Today in the Past

Today, April 29, 1949, is the burial at the North Cemetery of Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon, her daughter Maria Aurora, and her son-in-law Felipe Buencamino III, who were killed by the Huks on their way to Baler.

When the Republic was born (July 4, 1946) conditions were still bad, especially in central and south-central Luzon, where "roving band of bandits and communist-led groups who still defy the government, still remain."

At the start of his administration, Manuel Roxas, first president of the Republic of the Philippines, tried to attract and appease these dissident groups, but later outlawed them, believing that they were not loyal to the Government of the Republic.

In places where lawlessness still prevailed, the people could not pursue their normal activities. They blamed the administration as weak.

President Elpidio Quirino who succeeded as president after Roxas' death (April 15, 1948), began by extending general amnesty.

Luis Taruc, leader of the Hukbalahap and representative-elect from Pampanga, promised to help but Taruc went back to the hills to lead his forces until 1954 when again he surrendered and was imprisoned.

Other dissidents led by Lava and Alejandrino continued to live outside the pale of law.

The Huks were bent on wresting the government by force and they were having direct connections with the Russian and Chinese Reds who were reported giving direct aid to them.

Hence, up to 1949, the Huks victimized one Aurora Aragon Quezon, who had distinguished herself not only as an inspiring wife of a great man but also for her social welfare work and charity.