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1st Lieutenant Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi, “Mommy Ched”

[edit]

Born: September 23, 1923

Died: March 13, 2024

Nationality: Filipino

Citizenship: Filipino-American

Occupation: WWII Guerrilla Fighter, USAFFE-Guerrilla First Aid Combat Medic, Medical Doctor, Christian Missionary and Preacher.

Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi (1918–2024), fondly known as Mommy Ched, is born in Cavite, Philippines. She was a Filipina WWII guerilla [1]fighter, first aid combat medic, doctor, preacher, and advocate for veterans' rights. She played a pivotal role in the Filipino-American guerrilla resistance against Japanese occupation during World War II[2], serving as the first known case of a Filipina female surgeon technician that was involved in amputations[3] amongst guerillas, Filipino and American soldiers during WII.[4]

After WWII, she pursued medical studies, which later equipped her with the skills necessary to serve as a frontline medic during the war. She later dedicating her life to humanitarian and spiritual causes. Her formative years instilled in her a profound sense of patriotism and duty to her nation, which she carried into her roles during and after the war[5] (Philippine Veterans Affairs Office [PVAO], 2024; Journal News Online, 2024).

Early Life

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Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi was born in Cavite, Philippines into a family with a strong history of patriotism. Her mother, Guadalupe Tagle Cuello (Nanay Opheng), descended from a family of Katipuneros [6]... the Tagle family of Imus and Bacoor, known revolutionary leaders during the Philippine Revolution[7] who fought against Spain. [8]Her father, Victorio Pascual Lazaro (Lolo Toyong), was an aviation mechanic with the Philippine and US Navy[9], repairing military aircraft in Cavite Naval Station[10], Sangley. These familial influences imbued Mercedes with a deep sense of nationalism from an early age.[11]

She studied at the Philippine Women’s High School[12] in Manila and lived in a dormitory as a senior high schooler, returning to Bacoor on weekends. In 1941, before WWII started her father died of pneumonia after repeatedly rescuing wounded Navy personnel from the sea near Cavite Naval Station[13]

Early War Service and Underground Resistance

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Mercedes began her wartime efforts at 18 years old as a volunteer medic in makeshift hospitals set up in schools such as the Philippine Women’s High School and University. Before Manila was officially declared an open city to the Japanese Imperial Army, she fled with others to Bacoor. Mercedes witnessed the atrocities committed by the Japanese, including civilian massacres, the bayoneting of infants and children, mass rapes and burning of towns and villages, which solidified her determination to join the fight. At the age of 18, Mercedes narrowly escaped being abducted as a comfort woman by Japanese soldiers. Though she fought back against the attempted gang rape and managed to hide, many of her friends were captured and brutalized in public. This traumatic event fueled her resolve to fight against the Japanese occupation, especially for the honor of Filipina women.[14]

During the Japanese occupation of Bacoor in WWII, her mother Nanay Opheng led groups of women in smuggling weapons and intelligence to guerrilla fighters, inspiring her daughter to do the same. Mercedes and her mother operated in the seaside town of Alima, Bacoor, an area known for resistance activity during WWII.[15]

World War II Contributions

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Role in Filipino-American Combined Guerrilla Forces (FACGF): First Aid Combat Medic

The Filipino-American Combined Guerrilla Forces (FACGF), led by figures such as General Mariano Castañeda[16], played a crucial role in supporting Allied forces through intelligence gathering, sabotage missions, and guerilla warfare. These forces helped lay the groundwork for the successful reoccupation of the Philippines by U.S. forces. Guadalupe Tagle’s home in Alima, Bacoor was used as a meeting place and headquarters for Filipino guerillas and resistance fighters and even for Colonel Mariano Castaneda, their leader. [17]At 20 years old, Mercedes formally joined the Filipino-American Combined Guerrilla Forces (FACGF) under General Mariano Castañeda, in the 2ND Regiment Infantry at Imus which later became the Field Hospital[18] Unit of FACGF volunteering as a first-aid combat medic. She trained first as a guerilla fighter in the jungles of Tagaytay Ridge[19], Cavite and shifted to first aid holding a dual role. She would often accompany her cousins (Major Dominador Lazaro, Staff Sargant Felicisimo Lazaro, 1st Lieutenant Amado Lazaro and Arsenio Lazaro) in intelligence gathering, sabotage missions, and guerrilla warfare[20] (Philippine Archives Collection, 1941–1948). This resistance amongst Filipino guerillas helped lay the groundwork for the eventual liberation of the Philippines by U.S. forces.[21]

