As Filipino-American Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba became the center of the Senate investigation of the abuses at the Iraq prison, Filipino veterans across the country felt they had been in the spotlight as well.

"It's a blessing in disguise," said Eric Lachica, executive director of Washington D.C.-based American Coalition for Filipino Veterans. "Gen. Taguba's mission gives the Filipino veterans the recognition that they need from the U.S. government."

For 62 years now, Filipino veterans – most of them survivors of the Bataan Death March [of World War II] – have been pushing for equal compensation and benefits (Senate Bill 68, authored by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii)), since they fought side by side with American troops during the World War II. But up to now, even though many of them have died of sickness and old age, Filipino veterans are only getting Social Security benefits but no compensation for their service in the war.

"Whenever a Filipino-American like Gen. Taguba is being covered by the mainstream media, we know this will help expedite the Filipino veterans' clamor for equal benefits," Lachica said. "This also reflects the bravery and professionalism of Filipino-American soldiers who serve in Iraq war."

Lachica said that he is proud of Taguba's "honesty and strong commitment" to expose the abuses of Iraqi inmates at Abu Ghraib prison by American troops.

"Because of his report, there is a fear that Tony might not be able to get a promotion or a good assignment. But we must stand by his side for he has done an amazing job," Lachica said.

In New York, 87-year-old veteran Alfredo Diaz hopes that Taguba's investigation will not backfire against the immigrants. Gray and frail, Diaz said that the imminence of Taguba in mainstream media could have both positive and negative effect on the Filipino veterans and the

Filipino community in general.

"Taguba's report has caused shame for the U.S. government and an international outrage. The fact that it was authored by a Filipino-American general, we cannot help others to hold grudge against us," Diaz said. "I'm praying that those who are in power will remain objective about the issue."

The general's father, Tomas Taguba, served the U.S. Army and was a Bataan Death March survivor. He was captured by the Japanese during their attacks on the Philippines in 1942, and escaped from a Japanese prison camp.

While in the military service, Antonio Taguba and his seven siblings were raised mostly by their mother and grandmother in the Philippines.

When Tomas came to the U.S. he experienced the same ordeal like any Filipino veterans. It took more than 30 years for him to get a recognition from the U.S. government when he was given a bronze medal.

In 2001, in a public meeting with Filipino veterans, the general delivered a speech recalling that his father left the Army in 1962 "without so much as a retirement ceremony to thank him for those 20 years of hard work and faithful service."

He also said, in 1997, in an interview with Asian Week: "It is part of our culture to respect elders, give thanks to the Lord, to be forgiving and be supportive of your family."

Born Oct. 31, 1950, in Samploc, Manila, Taguba moved with his family to Hawaii when he was 11. After graduating from Leilehua High School, he went to Idaho State University where he graduated in 1972. He joined the U.S. Army soon after graduating.