Book on World War II launched

Written by Jovito Abellana, Cebuano artist and leader who died six years ago

CEBU, Philippines - A tribute to the late Jovito Abellana, a Cebuano writer, artist and political leader was made yesterday as the University of the San Carlos Press launched a book that he wrote about his experiences during the second world war.

“My Moments of War to Remember By” depicts the outskirts of Cebu City throughout the Japanese occupation, as well as provide details on this “period of supreme sacrifice when the nation demanded loyalty, courage and patriotism in exchange for suffering, torture and even summary execution.”

“In my conscience, animosities against (the Japanese) are no longer harbored. I only hope that what I am telling you in this book will never be forgotten,” wrote Abellana in the introductory part of the book.

Abellana died six years ago. He was a sculpture, writer, playwright, Cebu city councilor under Mayor Vicente del Rosario immediately after the war, heritage advocate and a coal miner of the Visayan Electric Corporation owned by the late owner Don Gil Garcia.

In 1944, Abellana was arrested and tortured by the Kempeitai, the Japanese secret police, for supporting guerilla activities. He was later released and started writing his ordeal. He completed his initial manuscripts for this book in 1949.

The book contains his everyday life during imprisonment and how he was tortured by the Japanese police. He retells the events in Cebu City, presenting a sad and gruesome tale of the civilians during the Japanese Military Administration in Cebu.

The book also mentioned notable men who died and sacrificed for our country, including governor Hilario Abellana and lawyer Paulino Gullas.

Families of Abellana attended the book launching yesterday at the Museo Sugbo - his three sons Jovito Abellana Jr., Gines Abellana, Victor Abellana and their own families.

One of the galleries at the Museo Sugbo is named the Gregorio and Jovito Abellana Special Gallery, where the launching was held.

 One of his grandchildren, Gina Marie Crucio, said she is thankful to the University of San Carlos for seeing the value of her grandfather’s work and manuscripts.

 Gina added that this is the second published work of her grandfather.

The first one was on the pre-Hispanic history of Cebu which was published by the Cebu Normal University.(FREEMAN NEWS)