At 100 years old, Filipino World War II veteran’s service and fight for recognition endure

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The number of Filipino veterans who are still alive and fought for the U.S. in World War II is rapidly declining. One veteran who was born in 1926 just marked a major milestone.

On his day of celebration, we learned of his duty, his sacrifice and his fight to make sure what he and his fellow servicemen did will never be forgotten.

At 100 years old, Idelfonso Quibin may be one of the youngest WWII Filipino veterans still alive.

“You have answered the call of duty during one of the most challenging periods of world history,” said Carson Councilmember Jim Dear during a recent celebration for Quibin.

Quibin is currently dealing with dementia, but his son, Manuel Quibin, said being a proud veteran and the cause he fought for is part of his psyche.

“He always told us … ‘I’m willing to go to war,'” he said.

“He became a member of the guerrilla forces when the Americans landed on October 20, 1944,” said Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque with E.B.R. Filipino Veterans Foundation. “He was just a private. He was living in a nipa hut. He was a farmer all his life.”

Quibin enlisted when he turned 18, less than two years after the Bataan Death March in April 1942.

Batongmalaque’s father served under General Douglas MacArthur. She saw how her dad and others fought and sacrificed, only to be met with indifference by the U.S. government.

“So no matter who they were and what they did, it didn’t matter,” said Batongmalaque. They did not qualify for the claims of a G.I. Bill of Rights.”

In 1992, the U.S. government granted naturalization to WWII Filipino veterans, but it would be another 14 years before they were granted any benefits.

Quibin helped lead the fight.

“He was one of the loudest advocates,” said Batongmalaque.

He joined the ERB Filipino Veterans Foundation as they fought for the recognition and benefits they deserved.

Quibin’s nine children, 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, are part of his legacy.

“So my dad is my hero. My dad’s my example, so I’m very proud that I’m one of his children,” said Manuel Quibin.