Mayor still optimistic on finding Abad Santos’ remains

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez has yet to give up on the search for the remains of Fernandino Pedro Abad Santos, founder of the Socialist Party of the Philippines.

Rodriguez, in an interview, said during the commemoration of the 136th Birth Anniversary of the local hero at the Heroes Hall here that he still hopes to find the remains of Abad Santos.

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“We have identified the family where he stayed in Minalin town. We are still hoping that we could find the remains of one of the most important Fernandino heroes,” Rodriguez said, stressing that Abad Santos is an ideal inspiration to young Kapampangans.

Pedro Abad Santos was born in this city on January 31, 1876 and died on January 15, 1945 after serving the freedom fighters under Gen. Maximino Hizon from 1899 to 1901.

He served the judiciary here from 1907 to 1909 and established the Socialist Party of the Philippines in 1932. He was incarcerated by the Japanese Kempetai in 1942 before he was freed in 1944 and joined the guerilla movement.

“He has debased himself from his position as a member of a well-off family and helped the poor and the oppressed in many capacities,” Rodriguez said.

Rafael Abad Santos Galvez, a relative of the hero, said their family is very thankful for the honor being bestowed to the local hero each year. He said Rodriguez had foresight to honor one of the least remembered heroes of the country.

He said Pedro studied law on his own and topped the bar exam. He also took up medicine at the University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, City Councilor Jimmy Lazatin is urging young Fernandinos to emulate the good qualities of Abad Santos.

Lazatin told students who attended the event to practice equality, kindness and nationalism — traits that the hero had — in their daily life.