It has been 80 years since the liberation of the Islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Romblon from the Japanese occupation.

In relation to the 80th commemoration of Victory Day (V-Day), a program was carried out at Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine to honor the acts of valor of soldiers who offered to the country their lives.

Several soldiers were laid to rest in the cemetery in Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro District, Iloilo City, including unknown soldiers, or soldiers whose identities have remained unestablished.

According to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), "Free Panay Guerrilla Forces led by Colonel Macario Peralta, Jr. collaborated with American troops to liberate Iloilo from Japanese occupation. Following weeks of bombardment, the 40th Infantry Division landed in Tigbauan, Iloilo, meeting no resistance, and, within days, Filipino guerrillas and U.S. forces successfully expelled the Japanese from Iloilo City and surrounding islands."

"This triumph was made possible by the strategic partnership between the guerrilla movement and the local government under Governor Tomas Confessor, earning strong civilian support," the PVAO post added.

However, it was observed that no World War II veterans graced the event.  It was further learned that most of those who have lived to this day are said to be bedridden.

Ninety-year-old post-war veteran, Colonel Cicero Palacios, joined the program, though.

“Well at that time, ang pagdating ng mga Amerikano sa Tigbauan, nandoon kami sa Tigbauan. We were the first na nakakita ng Amerikano na nag-landing doon,” Palacios recalled.

Veterans, like Palacios, continue to hope that Filipinos will be more fervent about love of country, and to honor always the sacrifice of soldiers deemed heroes who fought valiantly for freedom and independence.

“That is why ini-involve namin ang mga boy scout, girl scout, DepEd [Department of Education] at saka local government units upang magsuporta sa veterans,” Arnold Catamin, president of the Iloilo-Guimaras Veterans District, said.

In Tigbauan, Iloilo municipal officials led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Panay War Dead Memorial to honor the courage of veterans.

According to Presidential Proclamation Number 430, March 18 has been declared a special non-working holiday in the Islands of Panay and Romblon.