Brigadier General Capinpin was a war time commander of the Philippine Army's famed 21st Division.

MATEO CAPINPIN

In 1906, at the age of 19, Mateo Capipin enlisted in the Philippine Scouts. Capinpin became the youngest First Sergeant at 24 when he was given his stripes. From the Philippine Scouts, Capinpin joined the Philippine National Guards in 1918. The following year, he returned to the Philippine Scouts and in 1920 was promoted to Captain.

As a Captain he commanded the 45th Infantry Philippine for over 20 years.

He was given command of the Philippine Army's 21st Division with the rank of Colonel when the Philippines were under the Commonwealth regime in 1934. When the Japanese Forces invaded the country, Capinpin earned honours for the orderly retreat he conducted from Pangasinan to Bataan.

He was captured by the Japanese when Bataan fell and took part in the "Death March". Released in the latter part of 1942, Capinpin briefly served in the puppet government. During this time, Capinpin saw in his position a strong cover for guerrilla activities.

Capinpin was the Adjutant General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when he retired from the military service on 30 April 1948.

22 April 1887

to 28 December 1958