Daloy Isarog

Tribute to Lorenzo Padua(40th Death Anniversary)
By: MA Gratela-Caballero

We aim not just to inform, but to encourage locals to also exemplify his positive values, most importantly Lorenzo Padua’s charismatic connection with people to all walks of life.

Today, we reminisce about the life of a hero who valiantly fought against the ruling colonial forces during World War II. He was an unsung Partido hero who played a critical role in the pursuit of independence during the bloody days of the global war. According to Asuan (2016), his death was mourned by thousands of people in Partido, Camarines Sur, and all church bells in Partido rang during his burial.

Forty years ago, beneath a sky thick with warm, humid moisture, the wind blew solemnly strange in the town of Goa, Camarines Sur. The three-term mayor Lorenzo Padua was riding his motorcycle in the streets of Barangay Matacla when he was unexpectedly assassinated, right after passing the Mamboco(Tambuco) bridge, by three unidentified gunmen who were believed to be members of the “Sparrow Unit” under the command of the New People’s Army.

According to reports, the mayor was shot with several. 45 caliber bullets that were later recovered from his body. He was brought to the Camarines Regional Hospital, but he unfortunately met his demise two hours later. The old folks believed that Lorenzo had an amulet(anting-anting), due to his former battle encounters where he would escape death effortlessly. During their rescue in the Old Garchitorena Mansion located in Brgy. Salvacion, Tigaon, they successfully rescued the Padua family without any bloodshed. The success of this operation was attributed to his amulet, which they believed served as their protection.

However, on the day of his assassination, some of the locals argued that the divine protection awarded by his amulet had ended.
Their bullets would abruptly hold the last moments of Padua’s life in a sudden, violent turn of fate. He had no idea that on that very day, the life he dedicated to protecting the people and the land would finally meet its cruel end.

The 30th day of January 1986 turned gloomy as the news spread to the municipality of Goa, which soon extended to the other municipalities of Partido. Even the Agta communities residing in the mountains grieved for the death of a considered community friend. Locals succumbed to heavy grief, shedding tears as they reminisced about the sacrifices that the former guerrilla leader had exemplified to defend their motherland. The road where his blood spilled bore a silent yet enduring crimson toll, carving a significant memory in the history of Partido.

As early as 19 years old, Major Lorenzo Padua had shown his fearless devotion to his homeland, serving as the Executive Officer of the 53rd Infantry Regiment, Camp Isarog, and the head of the Lightning Su***de Troop. His bravery and patriotism inspired many guerillas to also fight for the nation during the colonial rule.

The life of Mayor Padua showed not only a story of defiance and patriotism but also the cultural beliefs of the natives, which resonate with the pre-colonial practices of the Filipinos.

Daloy Isarog posted this in commemoration of Mayor Padua's tragic passing. This will serve as a reminder to the present society of his heroism, patriotism, and passion for cultural significance. We aim not just to inform but to encourage locals to also exemplify his positive values, most importantly his charismatic connection with people from all walks of life.

References:
Asian(2016) “For Love of Freedom”, Pursuit of Freedom From War.

Manila Bulletin Today (1986, January 31). Bicol Mayor Gunned Down
More violence as vote nears - UPI Archives. (1986, January 30). UPI. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/01/30/More-violence-as-vote-nears/9350507445200/ #:~:text=Lorenzo%20Padua%2C%20mayor%20of%20the,to%20be%20slain%20since%20Dec.

𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬.
𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 28, 1941
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

The day to decide, December 28, is important to the people of Partido, to the Bicolanos, and to the entire Philippines, because on this very day, December 28, 1941, according to Vitaliano B. Aril, they were were in the Sitio of Olag, Barrio of Lalud, Goa, Camarines Sur, with Councilor Teofilo B. Padua, his young son Lorenzo P. Padua, and a handful of brave companions convened in solemn deliberation on whether to rise in defiance or to bow in silence because Japanese occupation darkened their world, gave fears to the family and ceased their normal and happy daily routine. Thus, leaving them with only one choice: to fight for the national cause—then Camp Isarog Guerrilla in WW2 was structured.
On that day, the ordinary men became guardians of freedom. December 28, 1941, is a significant date in Partido, because their choice teaches us that submission may be easy, but courage is eternal, and because their sacrifice is the foundation upon which our community’s pride and resilience stand—now in the generation of peace.
This historical convention was essential for the lives of every Bicolanos. Not only because it brought together brave hearts, but because each courageous spirit of the conveners crafted a world for the new generation. A place where independence, peace, and tranquility thrives. One of those who continuously recalls and appreciates the efforts done by the guerillas was Mr. Chad Azcarraga, grandson of the late soldier Sergeant Ricardo Torres. Through his dedication to remind the present generation about the sacrifices made by the Partido unsung heroes, our team was able to locate the other descendants of the guerillas.
Without the historical convention, there will be no Mr. Chad who will passionately promote and remember the ardent nationalism of the Camp Isarog warriors.
History is like a puzzle, each piece is an iintricate detail essential to complete the whole picture. Recalling every pieces of history including the Camp Isarog Convention is highly crucial in order fo understand why we have this kind of nation in the present.

Bago matapos ang paggunita natin sa Araw ng Kasarinlan, ating basahin ang linyang ito galing sa tula ni Errol Pellejera na pinamagatang The Warrior in me, 3rd Placer sa ating 2nd Daloy Isarog Poetry Competition.

Ito ay pagpupugay sa mga bayaning nag-alay ng dugo para sa kanilang mga minamahal, kabilang na ang bansang Pilipinas. Ang kanilang pag-ibig sa lupang kinagisnan ay siyang gabay nila upang maging matapang at ipakilala sa mga dayuhan ang mandirigma sa kanilang mga diwa na walang pag-aalinlangang lalaban, matamasa lamang ang kalayaang para sa lahat.