12 Facts About Hilario Abellana

Hilario "Dodong" Abellana y Hermosa was a Filipino Visayan lawyer, politician and legislator from Cebu, Philippines.

Hilario Abellana was the municipal president of Cebu, a member of the House of Representatives, a two-term member of the National Assembly, and provincial governor of Cebu during World War II.

Hilario Abellana was born in Barrio Duljo, San Nicolas, Cebu on October 23,1896.

Hilario Abellana entered local politics in 1922 where he ran for municipal president of Cebu under Democrata Party after Paulino Gullas, founder of Visayan Institute declined the party's nomination.

Hilario Abellana defeated the Nacionalista Party's candidate, the four-term Fructuoso Ramos who had been in the position for a decade.

Hilario Abellana only had hours to launch and conduct his campaign, but he still won the election by defeating Mariano Mercado.

Hilario Abellana urged government officers and employees to report back to work on June 30,1942 or they would be considered enemies of the Japanese and executed.

Hilario Abellana chose to remain in office, hoping that by staying close to and feigning collaboration with the Japanese forces he could provide aid to the Cebuano guerillas.

Hilario Abellana was gradually stripped of responsibilities and realized he was utilized by the Japanese for propaganda.

Hilario Abellana's family fled to Bohol while he traveled to the guerilla base in Tabunan, a mountainous barangay in Central Cebu.

Hilario Abellana traveled back to Bohol, eventually sailed to Cordova, and was back in Tabunan base in July 1944.

Hilario Abellana was incarcerated at the Kempetai headquarters in Cebu Normal School.