Portrait of Ruperto Kangleon
Born in Macrohon, Leyte, he joined the Philippine Constabulary and was the commanding officer of the 81st Infantry Division of the USAFFE at the advent of the War. He fought the Japanese in Davao and Agusan and was captured. After escaping in December 1942, he formed a guerrilla group. By August 1943, he consolidated all guerrillas in Leyte and by February 1944, they went on the offensive. They assisted the Americans during the Leyte Landings of October 1944. Kangleon subsequently became governor of Leyte (1944-1946), Secretary of National Defense (1946-1950), and Senator (1950-1958).
The NHCP commissioned this 2021 portrait by Derrick Macutay to help implement Memorandum Circular No. 25 (5 September 2017) which requires government offices to display the images of our heroes.
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