Melencio Figueroa (26th Cavalry, PS)

March 20, 2009

Joshua Little John Dela Cruz

On January 30 (Friday) 2009, on the eve of the Bamban Fiesta, the bust of Melencio Figueroa, a local hereo of WWII belonging in the famous 26^th Cavalry Philippine Scouts, was finally erected in the premise of the BHS Bamban Museum of History. Members of the BHS, headed by Luisito Caguiat, finally put the finishing touches of painting gold on the support base of the bust. Family members of the late cavalryman from barrio Banaba donated the bust in response to the request of the BHS president last year. Bill Asprec, nephew of Melencio, worked with a famous Kapampangan sculptor in Balibago, Angeles City for the making of the bust.

It is the wish of the Bamban Historical Society to immortalize the legacy of our veteran-heroes, in the name of the late Melencio Figueroa by setting up bust statue for their remembrance in fighting for liberty, love of country and extreme sacrifice in order for the present and future generations of Bambanense be proud of their veterans’ heritage.

A simple, yet striking short information on his life (as provided by his younger brother Domingo Figueroa) is etched in the base of the bust, as written:

"Melencio M. Figueroa. Pvt, Serial No. l0 306 261, U. S. Army

Company B, 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts

Enlisted on February 27, 1941 at Fort Stotsenberg, Philippines and sworn into service with the U.S. Army by C. R. Bowers, 1st Lt, 26th Cavalry (PS).

Records of the U. S. Army Archives show that Pvt Melencio Figueroa was listed "Missing in Action" as of 7 May 1942, following the surrender of Corregidor, Philippine Islands. Following reports on 7 May 1943 as continued missing in action, War Department AGO (Adjutant General Office) records show Finding of Death substantiates the presumptive date of death as 31st day of March 1946, U. S. Army War Department records state that , after substantial review, it was determined that evidence does not exist to contradict a finding of non-recoverability of remains for Pvt. Melencio Figueroa. "