Alimodian Firsts: Lt. Marcelo Amarra Tolentino

Lt. Marcelo Amarra Tolentino

First Military Town Officer during World War II

      Another Alimodiananon his townmates are duly proud of is Mr. Marcelo A. Tolentino who served the town as its first military officer during the Second World War.

      Marsing, as his friends call him, was born on June 28, 1917 in this town. He spent his elementary years at the Alimodian Elementary School and his high school at the Iloilo Provincial High School. He was in his second year at the Colegio de San Agustin, now the University of San Agustin, taking up Bachelor of Science in Commerce when World War II broke out.

       Responding to the call of duty, he enlisted with the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) on December 12, 1941. He organized the Guerilla Forces, Alimodian Unit, on June 1, 1942, and was appointed Military Town Officer of Alimodian on that date.

       During the remaining years of the war, he served in various other capacities as military man, and for his services, he was awarded 12 medals and citations. After the war, he served as councilor of the town for two terms, and one term as vice mayor. Presently, he is the general manager of the Alimodian Water District.

       He was married to the late Purita Patriarca. They have 9 children.