TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte province remembered on Friday the three Boy Scouts who saved thousands of lives on Leyte Island through semaphore flag signaling during World War II.
Tolosa, Leyte Mayor Erwin Ocaña issued an executive order declaring a suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels for the 80th Signal Day, commemorating the heroic acts of Valeriano Abello, Antero Junia Sr., and Vicente Tiston.
The three scouts led by Abello warned of the incoming allied forces to prevent the bombing of the shorelines from Abuyog to Tacloban City.
Officials raised signage printed with “Don’t bomb the beaches. There are civilians. If possible, let me direct the shelling.” Those were the messages sent by the three scouts to the US Forces at sea through semaphore flag signaling.
“Their action protected thousands of residents. This is a powerful reminder of the resilience of Filipino people in facing challenges. Their story reminds us of effective communication in modern war,” Ocaña said.
In her statement, Boy Scouts of the Philippines Leyte Council Chairperson Frances Ann Petilla said the story of these scouts deserved to be remembered as their selflessness and unwavering commitment shielded thousands of lives in Tolosa, Leyte.
“Their act of valor was not just an act of service. It was an act of love for their community. It was a resounding declaration of the scout values instilled in their hearts when they were young,” Petilla added.
The commemorative events include a thanksgiving Mass, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, semaphore flag signaling, and the commemorative program.
During the United States Navy’s assault in Leyte on Oct. 18, 1944, the three scouts acted as sender, receiver, and paddler, respectively. They established communication using signaling.
According to historians, they provided information pinpointing Japanese installations and diverting shelling away from populated areas of Tolosa, Leyte.
For their heroism, Abello was conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor by then president Ramon Magsaysay in 1956. A statue of Abello was erected in Telegrafo village in Tolosa town.
The Signal Day is one of the prelude activities of the 80th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration on Oct. 20. The event is anchored on the theme “Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration for the New Generation.”
Leyte Gulf Landings is commemorated every Oct. 20 of the year to remember the return of US Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
It was on this date in 1944 when MacArthur, together with then President Sergio Osmeña and Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, again set foot on Philippine soil, their first after they left Corregidor in 1942.
Their arrival started the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which spanned 100,000 square miles of sea and was fought for three days, from Oct. 23 to 25, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte by the Allied forces.
It signaled the fulfillment of Gen. MacArthur’s famous words, “I shall return,” after going to Australia to muster support from the Allied forces in the quest to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation. | Sarwell Meniano (PNA)
