HAGATNA, Guam — A statue commemorating a hero of the Philippines revolt against U.S. occupation more than a century ago will not be immediately unveiled in a Guam village.
Pacific Daily News reports protests by residents of Asan led to the suspension of the unveiling ceremony, scheduled for Monday.
The statue of Apolinario Mabini was to be erected at a concrete monument near the Asan-Maina mayor’s office.
Mabini was captured and exiled to Guam. The statue was donated by students in Mabini’s hometown.
Villagers protested that they weren’t informed of the project and that Mabini did not have a strong connection to Asan.
Philippine Consulate General Marciano de Borja says the statue was to be a symbol of friendship and cooperation between Asan and the city of Tanauan.