Media Advisory

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV)

Los Angeles, CA

June 12, 2007

JFAV Marks RP Independence Day/Battle of Bessang Pass, SGSI Officers Inducted, June 12 in Los Angeles

Los Angeles-- The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall.

As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

“ I am proud to be with you because we owe you our freedom. I am ashamed that our government did not fulfill its promise to you. I was brought up by my parents in the thought that our word is our bound. I am sad that the government has not fulfill its promise to all of you.” Councilmember Wesson said in his short speech.

109th Philippine Independence Day, June 12, 1898

Arturo P. Garcia. Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Chair and JFAV Coordinator explained the significance of the109th Philippine Independence Day. He said that; “ the Philippine revolutionary government proclaimed its independence on June 12, 1898 from Spain after successfully liberating most of the Philippines in Kawit, Cavite.

Thus, the Philippines became the first democratic republic in Asia. This was before Spain ceded the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico to the United States by the Treaty of Paris, on December 10, 1898. In 1962, June 12 became the official independence day of the Philippines.

62nd Victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass

Romeo Borje, a journalist in Los Angeles and the son of the late Col. Eduardo Borje of USIFNL, who was one of the heroes of Bessang Pass, explained about the significance of the Battle of Bessang Pass in Northern Luzon on June 14, 1945. Col. Borje was awarded the Silver Star, the 3rd highest military medal for bravery in this battle. He was also recommended for the Medal of Valor.

“This military victory broke the back of the Japanese army and hasten the victory of Filipino and American forces in the Philippines. The battle actually forced the surrender of General Yamashita in Kiangan, Ifugao. In September 1945.”

Peping Baclig, SGSI Board of Director said in his opening remarks: “ The Battle of Bessang Pass is considered the greatest military victory of Filipinos against the Japanese Imperial Army, it avenged the defeat in Bataan and Corregidor and the surrender of the U.S forces to the Japanese in 1942”

Franco Arcebal, Vice President of the ACFV in his closing remarks paid tribute to the SGSI: “ The Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI) is one of the member organizations of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of Filipino World War II veterans, youth, students and community advocates based in Southern California.”

The SGSI is one of the largest Filipino World War II organizations in Los Angeles. Composed of guerrillas and scouts who fought during World War II

The more than 50 veterans and community folks enjoyed a 12-minute cultural presentation of Burlington School children led by Cecille Ramos. The children performed several dances and sung patriotic American songs during the event.

This is the 5th year that JFAV and the community groups like People’s CORE and the Echo Park Community Coalition marks the Battle of Bessang Pass in the United States. The victory at Bessang Pass in 1945 in the Philippines has been readily forgotten in the Philippines.

For more information please call Al P. Garcia@ (213) 241-0906 or email@epcc_la@hotmail.com or jfav_causa@yahoo.com