Brig. Gen Rudolph Dimas, Bicol police chief, leads the commemoration of the 123rd commemoration of “Battle of Legazpi” on Monday, Jan. 23. (Photo courtesy of Bicol police)
LEGAZPI CITY — Government officials, uniformed personnel, veterans and residents here commemorated on Monday (Jan. 23) the 123rd historic “Battle of Legazpi.”
In a simple activity held at the Battle of Legazpi Monument in Rotunda on Quezon Avenue, wreaths were offered to the heroes in honor of their bravery in defending the territories of Filipino troops from American soldiers in 1900.
The battle took place on Jan. 23, 1900 or days after the American troops occupied Sorsogon, including the ports of Bulan and Donsol.
When the American expeditionary forces bombarded what were known as the “defenses of Legazpi,” 172 Filipinos were killed in the three-hour “stiff fighting.”
For Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, Bicol police chief, who served as the guest speaker, the heroes’ acts were “a testament not only to their patriotism, their selfless love of their country and of their people, but to the inherent character and values of the Filipinos that give credence to our identity as a nation renowned for its bravery, tenacity, and fortitude.”
Dar Perez, curator of the Legazpi Museum, praised those who attended the event for devoting their time to witnessing a historic event in Legazpi.
“We must never forget the heroism and bravery of our forefathers,” he said. INQ