KATANA - Lt. Onoda

KATANA

A symbol of being a member of an Ancient Japanese Warrior Caste. A isdearm issued to officers of the Imperial Forces of Japan.

This KATANA was collected during an encounter of a Filipino Guerilla unit with a Japanese Patrol Army in Brgy. Labnig, Paracale, Camarines Norte way back 1942. The owner identified as LT. ONODA and was traced through the serial number of the sword.

Francisco "Turko" Boayes, a Bicolano World War II hero and leader of famous "VinzonsCommand" of Camarines Norte was the eldest son of Ishmael Ayyash, a Syrian national of Jewish ancestry, who came to the Philippines with his two businessmen counsins surnamed Abraham and Bichara. His Filipino mother was a Spanish mestiza named Agapita Jimenez Dames of Daet.

When his father died, he lived a hard life doing odd jobs and helped support his sisters with their material needs. He worked as a baggage boy in the market, thus developing physical strength, stamina and endurance which later on proved to be his great personal asset.

"Turko", as he was fondly called, was with the late Gov. Wencesclao Q. Vinzons as an aide, chaffeur and bodyguard, when the first shot was fired against the Japanese Imperial Occupation forces in Camarines Norte from December 19, 1941 to July 8, 1942. The Japanes invasion of Luzon was in full swing when Lt. Vinzons assisted by his personal aide Sgt. Boayes raided enemy garrisons from January to July of 1942.

When Lt. Vinzons was captured and executed by the Japanese on July 8, 1942 in his camp in Tulay Na Lupa. "Turko" reorganized the guerilla unit and palced it under his command. Most celebrated example his bravery was a guerilla surprise attack to set free 30 Americans and Filipino prisoners of war who were about to executed in the town of Naga. From regimental commander, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Finally, on June 13, 1968, in a ceremony camp Aguinaldo he was awarded the Gold Medal - the highest award to a war Veteran of World War II, which was personally conferred by then Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos, the crowning glory of his bravery and official recognition of his heroism.

LANITON BATTLE MEMORIAL

This memorial was built by the people of Basud, Camarines Norte to signify the gallant stand of the guerilla forces in Camarines Norte during the World War II. The battle that happened in Laniton, Basud on December 18, 1941 was the first encounter between the Filipino guerilla and Japanese Imperial Forces where the Japanese were repelled in a skirmish that ensued. The artwork in the memorial emblazons the edifying vistory of the Filipino guerillas in Camarines Norte.

Camarines Norte Archeological Treasure

In 1982, a team from the Archeology Division of the National Museum went to Aguit-it to conduct archeological investigation of reported burial sites. Exploration and controlled diggings led to the recovery of human bones, teeth, pottery, metal objects, glass beads and stone anvils.

The earthware vessels or pots and jars found can be divided into whole pieces and sherds. Analysis showed that they were well made because of the complex designs and forms as well as the fine texture of the jars and pots. The pots can also be divided into secondary burial jars or containers for PABAON.
The earthware vessels or pots and jars found can be divided into whole pieces and sherds. Analysis showed that they were well made because of the complex designs and forms as well as the fine texture of the jars and pots. The pots can also be divided into secondary burial jars or containers for PABAON.
Iron objects were also found in the site. These were already corroded but the form can still be seen. there were knives and bolo as well as chisel.

Glass beads of different colors were also found. There were blue, red and yellow beads. Stone anvils were also recovered.

The iron objects, glass beads, stone anvils and some of the pots were found together with the human bones and teeth. These were placed with the dead person as a PABAON to the dead person so he has something to bring with him in his journey to the afterlife.
An analysis was conducted on these associated materials and were found to belong to the LATE METAL AGE, CA 500 AD - 800 AD. This shows that the Aguit-it burial sites are PREHISTORIC.