Salvador Abcede

Col. Salvador Abcede (September 6, 1913 – August 19, 1982), a Philippine Army Officer and was the leader of the anti-Japanese guerrilla group on Negros. during Japanese Occupation and commander of 20th Battalion Combat Team who fought in the Korean War.

Early life and education Abcede was born on September 6, 1913 in Indan (now Vinzons), Camarines Norte to parents Felimon Abcede and Dorotea Sureta. He took his early education in Indan Elementary School and Indan High School. In 1935 he took attended Philippine Constabulary Academy and graduated in 1937 just as the Academy transitioned to a Military Academy. He was commissioned as 3rd Lieutenant with the Philippine Army and was sent to 7th Military District in Negros Island.

World War II In 1940 he was appointed as ROTC Commandant of Silliman University in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. When all reservist were called for duty he found himself appointed every possible positions in the military units in Negros. From staffs positions to field command in 7th Military District. When Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Gador was ordered to Mindanao and Colonel Roger Hilsman assumed command of the island he was again moved to command staffs. He was involved in recruiting, training, planning of the defense of the island. But in February 1942 he was appointed as commander of 2nd Battalion, 74th Infantry based in Tanjay, Negros Occidental. He took his unit into the mountains of Negros and setup a guerilla activity. He operated in the mountains of Tanjay, Negros Oriental and later moved to the mountains of Dumaguete by the invitation of Silliman University ROTC group who also joined the soldiers under the USAFFE 71st Division during the Japanese Invasion and led guerrilla moves against the Japanese. He selected then Lieutenant Fidel V. Ramos, to led the assault of the hill and they were honored as heroes as well as other Filipino officers and all troops with aiding American forces of the 45th Infantry Division units in fighting against the Chinese Communist forces under the People's Volunteer Army during the Korean War.

Retirement and other work Upon retirement he was appointed as Chief of Police of City of Manila in 1957 to 1959. He died in 1982 due to Cirrhosis of the Liver at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City and buried at Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig. Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Salvador Abcede (PG 114) was named in his honor.

Awards and decorations Distinguished Service Cross Legion of Merit Philippine Independence Medal Philippine Liberation Medal Philippine Defense Medal Resistance Movement Medal (Philippines)