Davao City's oldest living World War II veteran has recently turned 100.
Teofilo Gamutan, also known as "Lolo Pilo," is the eldest of Davao City's four remaining war veterans.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, he was the commanding commander of the Headquarters Company of the 84th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army Reserve in Bohol.
Gamutan turned 100 years old on Monday in Davao City, where his family, friends, and fellow veterans recognized him for his patriotism, bravery, and leadership in battles that highlighted the Philippines' resistance to the Japanese occupation.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who was born in Davao City, also attended the celebration and expressed her admiration for the centenarian.
Gamutan's family arranged an outreach exercise for the residents of the Co Su Gian Home for the Aged, a homeless elderly residential care facility in Lower Cabantian, Buhangin, Davao City.
The event also included the release of a coffee table book titled "The Centenarian Symphony: Teofilo 'Pilo' Gamutan's Lifelong Melody" by Eva Fernandez, which depicts the military hero's life and roots. There was also a Gamutan-themed art display and film screening.
