Macrohon commemorates Kangleon’s heroism

The locals of the honorable colonel’s native town held a ceremony last February 27, 2023 to commemorate the 65th death anniversary of Ruperto Kangleon. Members of organizations, both public and private, attended the event. The attendees laid their wreaths on his monument after the flag raising.
Born on March 27, 1890 in San Roque, Macrohon to Flora Kadava and Braulio Kangleon, the soldier and statesman Ruperto was the guerrilla leader of Leyte during the Japanese occupation and a key figure in the war, and later, a senator.
He was an officer in the army when they fought the invading Japanese troops, got imprisoned in Agusan, but was able to escape and went back to Leyte, where he would form a guerrilla movement. He established connections across the region and was able to unite the forces. His army attacked Japanese garrisons at Anahawan and Liloan.
Kangleon assured the American military leader, General Douglas MacArthur, that the guerrillas would give their support. Thus, they participated in the Battle of Leyte upon the return of the American forces. The Japanese suffered a heavy loss, and marked the encounter as the first and most decisive victory.
The veteran Kangleon became Civil Governor of Leyte; and in 1946, was appointed as Secretary of National Defense by President Manuel Roxas. In 1950, he resigned as Defense Secretary, and in 1953, he was elected as Senator of the country. He was also appointed as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Pensions, and Vice Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security.
Senator Kangleon succumbed to a myocardial infarction and died on February 27, 1958, and was buried at the Manila South Cemetery on March 4, 1958, and was later reinterred in Macrohon in 1994, on his 36th death anniversary.
Ruperto Kangleon was described by Justice Jose Leuterio as a soldier, an officer, a gentleman, a straight and honest official, a loving and caring father, stern, firm but gentle, a sincere, loyal, helpful and true friend. He was a man who loved his country above self.
(Junson Sembrano)