CEBU City Hall usually holds necrological services only for city mayors and councilors who passed on, but it made an exception yesterday as it held a “special” one for World War II veteran Manuel F. Segura.
“He was a great man, veteran among veterans, soldier among soldiers. He was a living legend for his honor and heroism,” said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in his eulogy at the necrological service held inside the social hall.
“I’m thankful on behalf of the city government that the family of Col. Segura brought him at City Hall. He deserves to be here,” Rama added, saying that Segura always attended the city’s events like Charter Day, Independence Day and National Heroes’ Day.
Segura’s niece, Mae Segura-Ybañez, said her uncle was always fond of retelling his experiences during the war. “In family gatherings, we would always hear his stories of courage and heroism. It’s a good thing he was able to immortalize them through his books.”
Segura published two books, The Koga Papers and Tabunan.
Tabunan is a barangay in Cebu City where he hid with guerillas during the war.
“We should all be proud of Tabunan which is a key biodiversity area in Cebu where you can see plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world,” Ybañez said.
veterans
Eight war veterans led by regional adjutant Angelo Alo attended the service yesterday afternoon. Alo recalled how Segura was always assigned as a combatant. “We wouldn’t be experiencing our freedom today if not for the heroes who fought for it,” Alo said in Cebuano.
Among his major accomplishments was being able to procure the Z-Plan of Admiral Mineichi Koga, commander-in-chief of Japan’s Imperial Navy. This led to the early liberation of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s forces who landed in Palo, Leyte in October 20, 1944.
Segura died last November 28 at the age of 94. He is survived by his nine children, 25 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
The overnight vigil will end at 9 a.m. today.
Segura’s remains will be interred at the Queen City Memorial Gardens this Sunday./CORRESPONDENT JOSE SANTINO S. BUNACHITA