuel F. Segura, the Cebuano WWII hero

Philippine history must be rewritten as it intentionally excluded the heroism of the people of the Visayas and Mindanao. From the struggles of the uprising against the Spaniards, the Americans, and eventually the Japanese, the national stage portrays our national heroes as only coming from Luzon. During World War II, the epic battles and brilliant strategies of the Cebuano guerrillas indispensably contributed to the nation’s victory against the Japanese Imperial Army. Among the many heroes of the Visayas and Mindanao shines the name Manuel F. Segura.

Manuel Filemon Segura was born on January 1, 1919 in Cebu City. He was the son of Valeriano Jamala Segura (also a war hero, The Philippine STAR columnist and CITOM’s executive director during its glory years, Valeriano “Bobit” Avila” is a grandson and named after him) and Encarnacion Rodis.

Colonel Segura was a senior college Civil Engineering student at the University of the Philippines in Manila, when he was called for active duty with the rank of 3rd lieutenant, infantry, of the USAFFE. When the Filipino-American forces surrendered to the Japanese, Segura refused to surrender. Segura became the adjutant general of the resistance movement, the guerilla force was formally baptized as the Cebu Area Command. He became the aide of the legendary American war hero, Colonel James Cushing.

After the war, Segura completed his course and for five years taught at the Philippine Military Academy and joined the Philippine Constabulary, retiring in 1972 with the rank of colonel. He was also the deputy commander of the Third PC Zone in the Visayas.

Colonel Segura died on November 27, 2013 but his legacy continues with his children. He married Josefina Mina Roa fondly called as “Nits.” His children are Erlinda, Olivia, Veronica, Raymundo, Teodoro, Danilo, Sylvia, Teresa, and Gloria.

Colonel Segura was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V device by the American Government for heroism in ground combat. The award narrates his heroism on December 20, 1942 at the height of an attack on the strong Japanese garrison in Toledo, Cebu. Segura (a captain at that time) with complete disregard for personal danger, carried a wounded soldier across the open rice fields in the face of heavy enemy rifle, machinegun, and mortar fire to the advance command post. He made two other trips over the same hazardous route, carrying back with him two wounded soldiers.