Members of the 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army were able to unearth the remaining half of the World War II US Army M5A1 Stuart in Medellin, Cebu Saturday, The Freeman newspaper reported.
The M5A1 is described as a light tank deployed for tank-to-tank combat during the WWII.
The vintage armoured vehicle was found in Dagusungan River in the municipality located in the northern part of Cebu province.
A post on the Medellin town’s official Facebook page read: “A historical moment just transpired today in Medellin when finally the remaining half of the WWII US Army M5A1 Stuart tank was literally dug out from the Dagusungan river by the untiring boys from ENGINEER SUPPORT BATTALION, 53RD ENGINEER BRIGADE, PHILIPPINE ARMY led by Cpt. Czar Guitering and Ssg Peter Louie Salvatierra who worked through the wee hours of the morning into midnight, taking advantage when the tide was at its lowest.
“No less than Mayor Benjun Mondigo together with SB member Titing Yurag and Tourism Consultant Bambi Pacquiao rallied the army boys throughout the 10 day operation. Providing skillful support were our firemen from BFP, backed with Medellin Pulis, BPAT, LGU motorpool, tourism, engineering, mayor’s office and MDRRMO.
“Additional technical support was provided by our partners from DPWH, Gonzaludo Enterprises, Duros Construction and Rovilla Contractors and BOMEDCO. . Ptr Bayo extended his spiritual support together with Ptr. Adore and Ptr Villagracia. Good job team!“
