By Tara Yap

The six surviving Filipino veterans of World War II were honored over the weekend during the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of Panay, Guimaras, and Romblon Islands.
Among those honored were Eladio Macasar Peñaranda, Cornelio Lustre Areño, Fernando Alintitud Alecto, Ramon Atintar Oro, Loreto Laru-an Lazo, and Ambrosio Alfeche Ambut.
They each received awards from 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying; Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr.; Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog; and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Ernesto Carolina during rites last Saturday.
99-year-old Lazo, who is bound to a wheelchair, said he does not want the country to experience another war, discussing a situation during the war where he was struggling with water supply.
Carolina, meanwhile, addressed those gathered, saying the veterans were being awarded for their gallantry who “serve as an inspiration to the Filipino youth.”/WDJ