07/09/2026
IN SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF THE SHINYO MARU INCIDENT
Remembering a Tragedy. Honoring a Hero. Preserving a Legacy.
The Municipality of Liloy solemnly remembers the Shinyo Maru Incident, a tragic chapter of World War II that unfolded in the waters off our shores and forever connected Liloy to a story of unimaginable suffering, courage, faith, and sacrifice.
The Shinyo Maru was a Japanese transport vessel carrying Allied prisoners of war under harsh and inhumane conditions. On September 7, 1944, the vessel was attacked and sunk, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. What began as a journey of captivity ended in one of the most heartbreaking maritime tragedies of the war.
Yet, amid the darkness and despair emerged stories of extraordinary courage.
Among those remembered with deep reverence is Fr. Joseph Verbis Lafleur, a Catholic priest and chaplain whose heroic deeds during the tragedy became a powerful testament to selflessness and love for others.
As the ship sank and prisoners struggled for survival, Fr. Lafleur was given an opportunity to save himself. Instead, he chose to remain behind, helping fellow prisoners, offering comfort, and giving others a chance to live. His final act reflected the very essence of his faith: to place the lives and welfare of others before his own.
The Shinyo Maru Incident teaches us profound lessons that remain relevant today:
That war leaves wounds beyond the battlefield and affects countless innocent lives.
That even in moments of great cruelty and despair, humanity can still prevail through compassion and courage.
That true heroism is often found in selfless serviceāwhen one chooses the welfare of others over personal safety.
And that remembering history is not merely about looking back, but about learning from the past and ensuring that the sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten.
For Liloy, the Shinyo Maru is more than a historical event. It is part of our shared heritage and identity, connecting our community to a story that continues to resonate across generations and across nations.
Today, we honor the victims, remember the survivors, and pay tribute to the heroic sacrifice of Fr. Joseph Verbis Lafleur.
May their stories continue to inspire us to choose compassion over indifference, courage over fear, and peace over conflict.
May we never forget.
May their sacrifice continue to guide future generations.
May the legacy of the Shinyo Maru and Fr. Joseph Verbis Lafleur live on in the hearts of the people of Liloy and the world.
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE SHINYO MARU INCIDENT
Honoring the Victims. Remembering the Survivors. Celebrating a Heroic Sacrifice.
Maunlad na Bayan, Maunlad na Mamamayan!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.
