ANG TIGBATAS REENACTMENT GROUP

The Ang Tigbatas Reenactment Group is a non-profit organization composed of dedicated volunteers, amateur hobbyists, and World War 2 enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. United by their shared passion for history, the members invest in historically accurate uniforms, equipment, replica firearms, and accessories. These efforts aim to authentically bring history to life, fostering education and entertainment for the general public. Beyond reenactments, the group also engages in filmmaking to further its mission of preserving and sharing the stories of the past.

The group was founded in 2018 by Hon. Patrick Anthony C. Tobias, a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Cabatuan, Iloilo. Inspired by his love of country and the legacy of his great-grandfather, the late Sen. Tomas Valenzuela Confesor, Hon. Tobias envisioned the group as a means to honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. Tomas V. Confesor, a revered local hero, served as the Wartime Governor of the Resistance Civil Government of Free Panay and Romblon (1942–1945). Notably, this was the only civil government in the Philippines that resisted and did not fall to Japanese forces during World War 2.

The group’s name, Ang Tigbatas (Common People), is derived from the most prominent newspaper in Panay during World War 2. Established in December 1942 by Tomas V. Confesor, Ang Tigbatas was a bilingual (English-Hiligaynon) publication that served as a vital counter-propaganda tool of the Resistance Civil Government. Through this publication, the voices of freedom and resistance resonated across the region during a time of oppression.

Through its reenactments and projects, the Ang Tigbatas Reenactment Group serves as a living tribute to our forebears who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom during World War 2. By keeping their stories alive, the group aims to instill pride in our shared history and inspire future generations to value the hard-won liberty we enjoy today.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/angtigbatasgroup