Fidel Segundo

Fidel Ventura Segundo (24 April 1894 – 6 January 1945) was a Filipino brigadier general and World War II hero. He commanded the 1st Regular Division (Philippines) during the invasion by Japan and then survived the Bataan Death March. Paroled from prison, Segundo was later executed for aiding the Filipino resistance forces.

Early life and education Segundo was born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the son of Luciano Segundo and Paula Ventura. After completing primary school in Laoag, he attended Manila High School. Segundo then enrolled at the University of the Philippines as a pre-med student. Appointed to the United States Military Academy, he graduated in August 1917. Segundo attended the Air Service Observation School from September 1920 to January 1921. He later graduated from the Field Artillery School battery officers' course in August 1925 and the Cavalry School troop officers' course in June 1926.

Segundo married Angela G. Agcaoili in 1919. They had three sons and a daughter. Retaining his U.S. Army commission, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August 1940.

Legacy The segment of the Pan-Philippine Highway immediately north of his hometown of Laoag is named Gen. Fidel V. Segundo Avenue. In December 1969, a historical marker was erected in Laoag to commemorate him.