Olongapo City honors the life and legacy of founding father and martyr, James Leonard Tagle Gordon Sr., on his 108th birth anniversary on Friday, Jan. 17, a special holiday in the city.
JAMES Leonard Tagle Gordon Sr. takes his oath as Olongapo City’s first mayor before Vice President Fernando Lopez.
Born on Jan. 17, 1917 in Olongapo while it was still part of the US Naval Reservation, Gordon was the son of an American father and a Filipina mother.
His vision, leadership, and sacrifices laid the foundation for the vibrant, resilient city Olongapo has become today.
This day serves as a tribute to his enduring contributions and the values he stood for.
Gordon would later dramatically change the course of Olongapo’s history. Although he was born an American citizen, he opted for Filipino citizenship, a rare and great display of patriotism and affinity to his land of birth.
As a member of the Filipino civilian council under the US Navy, he defended the rights of fellow countrymen against the abuses perpetrated by some American authorities, stirring the nationalistic fervor of the local community who sought independence from US control.
Because of Gordon’s leadership and the people’s support, the American government gave back to the Philippine government its sovereignty over Olongapo in 1959, the last municipality to achieve independence in the Philippines.
Gordon was elected mayor in 1966 during the first election in the municipality. Barely a year after taking office, he succeeded in gaining cityhood status for Olongapo in June 1966 through Republic Act 4645.
After succeeding in freeing Olongapo from US rule, Gordon and the people of Olongapo fought well-entrenched provincial politicians over widespread corruption. During his administration, the mayor turned full blast with his campaign against corruption.
He also opposed political bossism to achieve genuine autonomy. The crusade of Olongapo's first elected mayor earned him enemies who tried all types of harassment, including threats of suspension, hand grenade attacks, and planned ambushes.
Three cowardly attempts on his life were made before a fourth and final attempt was made on Feb. 20, 1967. While talking with a constituent on the first floor of City Hall, Gordon was gunned down by an escaped inmate of the National Penitentiary. He was taken to the USS Repose, a US Navy hospital ship, but died due to massive head injuries. The mastermind of the murder was never known.
Officials from the Philippines and the United States led by American Ambassador William Blair Jr. and the top officers of the US Navy and the Seventh Fleet in Japan paid their respects to Gordon.
On Feb. 18, 2019, Gordon was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal by the American Congress as well as a posthumous award for his services as a guerilla with the rank of lieutenant in World War II.
His valor and heroism were inherited from his grandfather, Col. Jose Tagle, who led the country's first victory against the Spanish colonizers in Imus, Cavite on Sept. 3, 1896.
Gordon is remembered from Jan. 17 to the day of his martyrdom on Feb. 20, giving the people of Olongapo and the country a time to reflect and appreciate his contributions.
His son, former Sen. Richard J. Gordon, said: “We celebrate his life of service, patriotism, and selfless leadership, something we need very badly during these times. His memory lives on and will never be forgotten.”