PVB commemorates the heroic role of Filipino Guerillas in the Los Baños Raid
Philippine Veterans Bank Chairman Roberto F. de Ocampo exalted the bravery and heroism of Filipino guerillas during the raid of the Los Banos Internment Camp in Laguna on February 23, 1945.
Chairman De Ocampo, a descendant of the Hunters ROTC guerrilla, whose members played a key role in the raid, spoke at the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Los Baños Internment Camp on February 23, 2025, at UPLB’s Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall. The event honored the bravery of Filipino and American forces who executed one of World War II’s most daring rescue missions, freeing over 2,100 civilian internees from Japanese captivity.
The ceremony gathered veterans, government officials, and institutional leaders which also included Chancellor Jose V. Camacho of UPLB; MGen Romeo D. Alamillo (Ret), Chairman of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; MGen Gilbert S. Llanto (Ret) of the National ROTC Alumni Association; LtGen Jaime de los Santos (Ret), Chairman and CEO of the Board of Trustees of Veterans of World War II; Assistant Secretary Domingo C. Carbonell, Jr of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; Rosela de Ocampo, president of the Descendants of Hunters ROTC Guerillas, Inc.; Aquino S. Lee of Wachi Veterans Descendants Association; and representatives from the local government of Los Baños.
The success of the Los Baños Raid was made possible by the Filipino guerrillas, who worked alongside the U.S. 11th Airborne Division to ensure the safe evacuation of the internees. The Hunters ROTC, Wachi (Whiskey Unit) Guerrillas, and the Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) played a crucial role in intelligence gathering, coordinating attacks, and securing escape routes. Leaders such as Col. Gustavo Inglés, Col. Emmanuel de Ocampo, and Col. Terry Adevoso led operations that disrupted Japanese reinforcements and cleared the way for the successful mission.
The commemoration not only highlighted a historic military triumph but also reaffirmed the nation’s deep gratitude to its World War II veterans. PVB remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring their sacrifices and ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.
? Stay tuned for a separate post featuring the speech of PVB Chairman Roberto F. De Ocampo, where he reflects on the heroism of Filipino guerrillas and their lasting legacy.
