28 July 2016- Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Eduardo Jose A. de Vega, represented the Philippine government at an event commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the deployment of Mexican Air Force Squadron 201 to the Philippines during the Second World War.
The anniversary event was held at the “Squadron 201” Primary School in Tepoztlán, Morelos State and paid special honor to one member in particular: the late Sgt. Angel Bocanegradel Castillo, a native of Tepoztlán. Before he and his comrades joined the conflict in the Pacific theater, it was Sgt. Bocanegra who asked then-President Manuel Avila Camacho for a school to be built in his hometown. The primary school was inaugurated in 1945, with one classroom named “Republica de Filipinas”.
Squadron 201, otherwise known as the “Aztec Eagles”, was the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force unit that fought alongside American and Philippine forces to liberate the Philippines during World War II from Japanese occupation. The Squadron was the only Mexican military unit sent abroad for combat, after Mexico declared war on the Axis powers due to the sinking of its oil tankers by German forces.
In his speech, Ambassador de Vega highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Mexico and the Philippines that started with the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade under the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The Ambassador noted that this bond of friendship and brotherhood was further strengthened during World War II, when Squadron 201 was sent to aid the Allies in the Philippines in Mexico’s first foreign military engagement.
Ambassador de Vega commended Mexico’s decision to have Squadron 201 join the Philippine campaign and expressed his sincere appreciation on behalf of the Filipino people for the gallantry shown by Mexican soldiers in fighting for the liberation of the Philippines.
The mayor of Tepoztlan, Prof. Lauro Salazar Garrido, himself a graduate of the “Squadron 201” Primary School, presided over the event, which included a floral offering and cultural presentation. Sgt. Bocanegra was represented by his daughter, Dra. Laura Adela Bocanegro, who presented the Ambassador with a history book entitled Escuadrón 201. The immediate families and relatives of the late members of Squadron 201 were also present during the event. END
