BOKOD, July 17 -- The Bokod local government honored the heroism of its 356 World War II (WWII) veterans in commemorating its liberation from the Japanese occupation.

"We feel the sacrifices of the veteran heroes, the fear they went through to gift us the freedom we now enjoy and we commemorate that today," Mayor Erik Donn Ignacio said in his message during the Benguet town's Liberation Day celebration at the municipal government compound in Barangay Poblacion.

The municipal government passed Resolution 186-2026 recognizing the courage, dedication and selfless service of the war veterans.

The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren received the posthumous awards of the veterans, whose names were verified to have served as regul...