Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Simonea Punsalan-Tapang, the last high-ranking female commander of the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon (Hukbalahap) passed away on June 30. She was 92.
She was popularly known as Kumander Guerrero while serving with the HUK, an anti-Japanese guerilla group formed during World War II.
Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), announced Tapang’s demise.
“Lola Mameng’s life had exemplified not only love for country in her wartime military service against the Japanese but also her able leadership in their organization, a testament that women rise to the occasion of defending our country. She was an epitome of service and love for her fellow Filipinos, especially for her comrades who joined the guerrilla resistance movement and who are in need of government’s attention and support,” he said.
Tapang started as an officer with the HUK with the rank of captain in 1942 and was promoted to major two years later.
In 2014, Tapang was given a special citation by the government of Pampanga headed by Gov. Lilia Pineda.
Apung Mameng, as she is fondly called, is survived by her daughter Ligaya, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her remains lie in state at their residence in Brgy. San Miguel, San Simon, Pampanga.
Interment will be on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.