She was known for performing emergency amputations and delivering critical medical aid to wounded soldiers and civilians in combat zones [22](Philippine Archives Collection, 1941–1948).

Collaboration with Allied Forces

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By 22, she officially enlisted in the Philippine Army[23] and the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).[24] Her role often placed her on active battlefields, where she braved intense combat conditions to treat the wounded. Mercedes FACGF unit collaborated with the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, a key unit in liberating the Philippines. The division parachuted into areas such as Tagaytay and Batangas, where Mercedes provided critical medical assistance.[25]

Her unit, the 2nd Regiment Field Hospital Unit was attached to the 11th Airborne Division of the United States Army[26], particularly during the liberation of Tagaytay and Battle of Manila. The 11th Airborne Division[5] was one of the most elite units of the U.S. Army during WWII, renowned for its pivotal role in the liberation of the Philippines. The division was instrumental in key operations such as the capture of Tagaytay Ridge, and liberating Manila in February 1945 After the victory in Manila, she continued her service into the battles of Batangas with the 11nth Airborne. Despite the risks of operating under enemy fire, her efforts and the efforts of Filipino doctors and Filipina medics and nurses contributed significantly to the success of these campaigns[27] (U.S. Army Center of Military History, 2024; Guerrilla Medics, 2023).

During the Battle of Manila[28], Mercedes worked in makeshift hospitals performing amputations and managing triage under extreme conditions with limited supplies. Examples include conduct amputations using a bone saw without anesthesia. According to a personal anecdote given to her family members, General Douglas MacArthur witnessed her dedication and asked if she could help with a patient who would undergo amputation, Mercedes famously replied, “Yes, Sir, I can” and held the soldier down. She later learned advanced surgical techniques from American doctors in Camp Murphy[29], often performing amputations without anesthesia due to limited resources. (Philippine Archives Collection, 1941–1948). For this, General McArthur[30] noticed her bravery and gave Mercedes a medical scholarship so she could fulfill her dream of becoming a medical doctor in infectious diseases. In official military records,[31]

Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi’s official military record was listed as a Private First Class[32]. However, her comrades and fellow veterans referred to her as "First Lieutenant,[33]" a title reflecting the advanced medical work she performed during World War II, including surgeries that exceeded the typical responsibilities of her rank. This honorary title persisted beyond the war, as she continued to serve her community by providing free medical services as a licensed physician.[34]

Personal Relationships During the War

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Mercedes’ wartime experiences included complex relationships with three men who impacted her journey:

  1. Yuki, a Japanese Imperial officer[35] who secretly sympathized with the Filipino cause. And saved Mercedes life by helping her escape after the near-abduction as a comfort woman. Yuki was part of the Japanese forces occupying Cavite but covertly helped Filipino women and children escape from Japanese-controlled territories in Cavite and the Kempetai[36].
  1. Jose, a Filipino FACGF guerrilla trainer, skilled in the art of jungle warfare and Filipino martial arts such as Kali, Silat, Escrima and Arnis[37]. He mentored Mercedes in combat and survival skills, preparing her for her dual role as a guerilla fighter and combat medic.
  1. Johnny/Danny also known as Daniel, an American paratrooper and infantry soldier with the 11th Airborne Division. Mercedes saved him when he was shot in the shoulder and wounded with shrapnel. He saved her life in return and fell in love with her during the war. Despite their close mutual bond and his marriage proposal, Mercedes chose to remain in the Philippines, prioritizing her family and homeland over her personal desires.

