World War II Filipino veteran Porfirio Gabeatan Laguitan passed away on March 2, less than a month after turning 100.
Laguitan, a resident of Taguig, was born in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan on Feb. 10, 1924. During the World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, he became an informer for the guerillas.
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano with veteran Porfirio Laguitan on his birthday on Feb. 10 this year (Photos from Mayor Cayetano's Facebook account)
He served with the 13th Military Police Co. of the Philippine Army.
Last November, he was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal, “the highest award given by the U.S. Congress to individuals or groups who have immensely contributed in American history and culture,” according to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano honored Laguitan. Last Feb. 10, Cayetano personally gave a P100,000 centenarian cash gift to Laguitan when he turned 100. The Taguig City government gives the cash gift to all centenarians in the city.
“On behalf of all City Officials and the people of Taguig, I would like to express our gratitude for Tatay Porfirio’s heroism and deep love for our City and our Country. Thank you also to his loving family for always supporting Tatay’s request to be present in almost all important City celebrations. He will truly be missed by many,” said Cayetano.
With the passing of Laguitan, Filomeno Bastasa is the only remaining World War II veteran in Taguig, the mayor said.