BIOGRAPHICAL DATA OF 1LT VICENTE GARCIA ALAGAR

Vicente Alagar was born in Vigan, Ilocus Sur on April 5, 1896 to the late Adelaida Garcia and Pedro Alagar. He was married to the former Ramiro of Iligan, Lanao (now Iligan City) with whom he was blessed with four children: Edyritha, Mariano (deceased), Orlando and Henrietta.

He finished his elementary education in Vigan Central School in 1911. Passed the entrance to and graduated from the Philippine Constabulary Academy (now Philippine Military Academy) in 1919 and was immediately commissioned as 3rd Lieutenant. With his first assignment in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Later, he was transferred as Commnading Officer of the 95th Philippine Constabulary Company in Camp Keithly, Dansaian, Lanao (now Camp Amai Pakpak, Marawi City). He served in various military campaigns against Moro outlaws for which he was awarded several military citations. For gallantry in action during the campaign against Sultanisa Raya of Gorain, Tugaya, Lanao, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor.

Aside from his military accomplishments, he also excelled in the field of athletics, specializing in baseball and track and field events. He was a Philippine record holder in the 100-meter dash, later broken by Mr. Catalon in 1923; a member of the Philippine Track and Field delegation to the First Far East Olympic held in Tokyo, Japan, and awarded several medals as an athlete.

In the field of journalism, he was a writer and a poet, regularly contributing articles to the old PMA magazine - the "Khaki and Red".

After his military tour of duty in Lanao, he was detailed as Commanding Officer in Manila Garrison, Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila; then assigned to Camp La Roche in Sindangan, Zamboanga. His last assignment as Command Officer was in Seit Lake, Jolo, Sulu when on October 9, 1932, he together with a detachment of constabulary men under his command, coming in conciliation, was treacherously massacred in ambush by a band of Moro outlaws in Bud, Pamanao, Jolo, Sulu. Thus ended the colorful military career of Lt. Alagar after 15 years of active duty. He died at the age of 36 and was posthumously promoted to the next higher rank.



Source of Information:



Felomina Ramiro Alagar
(Widow)