Service Beyond the Battlefield

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Dr. Mercedes’ work as a guerrilla fighter and combat medic underscored the essential role of women in the resistance (Molina, 2020; Journal of Southeast Asian History, 2023). Although she was offered a full medical scholarship to become a medical doctor in the U.S. and a military position abroad, Mercedes chose to remain in the Philippines. Her sense of duty to care for her widowed mother and serve her country took precedence over personal opportunities. She lived by the promise she made to her dying father: to serve her country and provide for her family.[38]

She pursued medical studies, which later equipped her with the skills necessary to serve as a frontline medic during the war. Her formative years instilled in her a profound sense of patriotism and duty to her nation, which she carried into her roles during and after the war [39](Philippine Veterans Affairs Office [PVAO], 2024; Journal News Online, 2024).

Post-War Life

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After the war, Mercedes pursued a medical degree, specializing in infectious diseases which was inspired by how she witnessed many soldiers sucumb to infection during WWII.[40] She studied at the University of Santo Tomas[41] for her pre-medical studies and Manila Central University[42] for her Masters and PHD for Doctor of Medicine. She married Vicente Esmundo Musngi, an accountant and librarian, who tragically passed away at 38 years old of a heart attack due to smoking and drinking complications, leaving her a widowed mother of seven.[43]

After the war, Dr. Mercedes suffered hardships, tragedies and numerous injustices, including losing her home to fire, natural disasters and fraudulent acquaintances who stole her home and farmlands and exploited her kindness, leaving her homeless and impoverished for many years.[44]

To survive, Dr. Mercedes raised her children alone while working multiple jobs as a medical doctor, often taking 24-hour shifts to make ends meet.  She divided her children into 7 different houses and would visit her children every weekend, bringing food. Dr. Mercedes famously promised her children, “Kahit nag-iisa ako, igagapang ko kayong mga anak ko at pagtatapusin ng pag-aaral” ("Even if I’m alone, I will do whatever it takes to ensure all of you finish your education")[45]

Mercedes ensured all her children received higher education. As a result, all seven children graduated from college and universities. She worked at Veterans Memorial and San Lazaro Hospitals for 30 years, treating patients with infectious diseases like rabies, tuberculosis, leprosy and smallpox.[46]

[47]Challenges and Recognition

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Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi faced challenges in receiving official recognition for her military service. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs[48], her claim for the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation was denied because, at the time of her application, no military records could be located to confirm her service. While Dr. Mercedes submitted supporting documents herself, these alone could not meet the requirements for verification, as corroboration from official military records was necessary.[49]

In recent years, newly discovered documents about her contributions during WWII have prompted a reexamination of her case. Efforts created information from military archives to reassess her contributions during World War II. This situation highlights the broader challenges many Filipino veterans faced in obtaining recognition for their service due to incomplete or missing records from the war era.[50]

Faith and Healing

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After the war, Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi faced the immense psychological toll of her experiences[51], including trauma and scars from the conflict. She struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [52]and war shock due to the guilt and the many brutal amputations, she executed without anesthesia. Her unwavering Christian faith became a cornerstone of her healing journey, providing spiritual strength and resilience. Following a transformative encounter during her medical career, in which a father risked his life for his rabid son, Mercedes deeply embraced her faith, becoming a born-again Christian[53] accepting Jesus in her heart in a spiritual way.[54]

Mercedes often spoke of how her personal relationship with God helped her navigate the darkest periods of her life, including poverty and post-war challenges in her prayers and sermons. Her belief in holistic healing, which combined physical, emotional, and spiritual care, guided her life's mission. In her post-retirement years, she dedicated herself to missionary work, traveling across the Philippines to preach the love of God and deliver medical aid to underserved communities.[55]

Advocacy for Veterans

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After the war, Dr. Mercedes became a staunch advocate for veterans' rights. Her advocacy extended to creating free medical missions and medical home services to her Filipino comrades and veterans, exemplifying her commitment to those she served alongside during the war (ABS-CBN News, 2024; PVAO, 2024). A lesser-known fact about her life was that she denied a pension by the US government because her military service records could not found during that time. Despite this setback, she never pursued the matter for personal gain or proved herself.  It was later revealed after her passing she used her life savings to financially support disabled and paralyzed American veteran foundations, for those she potentially amputated during WWII for many years until she passed away.[56]

Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi is also referred to as "First Lieutenant" by the Philippine Army[57], the Philippine Navy,[58] and the Libingan ng mga Bayani[59], Grave Services Unit. This honorary title reflects her exceptional contributions during and after World War II, transcending her official rank. It symbolizes the profound respect and admiration she earned from her comrades and the public for her extraordinary humanitarian work and selfless service. In recognition of her humanitarian contributions, the WWII Veteran Legionnaires of the Philippines posthumously honored her with a Certificate and Plaque of Appreciation also with her title as 1st Lieutenant.[60]

Humanitarian and Spiritual Work

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After her retirement at the age of 65 years old, Dr. Mercedes continued her medical practice while also serving as a medical missionary doctor, Christian preacher and servant of God. She co-founded the Mission Compassion Foundation Philippines. She traveled across the Philippines throughout major provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, providing free medical services to orphans, widows, indigenous people, and even Muslim communities living in areas affected by extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf[61] and NPA[62]. She dedicated her life to serving marginalized communities even well into her 90’s and advocated holistic healing from trauma and resilience helping communities recover spiritually and emotionally from the trauma [63][64](Philippine Navy & Philippine Army, 2024).

Her last recorded mission took place in Amadeo, Cavite, at the age of 100 and two months. Even in her final years, Mercedes remained committed to sharing her faith and serving others, continuing her work until her passing in 2024.[65]

Medals and Awards

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Dr. Mercedes "Mommy Ched" Cuello Lazaro Musngi was posthumously honored with the Presidential Award[66] by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)[67] in 2024. The PMA, established in 1903, is the oldest national organization of medical professionals in the Philippines. This award, considered the highest honor conferred by the PMA, recognized Dr. Musngi’s significant contributions to the medical field, particularly as an infectious disease specialist in the National Capital Region, and her service during World War II as a guerrilla combat medic and amputator.[68]

During the awarding ceremony, Dr. Musngi’s role as a medical professional and war veteran was celebrated by hundreds colleagues across the Philippines. [69]Her legacy as a female combat medic who participated in guerrilla warfare was acknowledged as a notable contribution to Philippine medical and military history, alongside well known figures such as Dr. Jose Rizal and Dr. Fe Del Mundo.[70]

In addition, Dr. Musngi is also under consideration to receive the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal[71], as confirmed by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). [72]This recognition would highlight her contributions to Filipino and American history, further cementing her place as a significant figure in World War II and medical service.[73]

Legacy

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Dr. Mercedes "Mommy Ched" Cuello Lazaro Musngi’s life and contributions gained renewed attention following her burial with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani[74] on April 2, 2024. According to the Grave Services Unit, there are only 54 female WWII veterans out of 53,851 deceased personnel. In percentage there is only 0.10% of women buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (National Heroes’ Cemetery) during WWII and Dr. Mercedes is one of the few female soldiers to be buried there. Her story was highlighted through media coverage and commemorative events, inspiring broader recognition of her role during World War II and her post-war advocacy.[75]

She left behind a non-profit organization called The Mind Warriors Project: KALASAG who advocates for trauma informed mental health education, the inclusion of World War II history, and unsung veteran heroes in educational curricula to strengthen national security, soldiers’ psychological resilience, and youth nationalism.[76]

As part of the Philippine Army’s Independence Day celebration at Luneta Park, a public mini-museum exhibit showcased her contributions, focusing on her resilience, patriotism, and service. This event inspired the creation of the Bagong Bayani Traveling Mini-Museum, which has since been displayed in schools, churches, government institutions, and military installations. The exhibit features historical panels, memorabilia, and a diorama titled WWII: Unsung Heroes Defending Inang Bayan, created with guidance from PVAO historians to ensure accuracy. It has been recognized as a pioneering effort to highlight the contributions of unsung World War II heroes in a portable and digital way. The first of its kind in the Philippines according to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and multiple news agencies.[77]

