Forgotten Filipino Heroes: Gen. Simeon A. Ola

FORGOTTEN FILIPINO HEROES: Gen. Simeon A. Ola

by Antonio C. Antonio

October 30, 2014

When Filipinos talk about heroes, we seem to automatically refer to the following illustrious names: Dr. Jose Protacio Realonda Mercado-Rizal; Andres de Castro Bonifacio; Apolinario Maranan Mabini; Gen. Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, etc.  Our history books, more often than not, often refer to these names as Philippine heroes… leaving the impression that they are the only ones.  However, there really is a long line of heroes that accompany this patriotic group.  They are often referred to as the forgotten Filipino heroes.  Here is one of them.

“Simeon Arboleda Ola (September 2, 1865 – February 14, 1952) is a hero of the Philippine Revolution and was the last general to surrender to the American forces after the Philippine-American War.

Simeon Ola was born on September 2, 1865 to Vicente Ola and Apolonia Arboleda, who were ordinary citizens with little money.  He was enrolled in Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and studied Philosophy, but didn’t finish the course.  He joined the local branch of the Katipunan in his hometown province of Albay and later became the leader.  He was promoted to the rank of captain after the Battle of Camalig in Albay, 1898 and again promoted to the rank of major after a daring ambush mission that led to the capture of three Americans.  He was also the leader of the subsequent valiant attacks on Albay towns namely, Oas, Ligao and Jovellar.  He later surrendered on the condition that his men would be granted amnesty.  He was put on trial and was proven guilty of sedition and was sentenced to thirty years in prison.  In 1904, he was given a pardon and returned to his place of birth and became municipal president.  The regional police command in Legaspi City was named after him.

Simeon Ola died on February 14, 1952 and was interred at the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Guinobatan.” (Wikipedia)

Reading literature about our heroes should rekindle our nationalist spirit aside from learning from the life and time of these forgotten Filipino heroes.

Just my little thoughts…

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