LT LEON G.

PUNO-THE FORGOTTEN HERO OG

BORONGAN. In terms of chosen career, Lt Leon Puno was famous in
the whole island of Samar for his two best known achievement during
the American occupation. First, he was one of those who stood their
ground when an overwhelming force of 150 Pulajanes, who were
supposed to surrender to the military, Massacred 50 constabulary men
in the town of Magtaon, Samar, on March 24, 1906. The encounter
left 14 constables and more than 40 Puljanes dead. Recognized as hero
of Magtaon he was awarded a Medal for Valor in recognition of his
personal acts of bravery and gallantry. Second, After more than a
week of expedition from Borongan to the hinterlands of Samar. Lt
Puno, together with his staff, concerned in Cancoyao and, on Oct 1,
1911, killed Isidro Pompac, alias OTOY, the last well-known Anti-American Leader of the Puljanes
of the whole island. OTOY’S Body was transported to Barrio Tagasli-an, Maydolong, for further
identification and confirmation. It may be recalled that otoy was one of the plotters of the magtaon
massacre in which Lt Puno narrowly escaped. The Governor-General of the Philippines wrote him a
letter of highest appreciation for his excellent service in plutting an end to Pulajanism.

Born in SAN VICENTE, MACABEBE, PAMPANGA on June 28,1879 to Manuel Puno and Quintina
Garcia, Leon Puno studied at Macabebe Parochial School and at the Escuela Normal in Manila. Afer a
brief stint as teacher in Macabebe, he joined the PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY OF THE US
ARMY on September 25, 1903 as Sub-Inspector. He was a recognize field man, creditably serving
in Luzon and in the Visayas. At a time when it was difficult for a Filipino officer to enjoy the
confidence of his American superiors, Puno did win more than their trust. He was steadly promoted to
3rd LIUTENANT on may May 1, 1906, 2nd Lt on OCT 23, 1907 and 1st Lt on May 1, 1910. He
resigned from the organization after 12 years of exemplary and excellent service on September 30,
1915. At the height of the Pulajan rebellion, he was sent to Samar, Where as,fate would have it, he
met Genoveva Labro Abenis [ Daughter of the first town PRESIDENTE of BORONGAN MAGNO
ABENIS ] Who became his wife. Born to the couple were three sons; JOSE MA. [ WHO MARRIED
CONSOLACION FORTUNA AGNES/MODESTA ALEGRE ] ISABELO MANUEL [- AMPARO
CAPADA ] AND PERPETUO [-VICTORIA BENJAMINA CORPUS].

After his retirement, LT LEON PUNO [ or MANG PUNO as he was fondly called ] settled in Barrio
Pagbabangnan, San Julian, where he engaged in Agriculture and transportation Business. He died at
the Santol hospital in what is now Caloocan city on FEB 15, 1993 at the age of 53. Though he was
eligible for burial at fort Mckinley, Rizal at government expense, his wife and children ofted to bring
his body to Pagbabangnan for internment in a family lot. His remains were later transported to the
Balud Catholic Cemetery, after his family transferred to the ancestral home of Magno Abenis at San
Gabriel cr San Juan Sts in Borongan.

A few years after Martial Law was declared, there was a move to change the name of the PC
HEADQUARTERS IN BATO, BORONGAN from CAMP ASEDILLO to CAMP LT LEON PUNO.