Alejandro Suarez y Gallego

Alejandro Suarez(March 14, 1897 – 1965), is a Filipino constabulary officer who commanded the guerilla forces in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Islands in southern Philippines during Japanese Occupation of the Philippines during World War II. He served as Constabulary enlisted man from 1914 to 1920 and as officer from 1920 to 1948. His 27 years experience as constabulary in Mindanao was his edge in unifying Moros and Christians alike of his guerilla force in Sulu Archipelago and North Borneo.

Background and education Suarez a Spanish-Moro mestizo and a mixed Christian and Muslim. He was born in Cotabato City on 1898 to a Spanish father surnamed Gallego and a Maguindanaoan mother surnamed Suarez. He was left at the care of his mother when his father went back to Spain and never returned after Spain surrendered to the Americans. He saved Mr. Edward Kuder the superintendent of Schools for Sulu from his assassin a Moro Juramentado (amok).

Aside from Police work he also served as tax collector of Lanao and Sulu, Auxiliary Justice of Peace in Lanao. He was appointed as Deputy Governor of Lanao and Sulu Provinces. He was appointed Inspector for Antique and Cagayan before transferred back to Sulu as Inspector and Acting Governor. After three years he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to 14th Mindanao Company based in Cotabato on November 14, 1923. Realizing promotions are best given to more qualified personnel he went to United States for special military courses after his American superiors seen potentials with him. He attended University of Michigan where he enrolled as special student in 1926 - 1927 at his own expense. However, he was prevailed by his superiors to obey the orders and join the general surrender. He became prisoner of war when Fort surrender on May 19, 1942. He requested councilors to send trainees/volunteers to Languyan, Tawi-tawi. Two of his officers in this organization was the Espaldon brothers Ernesto and Romulo. Romulo would later became a Rear Admiral of Philippine Navy and appointed first commander of AFP Southern Command. Suarez was appointed as its commander in mid 1945 after the war ended. In 1946 Mindanao Military District were abolished and replaced with IV Military Area based in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental.

Personal life and post military career Suarez met a soft-spoken Chinese mestiza Dintoy Tan while assigned at Siasi Island, Sulu in 1937. It is the home of Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office. Barangay Suarez in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte was named after him were Camp Climaco Pintoy is located. It is also known as Camp Pintoy Suarez due to its location. Another camp in Barangay Menzi, Isabela City, Basilan was named after him, Camp Suarez Menzi home of Basilan Provincial Police Office. Suarez Street in Jolo, Sulu was named in his honor of his dedication and contribution to the Province.