In his interest and passion to preserve and promote local history, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Cong. Rufus Rodriguez formed the Congressional Committee on World War II in Mindanao to research and create a book on this seldom-told narrative of our history.
The Congressional Committee founded by Cong. Rufus, is chaired by Mr. Mike Baños, with members Mr. Roderico Dumaog Jr., Mr. Ruhollah A.H.J. Alonto, Mr. Carlos Policarpio Bagonoc, Mr. Raul Ilogon, Mr. Lancer Asino, and Ms. Kyla Ibarra.
The proposed book will cover the Japanese bombing and invasion of Cagayan de Oro in 1941-42, the guerrilla activities in Misamis Oriental and all subsequent battles across Mindanao that ensued to fight Japanese Occupation of the island during World War II.
It aims to comprehensively discuss the narratives of the different peoples and communities in Mindanao during the war, including the stories of indigenous peoples (IPs), women, the Church, among others.
With this book, Cong. Rufus and the Congressional Committee aims to raise awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the bravery of Mindanaonons, the rich contribution of Mindanao and its people to the country’s story of liberation. It will endeavor to become a main source of local historical literature for students of history and the general population, especially the younger generation.
Cong. Rufus Rodriguez and the members of the committee are dedicated to give due justice to the stories of our heroic Mindanaonon ancestors so their lives, and the lessons we may learn from it, remain etched in our history for generations to come.