Dr. Mercedes’ legacy also underscores the importance of trauma-informed mental health education and the inclusion of lesser-known World War II histories in public discourse. Advocates have called for her story and others like hers to serve as educational tools for strengthening resilience and fostering nationalism. Her enduring legacy is celebrated not only as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war but also as a call to preserve and honor the stories of other unsung heroes.[78]

Contributions to Filipino-American Military History

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Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi holds a significant place in Filipino-American military history as one of the first documented Filipinas to serve as a combat medic and surgeon technician during World War II. [79]Verified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines[80] and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. According to personal anecdotes and witnesses she performed challenging medical procedures, including amputations, often without anesthesia and under extreme conditions. Using a bone saw, she could complete these procedures in under five minutes.[81]

Mercedes' contributions extended to her collaboration with the 11th Airborne Division during the liberation of the Philippines, showcasing the vital roles Filipina guerrillas played in the war. Her service as part of the Filipino-American Combined Guerrilla Forces (FACGF) underscores the resilience and courage of Filipina women who stood alongside their male counterparts in the fight for freedom.[82]

Her story and detailed experiences adds depth to the historical narrative of Filipino-American cooperation during World War II. Her contributions bring attention to the significant but often overlooked roles of women in the military during World War II. Her life challenges traditional narratives and highlights the need to recognize the contributions of Filipina women in shaping the nation’s history. She continues to inspire future generations through her dedication to serving God, country, and humanity, from the age of 18 until her passing at 100.[83][84]

Recognition and Commemoration

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Dr. Musngi’s contributions have been celebrated through various commemorative  public events:

  1. National Women's Month HERstory Feature: PVAO recognized her as a modern-day heroine (PVAO, 2024).
  2. Mini-Museum Exhibits: Her memorabilia were displayed at the 2024 Independence Day celebrations in Rizal Park and a diorama
  3. She was acknowledged as a new hero of the Philippines by the Bulacan Government was created for the National Heroes Day Commemoration in Bulacan (Bulacan Government, 2024; Armed Forces of the Philippines, 2024).

Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi’s legacy lives on through her descendants and the historical tributes made in her honor.[85]

  • Recognition: She was publicly commemorated at the Independence Day celebrations in Luneta Park, Manila, in 2024, where her memorabilia were displayed.[86]
  • Mini-Museum Exhibit: A diorama depicting WWII events and guerrilla heroes, including Mommy Ched, was presented in Bulacan during National Heroes Day.[87]
  • Seminars and Education: Ylaysha Gosiaco, her granddaughter, has conducted seminars emphasizing the importance of historical education and the resilience exemplified by heroes like Mommy Ched.[88]

Public Tributes

Her story has been featured in reputable publications such as The Manila Times and Asian Journal. Ylaysha Musngi Gosiaco, her granddaughter, has furthered her legacy by conducting seminars and creating projects that highlight the sacrifices of WWII veterans[89] (Gosiaco, 2024; Asian Journal, 2024).

In Popular Media

Dr. Musngi's life story has been known to go viral in the Filipino local social media scene. She is memorialized in news reports and social media campaigns:

  • ABS-CBN News created a tribute, showcasing her role as a WWII medic and her legacy as a "new generation bayani" [90](ABS-CBN News, 2024a, 2024b).
  • Her story has been featured in documentaries and social media platforms by institutions like the Philippine Army Civil-Military Operations Regiment[91] (Philippine Army, 2024).

Significance

Dr. Mercedes Cuello Lazaro Musngi's life represents the resilience, courage, and dedication of Filipino women during World War II. Her contributions highlight the often-overlooked roles of women in guerrilla warfare and post-war nation-building such as Dr. Fe Del Mundo and Magdalena Leones. Her legacy continues to inspire Filipinos to value patriotism and service to the nation [92](Asian Journal, 2024; PVAO Bulletin, 2024).

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