Dennis Gasgonia

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ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the legacy of Fernando Poe Sr., with the unveiling of his statue at the Fernando Poe Sr. Reservist Firing Range in Camp Aguinaldo. The event, held on the 73rd anniversary of his passing, celebrated the life of Captain Allan Fernando Reyes Poe (his real name) remembered both as a father of Philippine cinema and as a decorated hero of World War II.The statue, donated by the Poe family, commemorates his exploits during the war.Poe was the father of &quot;The King of Philippine Movies&quot; Fernando Poe Jr.Maj. Gen. Ramon P. Zagala, Commander, Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RESCOM, PA) cited Poe Sr.’s service as a good example of a true Filipino hero and reservist.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/16/charo-santos-shares-what-inspired-her-to-be-a-philippine-air-force-reservist-0911">Charo Santos shares what inspired her to be a Philippine Air Force Reservist</a></div>“Fernando Poe Sr. served during world war 2 and defended our country as a citizen soldier from the reserve serving the 2nd Infantry division. Like many Filipinos, he defended the country from invasion and occupation by the imperial Army of Japan until liberation. He brought with him specialized civilian skills and became a role model who embody civic duty, community spirit, and resilience, demonstrating that patriotism and service are responsibilities shared by all citizens,” he said.FPJ Panday Bayanihan Representative Brian Poe, speaking on behalf of the family, said the event was both a personal and national moment of pride. The younger Poe said the tribute honors “not just a man of film, but a man of action—one who lived with courage, served with honor, and inspired with his example.”Born in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Poe Sr. was called to active duty on December 20, 1941, as a member of the Reserve Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He served as Assistant Provost Marshal and later joined the Lamao Combat Team Regiment in Bataan. When the Bataan Peninsula fell on April 9, 1942, Poe endured and survived the Bataan Death March—one of the most harrowing episodes in the nation’s history. He later joined the guerrilla movement, continuing to fight for the Philippines’ liberation from Japanese occupation.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/5/1/sen-grace-poe-thankful-for-inclusion-of-fpj-film-collection-in-unesco-heritage-program-1230">Sen. Grace Poe thankful for inclusion of FPJ film collection in UNESCO heritage program </a> </div>For his heroism in Bataan in 1942, Poe was awarded the Gold Cross Medal, one of the Philippine Army’s highest honors, for meritorious service under intense bombing and strafing, and for his daring sacrifice and devotion to duty.The younger Poe described the statue’s installation at the RESCOM Firing Range as a symbolic return to the ranks of those who served the nation. “By placing this statue here, we bring him back to his first home—among those who serve quietly, steadfastly, and with honor,” he said. “Ang mga reservist ay patunay na ang kabayanihan ay hindi nalilimita sa panahon ng digmaan,” he said. “Ito ay buhay sa bawat Pilipinong handang mag-alay ng oras, lakas, at talento para sa kapwa at sa bansa.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the legacy of Fernando Poe Sr., with the unveiling of his statue at the Fernando Poe Sr. Reservist Firing Range in Camp Aguinaldo.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the legacy of Fernando Poe Sr., with the unveiling of his statue at the Fernando Poe Sr. Reservist Firing Range in Camp Aguinaldo.

Monument commemorating Fernando Poe Sr.'s war exploits unveiled

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Monument commemorating Fernando Poe Sr.'s war exploits unveiled

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 31, 2025 05:26 PM PHT

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