LEOPOLDO FRIAS AQUINO, SR. (1943–1944; 1948–1951)

 LEOPOLDO FRIAS AQUINO, SR. (1943–1944; 1948–1951)

Former Mayor Leopoldo F. Aquino, Sr. was born in November 1904 in Bayambang, Pangasinan. His parents were Pedro Kabola Aquino of Lungog, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, and Raymunda Frias of Bayambang, Pangasinan.

He was married to Ma. Esperanza Najera Bañez, a barrio lass from Nagpalangan, Bunaley. Their marriage was blessed with eleven children. The eight surviving children are all successful in their chosen endeavors.

Aquino was first elected mayor under the Nacionalista Party before the war. He continued to serve during and after the war. He accepted the position to protect the people from the abuses of the Japanese and alleviate their sufferings, while at the same time maintaining relations with the occupiers. He walked a tightrope—working with the Japanese while also working underground as a guerrilla under Major Ramsey of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

Mr. Aquino’s bravery and exploits were well known in his time. One of the most memorable events was when the Japanese summoned all male residents and herded them into the town plaza. Surrounded by machine guns, the general threatened to execute them if no one identified the guerrillas. As people cried and panicked, Mayor Aquino went to the plaza with his wife and two children. He went up the kiosk and told the general through an interpreter:

“There is no guerrilla in our midst. If you can find even one guerrilla, you can kill me first and my family.”

After a while, the general seemed convinced and ordered his soldiers to stand down and release the people. He is remembered as having helped save Bayambang.

Another event occurred when the Japanese were nearing defeat. Mayor Aquino commandeered a cargo truck, went to Capas, Tarlac, and negotiated for the release of guerrilla prisoners from Bayambang. His request was granted, and he transported them to safety.

After the war, he was recognized as a USAFFE veteran with the rank of lieutenant and received benefits under the GI Bill of Rights.

He was later re-elected under the Liberal Party. During his term, lawlessness was rampant, but he enforced discipline strictly. Criminals were not tolerated, and even his relatives were not spared from punishment. He helped open Bayambang High School and assisted in reopening the Pangasinan Normal School. The Dr. Jose Rizal Monument was constructed during his administration, and the Bayambang Municipal Library was established in 1950.

He died of cancer on January 26, 1965, at the age of 60, but his legacy lives on.