HONOR. Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon salutes to the monument of Brig. Gen. Simeon A. Ola inside the camp named after the Albayano hero on Monday (Sept. 2, 2024). Sept. 2 of every year is a special non-working holiday in Albay province, including the cities therein, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Ola and in recognition of his service and bravery, being the last Filipino army general who surrendered to the American forces after the Philippine-American war in the early 1900s. (Photo courtesy of PRO5)
LEGAZPI CITY – Residents of Albay province celebrated "Simeon Ola Day" on Monday in commemoration of the 159th birth anniversary of Gen. Simeon Arboleda Ola, which was declared a special non-working holiday.
The holiday declaration is based on Republic Act 11136, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Nov. 9, 2018.
"September 2 of every year is a special non-working holiday in the province of Albay, including the cities therein, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of General Simeon Ola and in recognition of his life, service, and bravery, being the last Filipino army general who surrendered to the American forces during the Philippine-American war," a provision of the law said.
In 1896, Ola abandoned his academic pursuits to join the Katipunan, the revolutionary group fighting against Spanish rule, in Albay.
One of his most notable moments came during the American occupation of the Philippines, where he fought until his eventual surrender on Sept. 25, 1903. Following his surrender, he was sentenced to imprisonment.
Ola passed away on Feb. 14, 1952, and was laid to rest at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Guinobatan town.
Recognizing his heroism and invaluable contribution to the nation's fight for freedom, the Philippine National Police Regional Headquarters in Legazpi City, formerly known as Camp Ibalon, was renamed Camp Simeon A. Ola on June 24, 1991.
On Monday, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) conducted a wreath-laying ceremony in front of his monument inside the camp.
PRO5 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said in his message that the celebration of the General Simeon Ola Day is a celebration of the greatness of a hero who displayed strength and courage.
"May his spirit be an inspiration to every policeman in Region 5 to serve with honor and love for others," Dizon said.
He said the commemoration not only honors the memory of Ola but also serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of bravery and sacrifice that continues to inspire the men and women of the Philippine National Police, especially the Bicol police force. (PNA)
